Ep. 01: Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra

Two of my favorite hobbies are anime and gaming. So when a show comes along, offering to blend them together like they are peanut butter and chocolate, who am I to say no? Apcoalypse Bringer Mynoghra’s premise made such an offer, and though I saw the summary for this after making my most anticipated list, the moment I did see it, I instantly wanted to check it out. And I’ll tell you up front: episode one did not disappoint.

The story focuses on a young man named Takuto who was hospitalized with a serious illness, spending his time in a video game to escape the reality of his suffering and the weight of his impending death. He didn’t just play this thing, though. He was a top tier gamer within it. And when he dies, that devotion and skill seem to have paid off. Takuto is reborn inside of the game he loves: Eternal Nations.

And as if that’s not fab enough, his is brought here alongside his favorite unit, the Sludge Witch, Atou. Imagine waking up in Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics or Age of Wonders. The game here is a 4x strategy game, meaning something like Sid Meiner’s Civilization VI, but you can really take this premise and apply it to any type of game, or TV show, or book that you want. Some story realms are more dangerous then others, but as a premise, who wouldn’t want to wake up in a story alongside their favorite character?

The Mynoghra faction is supposed to be evil within the context of this world. And when other characters, besides Atou, see Takuto the impression they get is very different. This context is not just visual, though. The vision that Takuto and Atou have for their faction seems mostly–at this point–to be one of waiting and patience. And they both state that they do not actually like fighting.

But ironically, it’s when they have an interaction with some starving Dark Elves, that this aspect of their personality gets put onto the boldest display. Before the Dark Elves show up, Takuto and Atou are planning what they will do with their limited mana. And they are both hungry and having trouble finding food. But when Takuto hears about starving Dark Elf civilians and children, who have been driven from their home, he uses up their remaining mana to create food for these people. But seemingly not for him and Atou, from what I could see.

This brings us nicely to the wide variations that make up Atou’s personality. By default, she is cheery and devoted to Takuto. But if he screws up, as he did, to an extent, in going overboard for the Dark Elves, she’s not afraid to let him have it. Although, him acknowledging fault seems to snap her out of this. On the other hand, when dealing with people who are not Takuto, she’s all business and can be short tempered and cold.

I really love this characterization. It feels very real. Many people have warmth and love for those that matter to them, while giving zero shits and putting up with zero nonsense for others outside their orbit. It’s not about good or evil. It’s usually more about survival and not being taken advantage of. And in this world, much like in ours, that seems to be something that will definitely by in play as we move forward.

We see the Dark Elf warrior who came to talk to Takuto and Atou return to his people, and their chief deriding him for his interaction with the so-called “King of Ruin”. There is a legend within this world regarding someone showing up as Takuto has. And a few pieces of mysterious fruit are not going to sway centuries of legend and superstition. The elder he is speaking to informs informs him that he–the elder–will deal within interactions from this point forward.

Which, as we wrap up the episode and get our final major insight, is going to either be potential comedy gold, an absolute disaster, or a little bit of both. Because Takuto has realized something through his interactions with Atou and the Dark Elves. He’s able to speak to Atou normally because of his history in the game. Talking to her is second nature and he can do it no problem.

But with the Dark Elves it’s different. Is there some kinda language barrier in the way? Nope. Takuto is just socially awkward from spending his time in the hospital. I’m sure that’s going to pop up as an issue here and there as the story continues. And given my love for awkward main characters, I’m looking forward to it.

Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra is everything I could have hoped it would be, and is off to a fabulous start. Are you watching this show? What did you think of the first episode? I’d love to know, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.