FLCL Shoegaze Episode 1 Review

Join Swimpedia as we review a screener of the first episode of FLCL Shoegaze with minimal spoilers, and find out how this three-episode installment may actually be the most unique FLCL sequel to date.

[MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD]

Following the announcement that both FLCL Grunge and FLCL Shoegaze would not only air back-to-back, but also consist of just three episodes each, fans were left completely surprised. Instead of being treated to the standard formula established by the previous iterations of FLCL, these series would have to tell stories that could be adequately fleshed out over the course of three weekends. FLCL Grunge took on this challenge by fitting much of the expected plot points into the first episode, quickly covering the arrival of Haruko up to the climactic battle with Medical Mechanica in just one day. Then, with its remaining two episodes, the show went over that same period again, but switched the perspective from Shinpachi to Shonari in the second episode and Orinoko in the third episode. In other words, this provided them with three episodes to fully explore the specific event they wanted to dive into–the origin of Haruko’s guitar. However, when it comes to FLCL Shoegaze, the team behind this new entry has taken FLCL in a completely different direction, even if it’s actually a sequel to FLCL Alternative. If you’re interested in learning more about the fifth installment in the FLCL universe, FLCL Shoegaze, please continue reading and check out the series premiere tonight at midnight on Toonami and next day on Max.

FLCL Shoegaze turns our attention to Masaki and Harumi, characters on a mission in the mysterious Tsuganei tower who are each dealing with their own internal battles. Masaki, much like Shinpachi and Naota before him, is a lost teenage boy trying to figure out the world around him. As the main character, he’s being set up to have major psychological and puberty based revelations, and of course, is dealing with the expected headaches that may or may not proceed an overflow and head bulge. That being said, a potential theme this time around seems to be depression, the notion of being a loner and outright losing your connection to the outside world. Thus, in many ways Masaki also embodies elements of Hidomi from FLCL Progressive, although he’s closed himself off because, as can be seen in the trailer, he sees yokai that no one else can. He’s chosen to step away from people around him who would never believe him, and in doing so, finds himself no longer able to even engage with others normally.

Similarly, when it comes to Harumi, it also seems that she is quite dissatisfied with everything, searching for some reason to feel alive. Although the nature of their depressive states may be different, Harumi clearly sees a connection with Masaki, quickly bonding herself to him whether or not Masaki originally wants that. However, she still has an incredibly positive attitude despite her negative ideas, and in so many ways acts just like Haruko, including her more sexualized comments and actions. Many longtime fans who are used to Haruko’s endless disguises might even think these characters are one and the same, however not only is Harumi seemingly credited as her own character, but she is also voiced by Kim Gasiciel not Kari Wahlgren. Additionally, throughout the course of the entire first episode and the trailer for the series, there is no outright mention or cameo of Haruko at all in the present beyond various nods and hints. It’s clear that the creators are setting this up to be some sort of mystery where the viewer is left to ask are Harumi and Haruko actually the same, are they related, are they connected, or really, where is Haruko period?

That being said, one character that fans will recognize and has definitively returned is Kana from FLCL Alternative, voiced by Megan Taylor Harvey. Interestingly still featuring a band-aid on her forehead, Kana’s story is also interwoven into the Tsuganei tower. Otherwise, the character features many of the traits one would expect, although of course matured into adulthood. Yet, at this time, that's where the clear connections between FLCL Alternative and FLCL Shoegaze end, with many of the other elements of this fifth series standing in stark contrast to what previous iterations have done before. Although there is mention of Medical Mechanica, Kana’s past, the recognizable giant clothing iron, and the overarching theme of puberty, there’s just as much that feels completely fresh. For example, no one understands the origin of this new tower structure, both in the real world and in the anime, and one character states how no one has even heard from Medical Mechanica in some time. On the other hand, FLCL has never featured yokai even if they might be a stand-in for a complex metaphor. Overall, viewers should expect a clear change in the typical formula that helps this series stand on its own.

Otherwise, fans will be happy to see the return of many of the structural elements that FLCL is known for as far back as the original series. First, although FLCL Grunge departed from this in a major way with a 3D CGI aesthetic, FLCL Shoegaze takes us back to 2D visuals. Additionally, while FLCL Grunge was very creative with its use of color and alternating animation, which really made the world pop, FLCL Shoegaze has a more muted color palette and consistent artwork, which gives it an appealing clean look and also helps to showcase the bright ghosts hidden throughout the episode. There also seems to be a greater emphasis on the usage of music here, having a greater presence throughout various scenes. Ultimately, this creates a well done marriage between the idea of still clearly being FLCL structurally and thematically, but also including plot points, characters, and concepts that are very much original. Whereas FLCL Grunge seemed to expand on FLCL by using the first series as a clear foundation, FLCL Shoegaze has taken the core ideas but then decided to go in a new direction that will forever enrich the brand in different and exciting ways.

Altogether, despite only being three episodes, FLCL Shoegaze may be setting itself up to be the most interesting and unique FLCL sequel thus far. Fans of the original will find many recognizable elements that made FLCL (2000-2001) so special, from the music to themes around growing up. Others may also enjoy how this is the first sequel to build on the legacy of the sequels themselves, featuring Kana, the first character who’s played a major role as both a teenager and adult in the FLCL universe. However, for those who want to see FLCL go in a bold new direction, this may be the series for you–just the notion that Haruko isn’t present, it’s not about the Medical Mechanica irons, or that there are potentially yokai in this universe will set this series apart from anything done with FLCL before. It’ll be exciting to see where this story heads next, especially given the episode’s major cliffhanger, and we hope that you join us for this journey into uncharted FLCL territory.

The first episode of FLCL Shoegaze premieres tonight at midnight on Toonami, and next day on Max!