This Week in Anime [Week 40, 2021]

Date Published: Wed, 6th Oct, 2021

October has been off to quite an interesting start by several measures. For one, not a single day went by without some form of announcement or event that caught everyone's attention; to add to that, the type of news that made headlines was unlike anything we've ever seen before. This week, we explore headlines that'll send shivers down your spine and get you hyped up in ways you didn't know were possible. Early October's roster is off to a varied start and here's what we've got simmering over in the Rapid Rundown this week:

1. Naruto Changes Forever: Tragedy Strikes!

2. From Book to Anime: Poupelle of Chimmey Town!

3. Requiem of the Rose King: Goth in Style!



1. Naruto Changes Forever: Tragedy Strikes!

We would say "heavy spoilers ahead", but it's not like it matters because this has been the main subject of discussion across anime communities all week. Boruto fans finally had something to boast about following the events of episode 218 and the matter at hand quicky grew grave as the details of the latest episode came to light. Almost overnight, the jeering aimed at Boruto fans halted and the focus fell on something far more sinister and tragic- the loss of Kurama and the end of Naruto's life as  jinchuuriki. Sasuke didn't fare any better either, losing his Renneigan to the forces of evil and becoming heavily nerfed from his previous power level.

For those unaware of the trajectory of the story following the events of Naruto, the latest episode was essentially the climax that took 200 episodes in the making and involved the final battle between Naruto, Sasuke, Kawaki and the notorious Isshiki Ototsuki, leader of an organization known as Kara. Widely regarded as one of- if not the single strongest- characters in the anime, Isshiki has previously gone toe to toe with the two protagonists, quickly concluding the fight in his victory and sealing Naruto away. The rematch took a surprising turn of events as Kurama revealed access to a new form to Naruto- one that would allow him to literally burn away all of the pair's chakra in order to grant them access to extreme amounts of power capable of matching Isshiki himself.

This Baryon form was enough to turn the tide of the battle and the climactic brawl ended with Isshiki being reduced to dust. Just when it seemed that the worst was over, Kurama revealed to Naruto that he had put his own life at the stake to power his Baryon form and the conclusion of the battle meant that what was left behind of him would also burn away into the greater chakra flow of the world. With these words and a tearful farewell made final with a fist bump, Kurama faded away and left Naruto with nothing more than memories of their bond... from the time he ravaged Konoha to the time Naruto and him joined forces in the fourth Great Shinobi War.

An enemy turned into a bother and even a father figure at times: this was the extent of Kurama's relation with Naruto. They were together through thick and thin, whether or not they wanted to. In a way, this made them closer to each other than would ever be possible between two people. Peace returns to the world of Boruto, but at what cost? The world holds its breath in anticipation of what life ahead looks like for Naruto. In a way, our hero has lost his family twice.


2. From Book to Anime: Poupelle of Chimmey Town!

"Poupelle of Chimney Town is the story of young Lubicchi living among the thick smoke from the chimneys of his isolated town, yearning to see the “stars” —to know the truth —his father always told him about. One Halloween night he meets Poupelle, a man made of garbage, and together they look to the sky as their adventure begins. Spectacularly beautiful, filled with inspiring performances and splendid music and sound effects, and produced at Tokyo's famed Studio 4ºC, Poupelle of Chimney Town brings laughter, tears and joy."
That's the premise of the dub movie adapted from the picture book of the same name.

The work will premiere on October the 23rd at the Anime is Film festival in LA. Notable staff members include Tony Hale as Poupelle, Antonio Raul Corbo as Lubicchi, Stephen Root as Bruno and Misty Lee as Lola. In the director's chair is Jamie Simone who, along with screenplay adaptation by John Sutherland will oversee the entire project. The Japanese version of the movie was released in Japan during Christmas last year and ranked as the 4th highest rated movie that year. With such an amazing cinematic performance already attributed to its name, the English dub project of Poupelle of Chimmey Town is sure to be an attraction on Western shores as well!


3. Requiem of the Rose King: Goth in Style!

Just when we thought Goth wasn't cool anymore, Requiem of Rose King came in- bold and elegant- to prove us all wrong. Based upon the Shakespearean plays Henry VI, Part 3 and Richard III, the gothic manga has seen serialization in Akita Shoten's Monthly Princess since October of 2013. Naturally, Viz Media has taken up the license for its English release. So far, 15 volumes worth of content has been published as of March 2021. The upcoming anime adaptation isn't the first byproduct of its kind to come from the manga: a spin-off manga, three drama CDs and an original novel have all been derived from the manga in the past, giving us a glimpse into how intriguing the storyline might be. It's not everyday that we get a manga sourcing itself on the genre of Historical Drama.

The synopsis for the upcoming anime, as given on Wikipedia, is as follows:
"As the Kingdom of England is torn between the House of York and the House of Lancaster—each claiming their leader to be the rightful king—young Prince Richard III is fighting a battle within himself. Despised by his mother, adored by his father (the Duke of York, a claimant to the throne), and alienated from most others, he grapples with frightful spirits haunting him, unsteady and unintentional alliances with his enemies, and his own passion for a throne."
You can also check out the trailer for it here. 

One of a kind, this anime has certainly has piqued our interest. We're openly curious about what it'll have to entail and will follow this story as it develops into, what we can only hope, is a story unlike any other before it in the genre of anime! If so, this could be a monumental release in the world of anime!


October's certainly off to a unique start, isn't it? Join us again next week for more things anime!