"Gachiakuta" Talkback Thread

[Frontier]

They were THIS close to getting away! But Jabber Wonger had poisoned Zanka and caught up in time to catch Rudo. He may have the vibe of a serial killer with an air of friendly affability to him, and a terrible sense of directions, but he has orders to bring back Rudo to someone...and he'll kill anyone in his path to accomplish that.

People call the Cleaners' supporters weak and diminish them, but we've still got Gris and Follo putting in there all to help Rudo! Even if it ends with Gris getting run through by Jabber's Vital Instrument poison claws Mankira. And that hits Rudo's trauma button over Regto's death hard.

Poor Smol Rudo. He had so much anger in his heart with no way to channel it because he couldn't hurt anyone because of Regto...so the only way he could handle those feelings was to bash his head in. He was tossed away like trash by his parents, so what worth is in his life? But Regto still believed Rudo could find SOMETHING, some reason for him to live, and that ended up being seeing and empathizing with the trash the people of the Sphere would throw out and waste. To him, the trash was just like him, and he could still see value in it.

And it's that empathy that translates to Rudo's power, the power to take objects such as Gris' talisman and imbue it with power and the ability to reach it's absolute self, the absolute self that Rudo sees in it because he can care about any object. So a talisman becomes a giant one-eyed guardian.

Jabber is all excited for a real fight against Rudo, they can even be "best buds" who try to kill each other, but too bad for him that the Talisman can deflect ALL attacks and slow Jabber's movements. It's not an attack Vital Instrument, but it doesn't need to be because Rudo wants to end this in honor of Gris...by beating the stuffing out of Jabber with his fists!

Of course the Vital Instrument has one weakness - it can't deflect objects without killing intent. But Jabber tried throwing columns at Rudo and it didn't work, so how is he going to accomplish that? By poisoning himself and turning himself into a mindless berserker? This dude is seriously unhinged.

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 6 "A Score to Settle"
August 17, 2025

Jabber employs a new strategy to get through Rudo's defenses, and another ally joins the fray.

 

[Frontier]

Jabber wasn't kidding about what would happen after poisoning himself, he's become a feral berserker tearing into everything in his path and yet he's still intently focused on Rudo who can't defend against a beast coming at him with no intent other than to destroy anything in his way. Also that bloodcurdling scream...is this the true face of a masochist?

Luckily Zanka comes in for a save! He's fighting through the poison, and even if he can't move, he has the perfect plan in-place that involves him doing the only thing he loves more than looking good in front of Enjin...attacking Rudo! I mean, Rudo just says ALL the right things to make Zanka want to hit him.

And with Zanka's intent to harm and Rudo's power to redirect, they can TK Zanka right where he needs to be to smash Jabber with the absolute force of the assistaff...multiple times! Finally the tables are turning!

At least until Zanka's used up all his energy and the talisman breaks apart, which doubly hits Rudo hard because he was borrowing it from Gris. Though that's not a panic attack, Jabber had already poisoned Rudo. And Jabber can even inject himself with an anesthetic that numbs all the pain in his body so he can get up, right as rain, and poison Zanka again while nabbing Rudo with Zanka powerless to do anything. This isn't good.

But in comes RIYO AND ENJIN WITH THE SAVE! And Enjin is PISSED! You don't mess with the Cleaners OR their supporters! Tomme is definitely more than just a pretty face, she brought the cavalry!

There is nothing Jabber would like more than a hopeless fight against the Cleaners that would probably leave him beaten and plotting escape from the Cleaners in jail...but then Cthoni shows up to bring him back because this is a fight he can't win and it would be a waste. And they have VERY intense stare-down when Jabber is told their leader "Smiled" meaning Jabber can't stay. And Cthoni doesn't just have strong arms that can hold Jabber back but also teleporting manholes. The Raiders are definitely enemies to watch out for...and there's a rematch waiting for Rudo and Jabber.

