REVIEW: ‘In/Spectre,’ Episode 13 – “That God’s Name is”

Romance. Supernatural. Mystery. Three words that In/Spectre uses in its trailers and it couldn’t be a simpler yet perfect description of the series. Originally a novel written by Kyo Shirodaira in 2011, the novel was adapted to manga in 2015 by Chasiba Katase. After over 2 million volumes in print, In/Spectre saw a successful anime run in 2020 by Brain’s Base. Now, the series continues in In/Spectre Episode 13 with Keiji Gotoh also making a return as director.

In the world of In/Spectre, yokai, ayakashi, spectres, demons, mononoke, and ghosts all exist. Kotoko Iwanaga serves as the Goddess of Wisdom, a peacekeeper who keeps the balance between the real world and the supernatural. While she is very capable in her own right, there are various entities that she cannot handle alone. Thankfully, Iwanaga is joined by her boyfriend, Kuro Sakuragawa. The immortal Kuro with the ability to glimpse the future gained powers through his forced consumption of supernatural creatures. Through season one, the duo paired up together to solve mysteries involving yokai and other creatures to maintain order.

With a breakneck pace, there is a lot of information thrown at viewers in In/Spectre. After a nearly three-year hiatus, it can also be a lot to remember without a complete rewatch. It is clear that director Gotoh and the team at Brain’s Base understand this very well. In contrast to the high-tension moments in the waning episodes of season one, In/Spectre Episode 13 dials it back and provides a great reintroduction for the premiere of season 2.

In/Spectre Episode 13 opens with a group of card-playing ghosts discussing the history and the accolades of Iwanaga, their beloved Goddess of Wisdom. Less enthusiastically they also discuss Kuro, who appears human but to the yokai and their like, is a terrifying amalgamation of a human, ningyo (human fish), and a kudan (bull with a human face). One of the ghosts believes that he is in need of their help as a strange presence is inhabiting the building where he resides, giving In/Spectre its latest mystery.

As befitting her post, Iwanaga is happy to help even if Kuro is hesitant as always. Now that Kuro and Iwanaga have moved in together following the finale of season one, Kuro is still adamant about keeping Iwanaga safe as she lacks his immortality. Nonetheless, the unlikely couple goes to the ghost’s aid. In true In/Spectre fashion, Iwanaga gives a monologue to the ghosts on how she solved the case. While this may come off as exposition-heavy to some, events play out as she speaks, giving visuals to her deduction. However, it wouldn’t be a mystery without there being more than meets the eye.

In/Spectre Episode 13 is not as grandiose as some of the later episodes of the first season, but it is not without its moments. Since Kuro’s precognition requires his death (which isn’t really death because of his instant healing factor), it allows the animators to go nuts with creative and brutal deaths. In addition, the creature designs continue to be stellar, as traditional Japanese folklore intermix with unique supernatural designs. Further, Akari Kitō as Iwanaga and Mamoru Miyano as Kuro continue to impress as their dialogue comes off as playful and natural despite their very different personalities.

While In/Spectre Episode 13 doesn’t cover any of the cliffhangers left after season one, it still works as the premiere for season two. Those who have not watched the show in almost three years will appreciate the refresher and the progression in Iwanaga and Kuro’s relationship. Those like myself who binged season one to catch up for In/Spectre Episode 13 will be able to take a breath as the pace slows down in the wake of Rikka’s plot while still experiencing all the elements that make the series fun to watch. If season two follows the same progression as its predecessor, In/Spectre Episode 13 is just the appetizer for a wild ride of romance, mystery, and the supernatural.

In/Spectre Episode 13 is streaming now on Crunchyroll with new episodes premiering every Sunday.