Gachiakuta

Episode 9

One of the questions I've had while watching Gachiakuta is wondering exactly how varied and interesting its settings can manage to be, given that the whole point of the story is that everyone lives in a grey, sludgy wasteland. Well, this week's episode answers that question directly. To prep for their latest mission, Rudo and the Cleaner Crew have to make a trek to Canvas Town, which is a ramshackle shanty village that has a unique flavor and interesting cultural elements that help it stand out from the other parts of the surface world we've seen so far.

I know I've brought it up a couple of times already, but I really can't get over how interesting it is that Gachiakuta makes such effective use of the story tropes and pacing rhythms that I associate with traditional JRPGs. Now that we're on the first real “Main Quest” for Rudo to take on as an official cleaner, it's time to gather the party and head to the first nearby city on the world map, which contains a new party member to meet while also learning more about the setting at large. I've seen some folks complain about Gachiakuta being so willing to take its sweet time getting the plot moving, which I don't think is an unreasonable issue to have, but I'm digging the way that Rudo's adventure is starting. Maybe it's because watching Gachiakuta feels like those old sleepovers I used to have with my buddies where we'd dig into whatever new Final Fantasy, Tales of.. or Xeno games we could get our hands on and pass the controller back and forth all night until we'd pass out in a pile of empty soda cans and crumpled bags of Flaming Hot Cheetos.

If I had any real complaint to lodge, it might be that Rudo has fallen back into a rather passive role this week, spending most of his time in the background observing as more experienced Cleaners like Enjin and Riyo take point while the crew tracks down the giver Job to get some of his magical paint protection. I don't mind too much, since it gives the other characters more opportunities to banter and establish their rapport. Besides, I think you can argue that Rudo becoming comfortable enough to just participate and engage with the Cleaners is development enough for now.

Rudo has a sweet, intimate exchange with Riyo about how bad your parents can mess you up, which only makes me like them more as partners. The new Cleaners also make a good impression with what little time they get, with Delmon standing out especially; I was cackling over his passionate screaming of, 'Your life story broke my heart! The hell your people put you through is unforgivable!'

The standout character of the episode is Remlin, the poor kid who has to take over the role of Canvas City's painter once Job unexpectedly dies before he can give the Cleaners the protection they require for No Man's Land. For one, the giver powers that are passed on to Remlin through Job's vital instrument are just really damned fun. As Rudo points out, they seem pretty overpowered and vague, since the spells made by Canvas City's resident spraycan-shaman are quite literally vibes-based. Remlin makes for a perfect successor to Job's work, given that they are quite talented and a naturally emotional and emotive person. I hope that they get a lot to do in the coming episodes, because they're a really engaging little hero to add to the roster.

Remlin also gets the single greatest line of the episode, which they shout in proud defiance after they've finished mourning the loss of their friend: “No more crap vibes! Let's party.” Talk about words to live by. I might get that engraved on my tombstone.

Rating:

Gachiakuta is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

James is a writer with many thoughts and feelings about anime and other pop-culture, which can also be found on BlueSky, his blog, and his podcast.