Rudo still feels bad about Gris' talisman, but as much as Gris cherished it, he's happy Rudo put it to good use to protect all of them. And hopefully Gris will be okay too.

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 8 "Moving Forward"
August 17, 2025​

Rudo deals with the emotional aftermath of the Jabber fight and gets a new lead about returning to the Sphere.​

 

[Frontier]

It's hard for Rudo to accept that he's safe and they managed to fend off Jabber when they lost Gris in the process. How many more people must Rudo lose, no matter how much power he gains over time? Thankfully GRIS LIVES! And Enjin was totally screwing with him with that "let's pay our respects to Gris" like the good mischievous mentor he is.

The Cleaners have a stellar healer in Eishia (Manaka Iwami)! She can perform miracles and heal what would ordinarily be death-blow wounds! She just has utterly no self-confidence and is really shy, but that adds to her cuteness! And thanks to her Gris is back to dishing out praise and good pep talks which he's best at.

And Rudo FINALLY meets the Boss of the Leaders, Arkha Corvus, voiced by Rikiya Koyama! He has a very serene and humble demeanor, and he can tell that despite Rudo's original goal, he's found a place and a community with the Cleaners and that's all Corvus needs. And he brings to Rudo not only a snazzy new Cleaners uniform but also news about Rudo's next lead: a woman situated in the No Man's Land near the border between the Sphere and the Ground, who watches people fall from the Sphere, and who seems to know about people actually being able to go back.

I guess Rudo is still the type who will rush in the moment he has a new lead, but he's still got training to do and he's not alone anymore. Maybe it's time for him to learn how to unwind and have fun! HEY RUDO! Hanging out with Riyo as she gives him a tour sounds like a lot of fun! She even takes him into the men's room while a guys' taking a leak.

But really the best discovery on this tour is that the Cleaners have access to sweets, something better than yet just as addictive as drugs, and Rudo immediately becomes hooked! It's like he's stealing candy from a baby, maybe literally because there's a baby-like Cleaner named Dear who wants that candy too! And a guy voiced by Wataru Takagi.

Rudo straight up becoming Bouncing Boy from the Legion of Superheroes for eating all that candy. At least he gained an effective diet.

If Enjin is watching, Zanka is going to take being Rudo's trainer seriously, and in-turn we'll discover a lot about how Rudo's Vital Instrument works! He can only really transform trash or objects that people initially threw our or didn't see any more value in, his limit seems to be about three transformations in a row before blood starts coming out, and his weapons only fade away when they've fulfilled their purpose after transforming. Not only dues Rudo bring out their potential, but he also lets them fulfill their function to their utmost one final time.

Rudo and everybody are questioning the origins of his gloves and the Series and we've got the apparent leader of the Raiders just sitting and muttering a bunch of seemingly prophetic or relevant words...all culminating in the "Watchman Series" (with this guy having the glove symbol on his back) and Rudo who is somehow connected to everything.

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 9 "The City of Graffiti"
September 27, 2025​

To get a "spell" for their next mission, the cleaners head to Canvas Town, where they make a tragic discovery.​

 

[Frontier]

Things have actually been going pretty well for Rudo lately, but he's still got plenty of trauma, especially where his burned arms are concerned. Though what better ailment for said trauma than getting to see Riyo with her luscious legs and hair down lounging on his bed? She even went out of her way to check on him when she heard he was struggling to sleep! And she's the first of the Cleaners to see his arms without his gloves on, and in turn she seems to relate to him with her own parental baggage. I bet she doesn't do this with all the new recruits!

Rudo learns more about how the Cleaners operate! Not only do they have a fashion designer Giver on the payroll who makes all their snazzy outfits and masks (and who, like all artists, does not do well with deadlines), but Gob the resident graffiti artist also puts on spells that help teams survive in No Man's Land.

