Brynhildr in the Darkness: Episode 01 Review

Also known as: Gokukoku no Brynhildr
Streaming Allegiance: Crunchyroll
Reconnaissance Report by: Kara Turnbull
Progress: Episode 01

Plot Summary:
Murakami Ryota watches the sky every night for aliens ever since his childhood friend Kuroneko died in an accident trying to prove they existed. One day, a girl by the name of Kuroha Neko transfers to his school. Confused, Ryota confronts her only to find that she isn’t his childhood friend. Predicting his future, and subsequently saving his life, Kuroha reveals herself to be a witch manufactured from drugs and testing.

Review:
This first episode has left me with so many questions, and I have only a few answers. Brynhildr in the Darkness, judging from the opening credits, is obviously aiming for a mystery with some misery generously sprinkled on for good measure. My confusion after the first episode isn’t helped by the fact that this is based on a manga, and I’m not familiar with the source material. That being said, the episode wasn’t bad by any means, just the first part in what is obviously an elaborate set up of the setting and characters.

I did feel like the pacing felt a little off, as if the story hasn’t truly picked up yet. There’s a scene showing a bit of Kuroha’s backstory that was really interesting, but it felt so out of context. I’m hoping that in further episodes we get more clarification. There is some intrigue overall that will keep me looking forward to the next episode to see what happens next. I didn’t appreciate the attempt at fanservice, though. It felt out of place, and the commentary from the males in that particular scene at the pool wasn’t funny or well written. It was awkward and had no place in the story whatsoever.

I did enjoy the animation, and the character designs are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The music is sort of generic for me, especially the opening credits. I’m not really one for listening to techno while watching my anime, but it wasn’t awful. Kuroha as a character was the most enjoyable aspect for me. She has really interesting reactions to events that are happening, and I can’t wait to see what more lies in store for her.

Aside from some out of context scenes, awkward moments, and a bit of a slow pace, I’m intrigued by Brynhildr in the Darkness. I hope that it picks up its pace and shows more development in the future; I do plan on seeing what more it has to offer.

Score: 7.00/10.00