Synopsis
Almost nothing is left of civilization except for two young girls. Together they ride their Kettenkrad motorbike, searching ruins for any resources while trying to maintain their fuel and food amount. While the two may struggle, together, even in this bleak existence are they able to survive with each experience and feeling they share together.
The Good
With such a simplistic design to the main characters in comparison to the general detailed designs of the background, it creates an interesting contrast between the two and presents a simple but rather pretty visual overall. More than the designs, the animation work for the episode was rather smooth as well. From the rolling of the wheels to the character’s attempt at making a broken down plane work by spinning a propellor, all of it seems to well-match the general tone being established by the episode.
In terms of characters, they too were rather well established as well and the fact that they have contrasting personalities makes for an interesting interaction between the two. Then there is also the way that the plot manages to slip in the few sombre moments and yet doesn’t make things too dramatic for the beginning of things is a commendable point to the series.
The Bad
In the personal opinion of this writer, the episode has shown itself to be something of an acquired taste. Yes, the art is nice and the characters are adorable, but the execution of the episode doesn’t really present much of a central plot point. It is understood that the girls are survivors/scavengers trying to do their best in a less than sustainable environment. But, other than the two finding their way out into the open, finding/practicing weaponry and that one tense moment, there isn’t much a solid point to be found.
On the other hand, the point of the girls surviving out in the open in the aftermath of a war is the basic story and may as be the point of the series. Again, whether a person would want to continue with the series may as well be a matter of opinion.Still a solid presentation on certain parts like the comedy would have been nice.
Conclusion
The art, animation and character setup are commendable points of the episode but at the same time, the execution of the plot could have been more solid. As a slice-of-life work it is to be expected that there isn’t much excitement to be found. But at the same time, the little moments such as the flashback of the war and the tense moment between the two girls over the last piece of food could have been worked out better and would have given a higher point of interest for the viewer. Still, as stated, it is a matter of taste for the viewer.
Rating: 5/10