English Dub Review: AYAKA: A Story of Bonds and Wounds “Yukito, Jump!”

Overview:

Jingi and Yukito pacify the fire dragon and save the Ayaka Islands.

Our Take:

Yukito is able to awaken his water dragon form and pacify the fire dragon. He is only able to do this with Jingi’s help. Unfortunately, the atmosphere isn’t the same after Jingi makes his decision. Everyone loses an interesting character in their lives, even if he’s not necessarily everyone’s friend.

There is a lot of emotion packed into this episode in theory. However, I’ve never felt attached to Jingi or any other character really. The loss doesn’t really impact me like it’s meant to. I appreciate the effort at least, especially in the scene between Haruaki and Aka. However, it’s teased that this loss might not be permanent.

I also think the “fight” between the dragons is underwhelming. I understand that the point is to pacify the fire dragon and return harmony to the islands. Even so, the fight could have lasted a little longer and actually felt more like a real fight.