A trip into this show is one that will first strike you out as bizarre at first. It’s not just the way the premise is crafted but the execution. Even the first episode extravagantly brings its gags in various forms such as jelly bobs, military tanks, mecha, and a loli dressed like if she’s planning to go to a Halloween party. But despite the silliness of the setup, the show maintains somewhat of a serious vibe. Taken for granted, we learn that no one has yet successfully conquered the world. Now, we have this young girl that tries to take on the impossible.
Standing no taller than a middle school grader, Kate comes off as a young girl full of energy. Perhaps what strikes her character out the most is her commanding way of leading people. Believe it or not, she doesn’t actually suffer from delusions (as in the ‘chuunibyou’ case). Kate’s ambitions are real that are fueled by her words and actions. More importantly is the fact that Kate has followers collectively formed as a group by the name of Zvezda. The series details their journey and trials of conquests that ranges from a variety of subjects. They don’t mess around as the conquests they complete usually require effort that is perhaps surpassed by a normal human is capable of. During their journey, we also meet Asuta Jimon, a young boy that coincidentally runs into Kate during one of her days in life.
Unlike the other members of Zvezda, Asuta has no superpowers of his own. Yet, he is useful for his cooking skills. After all, you can’t fight on an empty stomach. His first encounter with Kate is not only bizarre but comes off as abrupt. Rather than hiding her identity, Kate reveals her goals and who she is. Normally, it would be uncommon for overlords to give out sensitive information. Yet, Kate not only reveals her identity but boasts about her greatness with a large ego. In essence, Kate serves as more of a super villain. Despite this, she does treat her subordinates with respect. She also tends to avoid violence unless a task requires it or something catches her mind in a bind of frustration. But most importantly, she holds together the group through their single-minded task – to conquer the world. You have to wonder how serious this show takes the trope as the story becomes molded with amateurish tactics, lack of common sense, and logic defilement. For what it’s worth, the show is comedic. There’s really no emphasis on a key purpose to the story besides the simple concept of world conquest. Rather than going on with complex plans, the author decides to write this show’s story like an open textbook. Each page tells the story of Kate and her conquests.
An organization as it is, Zvezda composes of no more than seven members. Unlike Asuta, they have their own superpowers that matches their character styles. Some of them fits with the classic stereotypes such as the mad scientist (Natasha), Yasu (super soldier), or Roboko (the brains). Their superpower ranges in wide degrees and collectively does make a force to be reckoned with. Yet, there are some silly gadgets to take notice of. One for instance is their hideout that is initially designed like a playhouse as a “super villain base”. (it even says “Zvevda Secret Society” on the outside!) Then, there are the outfits the characters wear when they go on missions. They are flamboyant and even Kate has to wear an ornamental cape to make a point for herself. We also find out that some of the characters has unusual closeness among its group members while others tend to be oil and water. In retrospect, Zvevda is an organization that we like to feel attached to. Their members, ambitions, and missions they set to carry out shows their attributes as well as clearly pointing their strengths and weaknesses.
Yet as the story progresses on, we find out about opposition against Zvevda. Taking on the name of “White Light”, they are group that stands out as the adversaries. It’s really silly with this setup reflexively if we look closer. It makes it look like the White Light are the bad guys going up against Zvevda. Caught up in the middle is Asuta. And to make matters worse, we learn that some of White Light’s members are acquitted with Asuta in the school norm. There’s a curiosity that should spark to viewers for cases of identity. In which case, Asuta would become a scapegoat because he is in one group that is portrayed as the “super villains” while the good guys (White Light) opposes their goals. As ridiculous as the concept is portrayed, there’s a certain attractiveness with this setup marked with silliness. It should be taken in as granted for a joke rather than something to take by heart.
Having action also means fighting and battles. Whether it’s at home, school, or out in the open world, most of the core characters demonstrates various degree of combat experience. Yet, some of these weapons are so risible that it makes you wonder if it’s all just a big prank in the end. Nonetheless, there are some weapons that are menacing enough to strike fear such as Itsuka’s sharp sword or Natasha’s crafty inventions. Then, there’s absurdity coming from Asuta for his normalcy. Perhaps he’s just too normal and can’t ever conform 100% with Zvevda. More necessary comes with the fact that he needs to acquire superpowers of his own. In the end, Asuta is no more than just a cook despite his ways to help the group. But if we talk about bizarre, action takes it a near imaginative level with its gags and stylish yet artistic way of coordinating its action scenes.
The show comes together other aspects with its formulation. Comedy wise, the show nailed it with its colorful dialogues, gags, and characters. However, do watch out for repetitiveness as some jokes can quickly grow old and stale. One particular episode also plays off as a campaign that may actually be offensive to a certain group of viewers despite being advertised as a parody. On the other hand, mystery becomes a rather weak point. There’s a lack of characterization with nearly all the characters. Thus, do not expect powerful flashbacks or development. Rather, don’t even expect story depth. The show itself is one big wisecrack. Despite being in directed by Tensai Okamura (Darker than Black, Ghost in the Shell, Wolf Rain), the show will feel very different. But being different isn’t necessary faulty. It just takes time to get used to because this show has a contagious fun odor that will catch your attention.
Artwork doesn’t take itself as substantial credit. Instead, it comes off as more goofy and amateurish. But nonetheless, we get a classic feeling of the superhero (or perhaps maybe super villain) atmosphere. The parts that stands out the most in regards to visuals is the way characters are designed. Flamboyant, exuberant, and conspicuous are just a few words that describe our characters’ outfits. The way Kate is designed gives us a way to appreciate her intentions for someone so small yet with a huge ego At the same time she can come off as a brat with her kiddy outfit. On the other hand, there are characters dressed in ways that gives them more a menacing look such as Itsuka’s eyepatch or Gorou’s skullface. Then, there are the obnoxious bits of fan service such as Natasha’s loosely dressed lab coat and even Kate’s outfit herself. But in retrospect, most aspects come together in union. The backgrounds stand out as average. A-1 Works strikes out controversially for some series in the past but here only comes as something just tolerable.
The soundtrack is above moderate in terms of consistency on most parts. But more noticeable is the way characters speak with their diverse mannerisms. Kate for instance has an egoistic way of speech so naturally, expect some words of narcissism to come out of her mouth. Other characters display their personalities with their voices such as Itsuka’s hot-blooded personality, Renge’s innocence, Miki’s elegance, or Roboko’s wisdom. The OST mixes in tune with a combination of rock and rapid pace during action scenes. During more humorous sequences, it attaches a more goofy tone. The OP and ED song are more childish but does make its point.
By the time you finish this show, you’ll feel like a kid again. It’s not just a Halloween party you attended where you dress up and look like someone else. Rather, it’s what you’re doing with yourself and the goals you choose to follow. But being a kid is something we’ve all gone through but for Kate, she has goals beyond what any single child can dream for. Ultimately, this show isn’t something to take for granted like an action packed motion picture. Rather, it’s the fun that never ends that will set yourself to freedom.
