English Dub Review: Getter Robo Arc “The Arc Activates”
Overview:
Takuma has a flashback of how his mother died and when he met Baku. The other Getters are no match for the enemies they’re fighting. Takuma, Kamui, and Baku go out to try and combine into Getter Arc. They have no trouble with the enemies but when the person responsible for Takuma’s mother’s death shows himself how will he respond?
Our Take:
I really don’t know how to feel about this show. It’s got all the wackiness and campiness from the ’80s but still has some modern storytelling aspects. I found myself tearing up during the flashback. Something about a mother protecting her child no matter what always gets me. I think that Disney might have conditioned me for that. At this point, I don’t know if it’s a cheap tactic to elicit an emotional response from me.
The team all managed to come together this episode and combine to form Getter Arc. It didn’t feel earned to me, just last episode they weren’t able to do it. And I know they didn’t get any more practice cause this episode picks up right where the other ended. This is where it feels more like an ’80s show, modern shows would have them fail a little more first.
The characters are definitely flawed but still a little too perfect in that regard. Heck, the people they fought with were already rooting for them when they showed up. Sure it was a life or death situation now but it just felt a little odd for them to bury the hatchet that quickly and easily.
The robot design of the Getter Arc is pretty awesome though. It has a robotic face but seems to be in line with the emotions of the pilot. Even going so far as to open its “mouth”, it is very reminiscent of the Eva’s in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Which has amazing mech designs to me. These aren’t near as good as that but it is still pretty awesome and if you’re a mech fan you will enjoy it.
Three episodes in and I would keep watching it. It’s mechs and dumb action but room for more. It has shown it can get emotional. Albeit with one of the oldest tropes in the book but still. I say this one is still worthy of your attention. And the cliffhanger that this one ended on is sure to be fun next time.
