REVIEW: ‘Bucchigiri?!’ Episode 4 — “Stop the War! ~Sometimes You Gotta Eat Goya Chanpuru~”

The lawless, madcap world from director Hiroko Utsumi continues to unravel in Bucchigiri?! Episode 4. Continuing its mission to overwhelm with each episode, the latest refuses to rest as the burgeoning wars between the delinquent gangs of Honki City reach their breaking point. Following the events of Episode 3 the gangs Siguma and Minato are on the precipice of all-out disaster, set up for more significant infighting by a mysterious figure, dubbed the Emperor. Somehow, it’s Arajin Tomoshibi (Genki Okawa) who has the task of trying to keep the peace.

Arajin, our captain of failing upwards, might as well exist in an entirely different universe than the other characters. This is partially part of the joke of the series. But it is made more striking in Bucchigiri?! Episode 4, where his primary concerns continually work against the main action of the series. He wants to lose his virginity.

Meanwhile everyone else scrambles to either prevent an all-out war or ready themselves for its inevitability. Jin Marito (Nozomu Sasaki) wants to avenge his beaten and humiliated friend. Matakara Asamine (Yusuke Hoshino) hopes to end the ensuing battle himself to keep the ideals of his older brother, who is returning home soon. And Jin Mahoro (Anna Nagase) is willing to help if it means her brother is safe.

Everyone is working in service of someone else, while Arajin remains solely self-centered in his pursuits. While he trains with Honki-person Senya to better their merge rate, it’s all to defeat Marito and win the affection of Mahoro. Mahoro, whose brother complex continues to be one of the most repellent aspects of the series. Arajin might inwardly seethe as he misinterprets an interaction between Mahoro and Matakara, but we celebrate because he needs the humbling.

His selfishness and obtuse behavior are other negative aspects of the series. The series is steeped in big, broad comedy, but it still needs to show some character development. Because at this rate, nearly every other character they’ve introduced has been more charismatic and worthy of exploration in comparison. He can still be this pathetic, easy-to-manipulate character, but there needs to be layers to it.

It doesn’t help that Matakara continues to be so lovable as a character. The series creates a stifling, palpable air of awkwardness whenever the two interact. Matakara romanticizes their youth while Arajin runs away from it. Even Senya notes how cold Arajin turns when in the presence of his childhood friend. He’s temperamental and rude as he pushes him literally out of his room and figuratively out of his life. Male bonding is such an integral part of the series, and one of the bigger gags is how Arajin hasn’t quite got the memo, hyper-focused on an idealized version of masculinity, that he’s failing to create his own strength.

By the end of the episode, we get answers and critical standoffs. The Emperor, Shindo Akutarou (Chihiro Suzuki), is behind the Outa’s injuries and hurts the pride of one of Minato’s members, Zabu (Yukihiro Nozuyama). As Matakara races to stop Shido himself, Arajin is already in the crosshairs and ready to fight with Senya’s help.

Hilariously for Sk8 the Infinity fans, Shindo shines a light on Hiroko Utsumi’s character tendencies. If Marito is a blend of Sk8‘s Cherry Blossom and Joe, then Shindo is an Adam stand-in with his dramatics. The fight between Shindo and Arajin isn’t just another example of a fun, kinetic fight sequence but gives way to one of the bigger reveals of the series thus far. While Arajin dealt a blow that would’ve rendered any other fighter useless, Shindo stands back up, stable. Senya realizes it’s because he, too, is working with a Honki-person, Ichiya.

While there are certainly still small elements that continue to bug about the series, there’s no denying the dizzying effect of Bucchigiri?! Episode 4. Everything moves so rapidly that catching every noteworthy aspect of a given frame is challenging. The hyper-energetic direction style infuses each movement with a live wire buzz. This ranges from Arajin writhing on the ground after being dejected to an impassioned threat against a crow.

A variation of different styles combine and mold around one another to create a distinctive vision. It’s as beguiling as it is easy to sink into. We lose ourselves to the mayhem, caught on the vibrancy and eclectic voice acting that portrays wildly fluctuating emotions.

The backdrops possess endless details. From the graffiti adorning the cityscape architecture to Arajin’s room, stuffed to the brim with memorabilia of his adolescence, the world bursts with color. The details, plus the broad comedy and nonstop motion, are engaging, walking right up until the line of overstimulating. It’s a lot, but it’s not too much. Not yet, at least.

Bucchigiri?! Episode 4 displays Hiroko Utsumi’s singular vision in a wild, explosive installment. With the reveal of greater surprises, we become increasingly invested in the lives of these characters, even the ones who suffer from being overshadowed by more charismatic players. The protagonist is still the least exciting part of the story, but it’s made up for by the colorful cast that rounds out the series and the chaotic energy that fuels it all forward.

Bucchigiri?! Episode 4 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.