There are also Cleaner squads like Akuta, which Rudo basically got recruited into when Enjin found him and already has Riyo and Zanka (wait, "Akuta?" Like GachiAKUTA?) and Eager with the super passionate and intense Delmon and the chill and serene Tamsy (Mitsuki Saiga!). No mission is truly complete until Delmon shouts out a speech and gets everyone to join in him a yelling cheer! Unless you're Zanka and you have earplugs!

How many people on the Ground have been killed by trash dumped by the Sphere? I don't think I (or Rudo) want to know.

Canvas Town isn't just a city of graffiti art, graffiti can even create spells that can help Givers out in a pinch! And Gob is in fact a spellcaster himself! It'll be nice for Rudo to get to see him again.

The mayor of Canvas Town isn't an artist himself and it shows, but he truly cherishes the art and the artists of the town which makes it even harder for him to be the bearer of bad news...Gob is dead. I mean, Rudo only just met him like 4-5 episodes ago! And he's already gone! I guess it's fitting he died doing what he loved, painting art without a care in the world, but let this be a lesson in wearing your mask in dangerous polluted zones.

And of course poor Rudo internalizes his death because if not for the Sphere, there never would've been a polluted zone that would kill him.

Of course Gob left behind a sibling, Remlin, and his Vital Instrument that can pass on his powers to those he chose. Remlin is obviously still feeling Gob's death, but also understands that being stuck sad and mourning is the last thing he would have wanted and it's more in-character for Canvas Town to throw a party to celebrate his life and make more art. I'm sure Gob would've loved knowing Remlin would set off a celebration with a paint brush and turning some paint cans into fireworks! Spells can wait, it's party time Rudo!

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 9 "Penta: The Desert No Man's Land
September 14, 2025​

With their gear up complete, the crew heads into the No Man's Land, Penta, to get clues about the Sphere.​

 

[Frontier]

These spellmasters pass their vital instrument pen to users who have similar vibes/personalities to them, but like true artists there's always subtle differences in their art and styles, even if they carry the spirit of their predecessors. And like a true artist, you shouldn't try to make too much sense out of the process...or you'll get as exasperated as Enjin.

Poor Rudo getting turned into a clown! He hasn't really met anyone who hasn't had at least some fun at his expens .

I wonder, had Remlin tatted Rudo with the spell, would it have become a permanent status effect to let him tank one major critical hit?

Oh, these two idiots are there? They really thought THEY could become the sixth spellmaster when they're only out for fame and glory...they're not true artists and they have no place in Canvas Town!

Well, nice to know we can expect Remlin to pop up at Cleaners HQ every now and then like Gob did.

Enjin really knows how to treat Rudo! Taking him to a large pile of trash which is basically paradise for him and convenient for picking up weapons he can use in the future.

August! The Cleaners' costume/mask guy! Voiced with as much ham as Mamoru Miyano is capable of! He may be a weirdo that pops into someones' room while they're asleep to take their measurements (lock your doors kids) and exasperates his poor sister Eishia who tries to temper down his eccentric nature (to no effect) but he has a great sense of style!

(So, uh...how long has Riyo been watching Rudo trying to sleep?)

Is there anything more ride-or-die teammates than a communicator that takes everyones' blood?

Welcome to Penta, The Desert of No Man's Land! Home not to sand but waste matter ground into dust! And plenty of Trash Beasts for slaying and letting Rudo show off his cool mask!

Not only do Supporters support, but they also take extensive notes of what Cleaners fight, as is the case with Tromme as Team Akuta flexes! It was nice of them to save Rudo the last one which he defeats with his computer keyboard of death that literally launches the keyes like guided missiles to kill the thing with Rudo's favorite word.

And who should appear after all the fighting...but the mysterious bewitching beauty Amo, voiced cutely and serenely by Kana Hanazawa and sporting nothing more than a robe exposing her cleavage, white panties, and some chic boots. She may be a pretty face, but they probably shouldn't let their guard down around her. Especially when she seemingly takes out Enjin!

