Kari’s Anime Corner: First Impressions of ‘Kill la Kill’

One of the popular cosplays at Anime Expo this year was Ryuko Matoi of Kill la Kill. There was a special panel/screening at the convention as well. Many of my friends have been fans of the show for quite some time and I finally decided to check it out. Let me just say, it is not my cup of tea.

Kill la Kill is about a girl, Ryuko, who shows up at Honnouji Academy looking for her father’s murderer. The only clue she has is a giant half scissor. This school and town are insane. Satsuki Kiryuin (otherwise known as Lady Satsuki) is the student council president who runs the school and town with absolute control. Students live in neighborhoods based on their academic status. Then there is extreme violence that is not only tolerated, but is expected. Is Ryuko’s father’s murderer at the school? What is Lady Satsuki hiding?

Another strange part of this show are the outfits. Early on, Ryuko learns some of the students have uniforms that are like super suits. She tries to fight a student who has on one such uniform and is pummeled. After retreating, she comes across a mysterious and violently animated sailor uniform which also happens to be a super suit. Where did it come from? How does it work? Why does it have to be so naked?! The show does a good job of being self aware by having Ryuko question the size/look of the outfit. She is obviously uncomfortable about the lack of coverage. Remember I said this was a popular cosplay? Yep. There were many ladies and even some guys wearing Ryuko’s outfit (or even some Lady Satsuki’s outfit). The show is packed with fan service. Even the opening sequence has boobs flopping around for no real reason. Other characters are aware of the indecent exposure and the writing is pretty funny with everyone’s commentary.

My main complaint with the show is the style of animation. I personally think it is ugly with its sketchy lines and jerky movement. Though the stills seem to look surprisingly good. The show is produced by Trigger (this is their first original TV program) and I thoroughly enjoyed their previous project, Little Witch Academia (short film). I am biased because I tend to prefer the more pretty Shoujo style art. The more saturated colors and cleaner lines are more pleasing to watch.

The show is written and directed by the same team that did Gurren Laggan, which is an excellent series. Though the art is somewhat similar, I feel Kill la Kill is just not as engaging as Gurren Laggan. After 4 episodes of Kill la Kill, I am far from hooked but I might continue to see what all the fuss is about. There are many hints at deeper storylines within the first few episodes but not enough concrete substance for me to care about the characters, who seem very one dimensional at this point.

I cannot deny it is a popular show and the people who like it do LOVE it, but so far I am not won over yet. If the animation does not bother you and you like fighting shows, then you might want to check out Kill la Kill.