Back Arrow

The world of Lingalind is surrounded by a mystical wall with seemingly nothing beyond its confines. Worshipped as the mother of the land, the wall delivers celestial gift capsules called "Rakuho'' to locations across the continent. Arriving once a month, the capsules contain metallic armbands that allow the wearer to transform into a mechanical being known as a "Briheight." As a result, Lingalind is thrown into constant turmoil by its warring nations, all hoping to strengthen their military prowess by procuring the offerings for themselves.

One day, a Rakuho crash-lands in the countryside with an unexpected inhabitant—a mysterious black-haired man. All eyes are set on this strange newcomer, who calls himself "Back Arrow," when he claims to have hailed from a place beyond the wall—a revelation that can potentially unravel Lingalind's entire dogmatic foundation.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Bi, Shuu Main

Sugita, Tomokazu Japanese

Back Arrow Main

Kaji, Yuuki Japanese

Ariel, Atlee Main

Suzaki, Aya Japanese

Lean, Elsha Main

Ozawa, Ari Japanese

Namital, Bit Main

Ono, Kensho Japanese

Daidan, Zetsu Supporting

Horiuchi, Kenyuu Japanese

Conrad, Prax Supporting

Komatsu, Mikako Japanese

Forté, Fine Supporting

Koshimizu, Ami Japanese

Sin, Ren Supporting

Han, Megumi Japanese

Rhodan, Kai Supporting

Okiayu, Ryoutarou Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Oowada, Tomoyuki Producer

Cai, Ailian Producer

Aoki, Makoto Producer

Reviews

Jun 26, 2024

SevensDran

Recommended

Back Arrow is such a fun and unique anime. A show sbout the power of conviction. Genuinely in awe this was a 2021 anime, because in some ways it feels like it could have come from the 2000s. And that's not surprising when you look at the director/writer combo here.
And the fact it was a 2 cour show? What a treat in this age if you're not a hobbyani fan.
Which is a shame cause in many ways Back Arrow is is very much hpbbyani with how mich its a playground in the best way possible.

I mean come on, cowboys vs a Chinese inspired ... empire and a European inspired kingdom and they fight by becoming mechs that are created by will???? MANIFEST ARMOR
Lingalind is an amazing setting.

And the show makes great use of how bonkers this setting is, made even better with the main lead, Back Arrow and his initially unwilling village who get wrapped up in his mystery. Oh, the weird naked man who fell from the sky with no undies. Elsha, Atlee and Bits journey with Arrow is so, the places it goes, it's really cool how even though it's his show, these 3 sometimes pick up his slack. It's a good dynamic.

And the mecha designs are REALLY good, it's a shame the show didn't do well cause I WISH we got everything and not only the first 2 robot figures.
Back Arrow's mech is such a unique lead mecha design, on top of its powers. Everything about this show is so well done and in some ways is comfort food while being endlessly inventive. And that's what a good adventure anime should be. That's what good mecha anime should be. Nothing overstays it's welcome, all the characters are utilized effectively. The fights are really good. This is such a great original anime. AND it has a LiSA op? SAO go home. This is real peak.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Jun 28, 2024

jus7aguy

Mixed Feelings

The Deus Ex Machina is strong with this one.

Okay lets get the basics out of the way first: Animation style Simplistic but effective, dynamic where it wants to be and while positions and stances/concepts were repeated, they didn't fall into the "lets re-use this sequence again" trap. 8 out of 10, more because they hit the style they were going for than anything else.

Character design: Obvious designs made the characters easy to differentiate, even if they individuals seemed a little random sometimes. 7 out of 10

Voice acting: No complaints, but nothing stood out, 7 out of 10

Music: Same as the voice, 7.5 out ... of 10

Some bonus points for the intro monologue updating nicely as the story went on.

Where it fell flat was the over-arching consistency of it all. The power-creep over 25 episodes was INSANE. A lot of stuff happened with hand-wave explanations exactly because that was the only thing that could happen to get them out of that situation.

A lot of the character development was simple affirmation or justification of who they already where, rather than change or growth, though there were a few exceptions. Even the A-holes suddenly get heroic motivations because we can't have any villains that aren't part of the [redacted for spoilers].

There are moments where this series is brilliant, but it all winds up feeling like a jigsaw that someone put together wrong. All the pieces are there but the picture is radically flawed.

Over-all I'd say it's an enjoyable watch, but it flounders between trying to be a fun adventure anime, and trying to be deep and meaningful in a bad way. The Ping-Ponging and self-justification around doing that makes for a bad harmony.

I wouldn't say don't watch it, but I have trouble recommending it also. I'm over-all giving it a 6 out of 10, a "It's fine I suppose" rating.

Your mileage may vary.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jun 20, 2021

Wilkaoo

Not Recommended

A story that starts with groups of people from different backgrounds using weapons based on their convictions in the conflict. That sounds like a story with "text" behind it, doesn't it? No, it doesn't. Back Arrow is a big pile of clichés, not only of mecha but of anime in general, this is not necessarily a bad thing but Back Arrow is a stupid story that keeps you wondering whether to take what is being said seriously or not, because although everything seems to be done automatically, the anime does take itself seriously. If there is one thing I will take for life that I ... gained from Back Arrow it is dislike for Fine "Love" Forté because she stands out among the worst characters I have ever seen in an anime (Of the anime I didn't drop at least). Honestly this anime seems to be a money laundering scheme, previously I was saying that as a joke but maybe that's a good justification for what this disaster was. But don't worry, although it is a collection of bad stuff, Back Arrow can be fun if you are able to embrace and enjoy how bad it is.

Reviewer’s Rating: 2

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	Poll: Back Arrow Episode 22 Discussion Stark700 - Jun 4, 2021	26 replies	by AMBITZZ »» Jul 20, 6:01 AM
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	Poll: Back Arrow Episode 24 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jun 18, 2021	54 replies	by _MushiRock11_ »» Apr 19, 11:10 AM
	Poll: Back Arrow Episode 13 Discussion Stark700 - Apr 2, 2021	38 replies	by RGreatDanton »» Feb 2, 7:10 PM