English Dub Review: City the Animation Episode 9

Overview


“The 4th City Race/Champion”

The CITY race with a 1-million-yen prize is on. Nagumo competes against Obaba. Niikura aims to steal the pendant from the CITY Minami Eleven. Tekaridake runs with a pair in tow. Matsuri and Eri move in sync. The Three Crows hold fine sake in hand. With surprises at every turn, the unpredictable race keeps everyone on edge. Who will win the race? 


Our Take

This time around, we get an episode that unleashes the fourth City Race. This high-energy competition blends outrageous antics with heartfelt character moments, perfectly capturing the show’s balance of comedy, absurdity, and charm. What begins as a straightforward contest quickly spirals into unpredictable chaos, filled with rooftop snipers, bizarre traps, and wild contraptions; yet, the humor never overshadows the emotional core. Sprinkled with all the smaller moments of determination, pep talks, and quiet care between characters ground the spectacle, reminding us that even in the most ridiculous situations, the bonds and motivations driving these eccentric personalities remain central.

Kyoto Animation once again delivers outstanding production, going all in on imaginative set pieces, vibrant detail, and fluid motion that make the chaos exhilarating to watch. A rare long-take sequence captures the momentum and scale of the race with striking creativity, heightening both energy and tension while showcasing the studio’s technical mastery. Balancing slapstick comedy with visual ingenuity, the episode thrives on its lively direction and playful timing, resulting in a spectacle that feels as ridiculous as it is remarkable.

Overall, this episode captures City at its best. Chaotic, inventive, and full of heart while balancing sharp humor, frenetic energy, and surprising sincerity with remarkable ease. What begins as pure absurdity evolves into a showcase of both spectacle and subtlety, with comedy, camaraderie, and emotional payoffs woven seamlessly into the chaos. By the end, the race feels less about victory and more about the joy of watching such an unpredictable, vibrant community in motion, leaving viewers entertained, surprised, and reminded of why this series feels so uniquely alive.