Recap: It Attacks

Warning: This recap contains some violent and frightening images. Read at your own risk.

Hello again. I’ve been wanting to do this one for a while, and things have been getting in the way. I’m thinking after this one; I can do just 1 or 2 more Halloween recaps of TBA material. In the meantime; I came across Kamisama Dolls about a year ago and have been enjoying it so far. It is quite well-made; and has some good approaches to Japanese mythology. However, there has also been material for recaps because of things in it that don’t seem to add up. So, let’s open up “It Attacks.”

We open on two truck drivers heading home from a shrine; talking about dealing with a rogue member of the Ryuga clan that was facing a double life sentence in prison for crimes prior to the beginning of the series. 

Naturally, they had a sword on hand just in case anything happened, left in clear view. This can only end well! 

As their banter continues, suddenly the driver is stabbed in the chest!

This is gonna ruin my whole day.

The truck then crashes over a ravine with some conspicuous CGI leftover from IGPX. Who did it? Sony Computer Entertainment? 

That is going to kill the Blue Book value.

The passenger then staggers out of the wreckage in an attempt to call for help. The JAF is not going to be happy about this!

Then, a man with white hair approaches the passenger.

We then get our theme song, and it is a pretty good tune; with a catchy beat and creative animation.

As you can tell by the subtitles, the lyrics don’t make a whole lot of sense. Keep in mind you’re seeing an abridged version. I’ve been sitting here for at least 3 minutes. 

I’m serious, we get our title twice before we get to the episode proper. Even so, if you’ve never wondered where Kami come from, I say it’s time you’ve begun!

In this town we call home, everyone hail to the Kami song.

We then cut to the city, where Utao Kuga is helping at a local restaurant.

Then, Utao stars scrubbing more feverishly, and a large reason why I wanted to recap this is because it is essentially Mood Whiplash: the anime. I know it’s typical in most mediums to have a lighter scene after an intense moment; but it works better when they’re set up. Doing it immediately tends to create a key pacing problem I often have.

You want three beers, a pot of sake, and something called a sterno?

Then, a stereotypical anime nerd glances at Utao as he gets the kids’ special. It has fewer calories; and the premiums have some cool designs! 

Then, (sighs), we get the entrance of Suoh, and Hibino Shiba. Hibino isn’t that bad, but Suoh is a key reason why I decided to do this recap. The way she talks down to Utao when she is nowhere near as smart or powerful as she is makes her one of the most inherently unlikable characters I’ve come across. 

Then, she starts feeling up Utao like some demented family friend named Skip! 

Arceus, it's like Himeko from Pani Poni Dash if they sucked all the charm out of her!

The way Suoh harasses Utao: I must once again point out how gender dynamics are different in Japan; seeing as how this setup would also require Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC in the states.

Why don't you take a seat?

We then get our title card, pure and simple. 

And many a scream yourself awake nightmare!

Naturally; Utao returns her feelings in kind. Utao speaks for me in this situation.

She laments the fact that she’d rather be playing Mach Dogfight with Kikkuri.

Do a barrel roll!

Hibino takes a different approach: giving Utao gateau chocolate cake. I’ve had that kind before; it’s incredibly tasty.

Got the recipe from a Rotom!

By the time her older brother arrives; it is quite clear that Utao has had quite a day. 

It'll be fun for approximately 3.7 seconds!

Hibino then offers to take Utao out for a day off. 

Sure enough, they and Kikkuri head out for a day of fun.

Kikkuri is also training underwater.

Utao wonders how Kikkuri is doing if the water is filled with garbage. Oh yes, the Japanese are big environmentalists; as the medium has been clashing with these debates since its inception.

Kikkuri just continues surveying the waters; with Utao noting it likes cleaner ones.

There's more garbage here than Kotaku!

We then cut to Mr. Kuga walking to meet his sister when he gets a text letting them know what they’re doing. 

Then, what appears to be a random transient is actually an escaped convict known as Aki.

He looks like a loony; but Mr. Kuga buys him lunch anyway.

Brought you a little snack, Eckhart.

Then, we find out Aki is all too happy that he broke the necks of some punks that egged him on.  Aki then relates his experiences behind bars, but Mr. Kuga will have none of it.

Aki was responsible for a mass murder back at home; and is on the run. 

Then, another man in a leather jacket approaches them. This not quite Toguro is Koshiro; also after Aki.

He then threatens Mr. Kuga with a small blade. It’s because of people like him that I can’t bring nail clippers on a plane!

After a brief rescue from a falling truck, Utao and Hibino fist bump; then decide to go have dinner. 

Aki then lays down on the rooftop of a building; as if he just wanted to die right there. 

He also keeps flashing back to all the people he killed. This guy is severely messed up! 

We then cut to a lady from previous episodes collecting on a job she’s doing for this stereotypical Japanese game shop owner; and I don’t mean Solomon Moto, either. Try that tweed that Marik bought off to get everyone into Battle City. 

The shop owner chides her for taking an illegal side job, but you technically can’t even work at McDonald’s under Japanese law if you’re a student.

What do you know: she gets caught in the crossfire of a fight between Aki and Koshiro. This can only end well! 

Then, what do you know: Koshiro unleashes his doll in the alley. 

The woman then muses it’s the same doll as Kikkuri. Same type, technically.

Then, a strange kid who resembles Utao approaches Koshiro as we transition to the woman dragging Aki away as we cut to our ending theme; which I shall refer to its opening lyric of “My Name is Miss Broken” until I can find out what it’s called. 

You think we just end on Utao, her big brother Kuga, Hibino playing, right? Wrong!

Now it’s time for Kamisama Dolls Corner; where puppet versions of Utao and Kikkuri answer fan mail!

First, we get a letter regarding Kikkuri’s innards; and Utao comes up with a concept that actually looks quite cool. I am not sure exactly how old she is, but she doesn’t look or act much older than a little girl.

The next letter regards her plans for a theme park, a much bigger Kamisama Corner! Just imagine what kind of ads they’ll have! 

Last, but not least, we see her answer a question about their scale in comparison to the other characters, thanks to a handy chart!

“It Attacks” is a flawed, but enjoyable little charade, as is the series itself. The biggest thing is essentially the same as I said in my first impressions a year ago: mood whiplash. Those aren’t just my screen caps or me talking: the pacing is an admitted flaw. However, the animation is nice, the core characters likable, and the story itself interesting in how it approaches  Japanese mythology. Even so, I apologize for how late this recap is; and I will be doing something lighter next. You should see it up by Halloween night. See you, space cowboy!