Review: Kill La Kill

PHOTO CREDIT: OFFICIAL SHOW POSTER

BY BRIAN SUSSMAN

The thrilling action anime series, Kill La Kill, finished its first and only season. The series takes place in a high school dystopia where the students wear special “goku uniforms” infused with “life fibers” giving them superhuman strength and the ability to transform. The main protagonist, Ryuku Matoi, revolts against the main antagonist, Satsuki Kiryuin, and her army of students.

Ryuku is a headstrong teenage girl. Her mother abandoned her and her father was murdered during his research on how to save the world from the “life fibers”. Ryoku is searching for her father’s killer at the beginning of the series when she finds Senketsu. Senketsu is a conscious sailor suit that can talk and was created by her father. When Ryuku wears Senketsu she gains immense strength.

Satsuki is a teenage girl who is worshiped by most as a goddess. She is in charge of school affairs and the distribution of the goku uniforms. She uses the students and the production of goku uniforms to raise an army and tyrannize the school. Her strength is unrivaled and speaking ill of her is taboo. She is suspected to be the killer of Ryuku’s father and is pursued by Ryuku throughout the series.

This series isn’t complete without its comedic relief. Mako is Ryuku’s care taker and best friend. She is a fan favorite for her unconventional ways of displaying her obsessive affection toward Ryuku. She approaches the villains unarmed and tries to persuade them to leave Ryuku alone using heartfelt speeches.  Aikiro Mikisugi is Ryuku’s homeroom teacher and the undercover leader of an underground rebellion against Satsuki. He is a nudist and while explaining to Ryuku how the fate of the world is in her hands, he makes seductive poses and gestures.

One should watch Kill La Kill not only for its unique design and consistent action, but also the masterful story telling at hand. The character developing is tear-jerking, and the flashbacks are nothing short of sobering.  Any viewer can also appreciate the comedy; at any point of watching show, one may go from crying to bellowing in laughter.