Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai Deserves More Love

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Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai first impressions is part of my Ultimate Guide for the 2019 Anime Winter Season. A guide with more than 100 pages with a first impressions to every Anime coming out in the Winter Season. You can get your own here (it’s free!).).

Title: Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai (MAL Page)

English Titles: The Magnificent Kotobuki | The Kotobuki Squadron in the Wilderness

MAL Score: 6.32

Genres: Military, CGDCT, Action

Number of Episodes: Unknown

Broadcast: Sundays (JST)

Studios: WAO World, GEMBA

Source: Original

Duration: 24 min. per ep.

Rating: None

Synopsis

In a World where sky pirates exist, no place is completely safe. That’s why groups like Kotobuki Squadron exist. They are bodyguards who people can hire in order to safeguard their aerial trade routes. The story follows 6 female pilots, each one with their strong personality, during their crazy and non-stop adventures.

Story

I don’t understand how Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai seems to be so under the rug without many people talking about it. Although the story is not something that deep and more into the slice of life side, it’s actually pretty darn good and interesting.

First of all, it’s probably one of the Anime I’ve ever watched which try to go along with the actual facts when it comes to aircraft. It’s true that the aircraft gives you the World War 2 kind of vibe, and it’s actually nice to see how much into detail they went when it comes to aircraft battle strategy and fighting movements.

I understand that the story is not that too deep and there is nothing major happening, at least for now, and that the plot may seem a little pointless at the moment. However, that’s the magic of slice of life, right? I mean, it’s just a nice relaxing Anime which is excellent to sit back and relax, while being interesting at the same time.

Characters

If in episode 1 there was not much I could talk about the characters, now it’s a little different. It’s true that has not been much development around this part and, at this point, I still think we are just meeting these girls before any development happens. However, for an Anime which has 6 main characters plus some back characters which are also interesting to know, I would say that’s the best route to go.

For now, I would say the main characters follow your standard characterization. Nothing new, but they end up to work out in a way. Let’s see, you have:

Kylie, the girl who does everything she feels like at the moment without thinking twice. She also loves pancakes.

Chika, in the same way as Kylie, she also does her judgments in the middle of the moment. But, contrary to Kylie she is more in the tsundere side.

Emma is the moderator of the group. You know, always try to be the voice of reason, but taking both sides in perspective before saying anything.

Kate is the intelligent one! Ask anything about aircraft and she will answer you correctly. She is also the most strategic.

Zara is the right arm of the squad leader. She is a heavy drinker and the one who will show more of her skin with sexy clothes. However, she always gives you the feeling of being mature.

Last, but not the least, you have the squad leader, Reona. In this case, she is more into the leadership side and the most mature when it comes to decision making.

So, basically, a standard group of female characters in a CGDCT. That’s true, but it’s well made and they work very well as a group. I mean, is it that bad if you go for the standards if you actually do them justice?

Animation

The major thing about Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai is the 3D. There is no other way around it! If you put out a 3D anime, of course, I’ll have to talk about it.

Honestly, I believe it’s one of the best Anime when it comes to blending 2D and 3D. In the first episodes can be a little strange to have 3D and 2D characters cohabit in the same Anime. However, it’s very well done and it just passes in a very smooth way. Contrary to many other 3D anime around there, in a few minutes in you actually forget that you are watching a 3D anime.

I also love the aircraft battles. For you to understand, I’m not really that much of an aircraft lover. However, Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai just does it right. It’s awesome to see that the Anime, instead of going for over the top battles and stunts, tried to maintain the reality aspect of it.

Audio

The audio is also nicely done. First, the intro music is great. It gives you a lot of that 30’s – 40’s vibe, which makes sense since that’s the time world war 2 was happening, but with a modern twist. If the beat makes me remember all that jazz, the vocals pull me back to the present and make me think of pop-ish Japanese music.

When it comes to the soundtrack inside of the Anime, it’s also one of the best of the season. The music is just so freaking smoothing! It works quite well with what is happening and transports me entirely to the inside of this world.

But, the biggest props go to the silence. Yeap, I think it may sound strange, but that’s right. The creators decided to have little to no background music when the aircraft battles are happening. A great risk, but works well due to the sound effects quality. Basically, with how things are made, you actually get transported to the middle of the battle because of the aircraft engines’, shots, and all other sounds you could expect in a air battle.

Final Verdict

I don’t understand how Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai has the score it has on MAL. I also don’t understand how there are so few members interested in this compared to other Anime coming this winter.

If you are into military stuff and want to watch an Anime which seems to use real-life strategies and stunts, Kouya no Kotobuki Hikoutai is a must watch. Moreover, if you are into CGDCT (if you can call air combat cute) then I also believe this is a nice one to try out.

It’s nothing too much deep, at least for now, but a nice and entertaining Anime to watch for sure!

Final Score: Above Average!