So, when I first saw this series in the selection, I decided to look up a bit about it. This apparently is a work with alot of history, it started as a fantasy book series in the 1980’s, and has had several adaptations, of which this is one. So, its got a history of popularity. And the designs are made by the mangaka of Fullmetal alchemist, which is also really cool. With this popularity, I was pretty hype for this show. So did it live up to it? In short, kind of.
We begin with one of the standard introductions to a fantasy world, a huge ass battle.
Who’s fighting and why? Who cares, it looks cool. Just kidding though, it actually does explain. The great empire of Pars is fighting to aid its ally agains Lusitana, who invaded. It shows the power that Pars has, and its reputation as a great land. We see its majesty and wealth, but we also see its coldness, its rigid state, and its class structure. Everyone knows their place and role….except for our main character, Arslan.
He’s naive…like really naive…like ridiculously sheltered homeschooled naive. He’s trying to be a good prince, but he’s trusting to a fault, and really sheltered. He doesn’t seem to fit in with his parents (mostly because they seem to lack things like the ability to smile or show happy thoughts.) He is also incredibly curious about other people, so he goes to see the captured enemy soldiers who will be made slaves. Not only is he accosted when he gets too close to one, when another prisoner his own age escapes, he’s taken hostage and led throughout the city.
He’s more than happy(well, less than happy), to go along with the kidnapping, and follows what he says, and from there, he actually learns more about the differences between their kingdom. Lusitania is a religious nation at war with other countries due to edicts of their gods, primarily the ones against slavery, which Pars has as simple common sense. Arslan can’t fathom why the imprisoned soldiers would rather die by resisting than accept being slaves. It adds a fascinating dynamic as our protagonist has an evil to it, our crusader nation has a more valid reason for their fight, and it gives a different dimension to things.
Our kidnapping kid is so devoted to the idea of freedom, he has him and Arslan leap out from the walls to try and escape. He manages to survive, but only because Arslan distracts the archer from klling him, and he escapes. We see just how kind and conflicted Arslan is. He’s open to new ideas, and sensitive, and while he shows he’s merciful, its unclear if he has the courage and force of will to be a good king. And the end of the episode says how he’s going to face the real deal in is first battle, as Lusitania has now risen in power greatly and threatens Pars.
So, my overall thoughts? Well, i”m a sucker for coming of age stories like this, where a young prince has to reflect on how to be a king, or how to be a good man. However, I find Arslan to begin with a bit too naive and trusting. He seems a bit too dumb to live, though he is only 11. The show skips a few years to when h’s older (I’m seeing a theme this season), and we’ll see how he has grown now he’s ready for his first true battle. I get he feeling based on the description that this as merely a build up, the plot won’t get started until next episode. Overall I like the setting the style, and some of the ideas, but I think it needs to grow on me in terms of characters. Its got a good start.
Likelihood of Watching: Yes.
Likelihood of Blogging: Definitely. I’ll share other series that I’m more interested in, but Arslan is all mine (mostly because nobody else signed up for it XD)
Okay but there’s one thing we can agree on and that THE SCENERY IS BREATHTAKING. They did such a good job at drawing the landscapes and the backgrounds. I especially loved the view we got of Arslan’s castle in the beginning.
I wonder how Arslan can be such a sweet and cute kid when his parents are…not. Don’t know what’s up with them. Arslan’s naivete just sets up for lots of growth!