REVIEW: ‘Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai’ Episode 8 – “Furfang Full Assault”

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai fans have a lot to be happy about this week. With episode 8, the anime presents its most layered 20 minutes yet. Now that the trio has assembled, they face a threat from a vengeful Crocodine. Toei Animation presents this remake of the 90’s anime. The series is based on the popular manga of the same name; and it serves as a spin-off of the game franchise. In Dragon Quest Episode 8, Maam joins the boys to help defeat the Dark King, and honor the memory of her former instructor, Avan. The three journey until they reach Romos Castle, in the hopes of seeing the King.

Unfortunately, the trip has resulted in them arriving late at night. Unable to get into the palace, they find a place to stay at a local inn. When Dai mentions to the innkeeper that they are a Heroes Party, the innkeeper informs them another group is there as well. Dai, excited, insists upon meeting them at the late hour…that is until he recognizes them as the not-so-heroic party who attacked his home island in the first episode. They swear they have turned over a new leaf. The validity of these claims is yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, Crocodine resents Dai for scarring his eye. He wants revenge, and to stop Dai from gaining any more power. At dawn, the Furfang Legion attacks Romos Kingdom, with Crocodine making a beeline to hold the King hostage and draw out Dai. Maam and Dai infer what his plan is, and Dai takes off without a second thought to stop him. What happens next is a character moment that has slowly been building the last few weeks for Popp. Maam is horrified that he wants to let Dai go at it alone. Popp breaks down, exclaiming that he never signed up for fighting and that all of this is because of Dai.

It gives deeper insight into Popp’s more comic character. Yes, he is cowardly, but it is realistic given he is a kid up against monsters. The moment also alludes to some quiet resentment, which likely stems from grief over Avan’s death. It is a great moment between both Maam and Popp, and well-executed.

Dai’s fight with Crocodine is equally emotional. Firstly, it is refreshing to see a King who outright refuses to run away and leave his subjects behind. Second, avoiding spoilers, Crocodine plays dirty this time around fighting Dai. Under the influence of Zaboera, he cruelly exploits Dai’s sentimentality and weaknesses. This leads up to an emotional fight that may rival, if not surpass, Avan vs. Hadlar depending on what transpires next week.

The slightly awkward visual of CG against 2D animation is back in Dragon Quest Episode 8, but a lot less noticeable. It is clear that it was used to animate the Furfang Legion’s creatures attacking in the backgrounds, so it isn’t near as distracting as it was earlier in the series. It isn’t present at all during Dai’s big clash, thankfully.

Dragon Quest Episode 8 packs a lot into 20 minutes, but it is concise and well done. There are both deep character scenes and high stakes fights. The series has picked up a lot of pace in the last couple of weeks and hopefully will just keep climbing.

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai is streaming now on Crunchyroll and Hulu.