REVIEW: ‘Love After World Domination,’ Episode 10 – ‘Atop The Kokutei Moon”

Love After World Domination is a romantic comedy anime produced by Project No. 9. Having managed to keep Desumi’s father and sister in the dark about their relationship, Fudo and Desumi prepare for their next big challenge. They will have their picture taken at Desumi’s high school cultural festival atop the Kokutei Moon in Love After World Domination Episode 10.

Cultural festival season continues in anime this week. With this coming hot on the heels of Shikimor’s Not Just A Cutie‘s two-part story that just wrapped last week, I was worried that this episode would land feeling a bit repetitive to the stories surrounding the annual event that I’ve seen before. Happily, this episode keeps things fresh and different, even while playing with some familiar concepts.

From Desumi taking part in the classic maid cafe her class puts on to the couple’s quest to be photographed atop the school’s legendary Kokutei Moon, which claims that any coupled captured in a picture upon it will become an invisible couple, several themes in this episode bear a striking resemblance to other such stories I’ve seen. While these elements are present, they are pushed into the background more than in other such stories. Utilizing the cultural festival as more window dressing than anything else, Love After World Domination Episode 10 focuses its energy on the absurdity of its cast and the hijinks their presence at the festival causes.

With Desumi and Fudo’s ultimate goal to become a truly invincible couple by having their picture taken on the legendary moon, there are plenty of obstacles in their path. From the various Princesses of Gekko who are prowling the school to Green Gelato’s unexpected presence calling attention to Fudo, the couple seems to have an insurmountable task ahead of them.

Throughout the chases, narrow escapes, and minor battles and explosions, Love After World Domination Episode 10 manages to weave together a surprisingly coherent story that succeeds in delivering a fun and off-kilter take on the iconic festival story. The ultimate conclusion to the duo’s dilemma is the best blend of both creative and obvious. It delivers a wonderful “but of course” moment for the viewer that served as the perfect conclusion for this delightfully absurd tale.

A big element I want to acknowledge is the show’s willingness to be flexible in its episode structure. Bucking the trend of the last several episodes, Love After World Domination Episode 10 gives its entire runtime to this one story. That the series continues to allow flexibility in its narratives is a great thing for the show.

The animation throughout this episode brings all the goofiness and shenanigans to vibrant life. All the visual jokes land great and Fudo and Desumi can deliver all their cute charm when they are allowed to be together.

When all is said and done, Love After World Domination Episode 10  delivers a comedic story that rarely fails to land its many moments. From humor to heart, this episode keeps its stride beautifully and never fails to deliver on the potential of its wonderful cast.

Love After World Domination Episode 10 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.