These characters are cool, but when are they going to do something?
Summary:
- Ishura’s fourth episode continues to introduce the characters, and fans are wondering when the real action will start.
- At the current pace, the next episode is going to be the last introductory episode.
- Many viewers aren’t used to this type of storytelling, while others suggest that the series is better binged.
Ishura is one of the most unique anime airing this season. Its huge cast of characters and multiple points of view make it somewhat hard to get into. Those who adapted to the series’ unusual way of storytelling are invested — but some are wondering when the actual plot is going to start.
So far, it’s mostly been a setup
The 4 episodes of Ishura that have aired by now are mostly just a setup. Each episode so far has introduced two major characters (whose names were featured in the episode title), as well as multiple minor ones.
Remembering all of these names might be a challenge (especially when some of them are a mouthful, like Nihilo the Vortical Stampede) — but all of the characters are easily recognizable by their design and abilities.
One thing that leaves fans wondering, though, is when the actual plot will begin. The diverse cast of characters is cool, and the exposition makes the anime intriguing — but so far, not much has actually happened. With the next episode being devoted to another pair of characters, it seems like the main action isn’t starting anytime soon.
The plot is going to start soon
The answer may pleasantly surprise the viewers. The first volume of the light novels is split into three parts, and the first part is the introduction of the characters. This part is 10 chapters long, and at the current pace of 2 chapters per episode, it will be over in the next episode — after which the promised crazy action actually starts.
With such an unusual way of storytelling, some viewers have complained about the series being hard to follow. Each of the first 4 episodes is essentially its own Episode 1, setting up the characters and explaining their motivations and abilities.
A lot of modern otaku want immediate action and aren’t prepared for slower-paced series. Others just mentioned that anime is better binged and that the weekly format is actually hurting it.
Many modern viewers can’t watch anime that way anymore
This kind of storytelling where the viewer has to be patient to be rewarded is almost a lost art these days. The attention span of modern anime fans seems to be shorter, which makes series like Ishura less popular.
But that’s mostly the case for the West: in Japan, the anime is still doing pretty well. With Kadokawa running a huge promotion campaign for it, many source readers are eagerly anticipating another season.