The story starts off introducing us to our main character Ryuko Matoi, a delinquent school girl packing a gigantic scissor blade looking to avenge the murder of her father. She has traveled across Japan looking for anyone who has knowledge of her father or the missing half of her scissor blade. She soon encounters Satsuki Kiryuin the student council president of Hyonnouji Academy, a school she rules with an iron fist, and has knowledge about Ryuko's father.
The real interesting point of the Kill la Kill universe is the fact that people gain super powers through the use of their uniform, rather than having them inherently themselves. This pokes fun at how in most magical girl anime, the girl gains some ridiculous uniform after gaining their powers, rather than from the uniform itself. The story of Kill la Kill moves forward at a breakneck speed, and is absolutely over the top in every way, from the fan-service to the fights. The fan-service is what will alienate most people from the show, as well as the first handful of episodes which are really hit or miss until the story really finds its footing when encounter one of the true antagonists. The fan-service is blatantly shown through the uniform that Ryuko is forced to wear in order to access her super powers, and is seen throughout most of the cast, male included. This lackadaisical approach to nudity could be a little uncomfortable to some people, but the nether regions don't have nipples or anything like that, so its in good taste for the advancement of the story. Nudity and becoming comfortable in your own skin rather than focusing on material items like clothes is a integral theme to the story. The first few episodes are a pale comparison to the epic action that takes place later on in the series as the stakes get higher and higher, One reason the first half can be a bit tedious is adjusting to one of the supporting characters, Mako, who can come off as a bit annoying at first. Her rant scenes happen a few times every episode, and while some are genuinely funny, others are a drag and just annoying. The over the top nature of the series is also tough to settle into, but the jokes are really funny as well as the sight gags, and it really starts to click as the show goes on.
The only problem is that if someone saw you watching some of the more over the top scenes they may question their sanity a bit, as some of the stuff that happens is completely bonkers, but that's what makes Kill La Kill great. The series works best when firing on all cylinders to the insanely catchy soundtrack in the background, as its over the top fights are beautifully choreographed and will leave you speechless as you watch explosions that turn into implosions that explode again, or see people embrace the idea of capitalism to the fullest by shooting their enemies with money. The strengths of the show lie in the fact that is not afraid to push the boundaries that are defined as normal, and y keeping an open mind you too can enjoy the crazy ride from this Trigger production. the second half of the story is the real stand out of the series, as the stakes get higher and the fights become more intense, but unfortunately some of the humor is sacrificed for a new more serious tone.
Kill la Kill also features an ensemble cast of characters who are also zany and quirky in their own ways, with some of their personalities exaggerated to comical levels. The real stars of the show are Ryuko and her sailor uniform sailor uniform Senketsu, as watching them learn to compliment each other and bond as the series goes on is one of its finer points. Mako and her family kind of get on your nerves, but sometimes they can be quite funny, and Mako despite being certifiably insane is a loyal friend and quite comfortable with herself, self identifying as a slacker, The initial antagonists of the show, Lady Satsuki and her loyal partners the elite four are initially shrouded in mystery, but are all interesting characters in their own right, and go through some development of their own as their pasts and motives are slowly revealed. Overall the series is one fun ride as you watch the heroes move from one ridiculous set piece to the next, and it was always a blast to tune in and see what zany adventures the creators had in store that week. The over the top action and gags are what sets the show above others,and it truly is a unique creation that feature some nice visuals and some great fights that go along with them, as I find myself thinking of Kill la Kill whenever I want o have some brainless fun watching some crazy fights. Sticking with Kill la Kill despite the fact that it seems a little out there was one of the best decision that I made, and I would encourage others to give the show a shot, as it truly was one of the standouts of 2014.