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 11 "Amo's Hospitality"
September 21, 2025​

A mysterious woman living in No Man's Land challenges the crew from an unexpected angle.​

Episode 12 "Something Like a Curse"
September 28, 2025​

Tamzy and Zanka fight to save their captive allies. In the aftermath, Rudo has an unexpected reaction.

Episode 14 "An Empty Gaze"
October 5, 2025

Amo tells the story of how she came to the tower and the "angels" who came to visit her.

 

[Yojimbo]

Gachiakuta cour 2 English dub won't be same day.

 

[PicardMan]

Kinda disappointed this thread became a ghost town. That last episode about Amo's backstory was certainly memorably disturbing, covering child sex slavery and using a crayon artstyle for the icky stuff.

 

[Checkerboard]

Deadman Wonderland meets Gaara?

Technical question, maybe OT, but why do most anime these days look like this and how is this style called? All the Netflix anime have one look and it looks similar to this too. Personally I prefer how shows looked the old way. Is there ANY new show that is hand drawn but HD or at least not so vividly digital?

 

[PicardMan]

Technical question, maybe OT, but why do most anime these days look like this and how is this style called? All the Netflix anime have one look and it looks similar to this too. Personally I prefer how shows looked the old way. Is there ANY new show that is hand drawn but HD or at least not so vividly digital?

I believe Inuyasha (at least the early episodes) was the last anime done on cels. We haven't had cel anime for over 20 years.

I think Gachiakuta is a pretty solid looking series. Maybe not as flashy as something like Demon Slayer, but it's good at what it sets out to be.

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 14 "The Storm before the Storm"
October 12, 2025​

After returning from the Penta No Man's Land, Rudo and the Cleaners face a series of new threats​

 

[Frontier]

The Amo stuff hit really hard...

 

[PicardMan]

Episode 15 "The Storm before the Storm"
October 19, 2025​

Tkaen by the Raiders to an unknown setting, the Cleaners fight for their lives and Zodyl makes Rudo an offer.​

 

[Yojimbo]

Caught up on this series. I saw the trailer back when but seeing it was another BONES animated show I did an eye-roll and slept on it. But with less stuff to watch, decided now was a good time to catch up on some series I put on the backburner. Saw some tropes that seemed really familiar. Protagonist who saw their parent die, smiling problem. Joins a group with powers like him. There's another group that's bad guys. A non-typical Dystopia. Some social commentary. A common power set. Then it clicked when I read up a bit, made by a protege of the one who created Fire Force. But this one's got a bit more a punk edge to it.

Decent mystery to get me hooked. Who this "angel" is, how can he/she/they cross the border, why Rudo's dad had to die and why they wanted his journal.

The Amo 2 parter was a soul crusher. On the level of something you'd see in Made in Abyss. I hope after all that they didn't kill her o.s.

The one thing not a fan of. Totally hate Jabber. Just pure annoying berserker type.

 

[PicardMan]

It does look like this series might be the next Elusive Samurai rather than the next Demon Slayer/ Jujutsu Kaisen megahit. Trash monsters aren't the coolest concept to bring a wide audience in. Dan Da Dan season 2 and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle have pretty much blown every other 2025 shonen away so far. The Amo arc was probably the most artistically ambitious this series has gotten. I'm hoping the dub comes back soon to see if the momentum from the Amo arc continues.

 

[Yojimbo]

It does look like this series might be the next Elusive Samurai rather than the next Demon Slayer/ Jujutsu Kaisen megahit. Trash monsters aren't the coolest concept to bring a wide audience in.

Eh, they haven't revisited the trash monsters much. Once to show how cool Riyo and the supporters are. Like White-Clad in Fire Force, Gach is focusing on the Raiders more than the monsters as the season continues.

The Amo arc was probably the most artistically ambitious this series has gotten. I'm hoping the dub comes back soon to see if the momentum from the Amo arc continues.

I read somewhere the dub returns next week. edit: here