English Dub Review: The Eminence in Shadow: “I Am…”

Overview: Cid (Adam Gibbs) battles Zenon (Scott Gibbs) as Alpha (Christina Kelly) goes after the mutant girl wreaking havoc in the city. 

Our Take: Alpha is Cid’s right hand, even if he does not fully know it. How she handles the mutated girl shows how much of a tender hand she has. However, how she warns Alexia’s sister demonstrates that she is equal parts a no-nonsense badass too. 

It is simple, satisfying fun watching Cid clown out the overconfident types, with Zenon being no exception. It becomes especially slick when Cid fends off Zenon’s flashy attacks with his sword and pulverizes him with simple hand-to-hand combat, after he pops some pills and becomes an omega chad. However, with there not being any form of training or evolution leading up to Cid’s monstrous power, it is a purely visual and wish-fulfilling sensation. 

However, that does not apply to Alexia, though. The effect that Shadow’s masterful yet simple sword style has on her is compelling in spurring her own to appreciate her own sword style. 

The aftermath of the battle highlights the irony in Cid’s impact on Alexia’s newfound confidence as unbeknownst to her he is also Shadow. Yet again, Cid’s honesty makes him hilarious in brutally denying Alexia’s offer to truly start a relationship. Her blood spewing slap after the fact is an especially vicious and funny retaliation. 

How the shadow garden combats a group masquerading as them will be engaging in how smart the faux organization have been operating, shrouded in secrecy. However, it would be nice if there was more dialogue and banter between Cid and the rest of his shadows. Hopefully, he will feel like a more meaningful part of the group, despite his ignorance of Diablo’s true presence. 

Iris’ investigation into the knights doubling as Diablo’s members, at least, gives her points for being a lot smarter than most of the supporting characters thus far. The clue to finding them being linked to a mysterious device is an interesting plot element. The development becomes increasingly more engrossing as Cid makes a charming impression on a cute pink haired girl, who could be the key to discovering the truth behind it.