English Dub Review: Sparks Of Tomorrow “The Mysteries Of The Catalog”
Overview:
Sparks of Tomorrow recently dropped its second episode, “The Mysteries of the Catalog,” which explores the characters’ different views when it comes to believing.
Our Take:
Fans were previously introduced to the world of Sparks of Tomorrow, in which steampunk technology has taken the place of electricity in our world. However, recent developments suggest that electricity might have its day in the sun after all.
In the second episode, “The Mysteries of the Catalog,” Kihachi Sakamoto and Inako Momokawa might have teamed up to find the catalog, but we start to learn how they are a study in contrasts. One has placed great faith in their dreams, while another has grown accustomed to not having any faith in the possibility of things.
For Kihachi, the catalog is all he has left of his brother. For Inako, it is proof that impossible things truly cannot happen. For another figure, however, Yosuke, it is the promise of what could happen.
Things pick up with Yosuke explaining that he is Inako’s fiancé, chosen by her father, but she is having none of this. For his part, he seems to remain determined. However, cracks soon start to appear as viewers realize that he might be more interested in the catalog.
At one point, Yosuke lunges at her to get at it, leading to a fight between him and Kihachi. In this moment, Kihachi sacrifices an important device, one that represents all he has left of his brother. The pain drives him to attack with electricity. Unfortunately, Yosuke and his bodyguard ultimately escape with Inako.
In other words, viewers are starting to see why Inako wasn’t too interested in marrying Yosuke. Fortunately, she also anticipated things, even hiding the real catalog. Locked away in her family’s storehouse, she chooses, if all else, not to lose hope. Luckily for her, Kihachi is able to find her with the help of her pet fox.
However, getting the catalog only drives Kihachi to ask more questions, from the state it is in to wondering why his brother didn’t trust him with it. Moreover, it becomes clear he views the loss of his brother as some sort of abandonment. Despite it all, however, Inako emphasizes the importance of faith, feeling it is all that humanity really has. As she starts to show what she really wants, Inako and Kihachi’s bond appears to grow.
This episode offers a lot. Intense moments, powerful animation, and discussions that really make the viewer think. Of course, as it is still early in the season, fans will be left wondering just what will happen next and what each character really wants.
