First Impressions / Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta

「風の革命」 (Kaze no Kakumei)
“The Wind Revolution”

As the third episode of Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta rolls in, it’s revelations galore, and you can’t help but feel somewhat for Kal-el (a.k.a. Karl la Hire, former Crown Prince) considering what he’s been through. His father was executed following the Wind Revolution, his mother drawn away to be killed in a pig cart shortly after, and even he was scheduled for death at some point. At this point, it makes perfect sense why he’s unstable emotionally, and its surprising that he’s gotten this far without going bonkers considering the potential catalysts around him.

Not only does he have to deal with issues that people his age normally deal with, he has to deal with seeing pictures of or hearing about Nina Viento (literally translated as “girl of the wind”) everywhere he goes, he has to deal with the whole noble vs. commoners clash that he normally wouldn’t have to—the list goes on. He’s essentially trying to live a life as someone he isn’t—or at least, as someone he hasn’t completely accepted—and he’s doing so while on a floating island literally being sent to nowhere. Oh yeah, Nina Viento’s also on it too. To say the least, it’s definitely not the ideal situation to be in, and it shows just how well the Albus family has done to get Kal-el this far.

That said, it’s interesting how Kal-el and Claire are similar in some regards. Both of them grew up as members of the upper class and both of them associate extensively with commoners despite this. But whereas Claire does so on a voluntary basis, Kal-el never had a choice in the matter. In this sense, it can be said that Claire is the person Kal-el could have been if the Wind Revolution never happened, and it goes to show how important circumstances are in determining the person we ultimately become. There’s a nature vs. nurture element to this whole thing, and it’s only fitting that the two end up coming together the way they did, because Claire fits perfectly as someone who could keep Kal-el from succumbing to his desire for revenge. Not only could she fill the void left behind by his circumstances, she’s a literal reminder of who he could have been if things went differently in the past. More importantly, her upbringing allows her to sympathize with Kal-el, which may serve as a conduit for venting emotions that he’s normally unable to talk about.

At the same time, it’s a give and take. Now that Claire is a significant person in Kal-el’s life, it’s highly possible that if something happens to her, there could be no turning back for the latter. Up until now, he’s been able to hold in his rage purely because of the Albus family’s influence and his mother’s last words, and it’s a precarious balance that could be tipped by the slightest incident. Things could easily go grim dark in a hurry, but at the same time, it has to be noted that Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta doesn’t seem to be that kind of story. Rather, it seems to be more of the uplifting variety instead. Considering that Claire seems to be the person who ends up “teaching him about love” (per the premise synopsis), it’s seems that she’ll at least survive through a majority of the series, and their relationship will form the crux of the story and of Kal-el’s development. The thing is though, this doesn’t mean she’s someone who will definitely survive the entirety of the series, and it makes me wonder if she does. There seem to be some subtle hints that things don’t end up as ideal as we’d like, and it kind of feels like Nina Viento may actually be more likely to survive at this point instead!

Overall, the revelations we get this week only lead to more questions, and it makes you wonder how things are going to develop from here. As with the previous episodes, there’s a lot of potential brewing here with Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta, which could make this a series we either love or hate to no end when it’s all said and done. There are still nine episodes left though, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Until next week!

Full-length images: 12.

 

Preview

53 Comments

    1. “Are they a couple in progress?”

      Probably. I can think of several ways to interpret this, one of them was our MC getting beat up when he went to confront the Lancer when he found out the Lancer was dating the MC’s sister.

      TheMoondoggie
      Reply

    4. I… I was curious.
      I gave in to the dark side.
      My hands trembling, my lips parched.
      I flipped the page open – my eyes darted here and there.
      And then I saw it. I saw what I shouldn’t have seen.
      I regret my mind’s random curiosity to seek knowledge.
      So, I will just sit here and be sad.

      (I’m smiling to myself thinking that this show will get more, *hopefully*, interesting (now that I took the sink, line, and hooker of the word Spoiler’s temptation).

      tsukioniisan
      Reply

    6. You’re all lucky, since you lasted until episode 3.

      I ended up accidentally spoiling myself right after episode 1 after an innocent visit to Anime News Network (;_;)

      Just don’t even Google this show at all. Practically everything lists the spoiler.

      Tre
      Reply

  6. I don´t know why but watching this series reminds me of The Count of Monte Cristo, maybe it´s the whole talk about revenge and how eats you from inside. That being said, I think what Ka-El´s mother counts as something any good mother would do but was also very selfish, in the sitauation her child is in hatred is not really an option, is a necessity for survival, I know, it´s horrible but like Edmond Dantès did Ka-El has the right to hate the people who did this to his family and even ripped apart Nina Viento´s heart if given the chance.

    As Zephyr said the fact he hasn´t do any of this speaks volumes of the love of the Albus family but it remains to be seeing, this kind of wound never, ever closes and it´s more than obvious that reason behind the Wind Revolution was not the wellfare of the populance but the ambition of a few.

    haseo0408
    Reply

    2. I’m very curious about exactly WHAT the wind rebellion was. It was a ‘peasant rebellion’ of some kind, but at the same time it was apparently orchestrated by an angry noble. However, at the same time it DOES seem to have had the support of the public in an almost cult-ish manner considering the way they react to Nina Viento.

      Given what the Emperor said before he died I don’t think there’s any ‘proof’ of Nina Viento’s holy nature beyond her power, but people seem to believe she’s a child of god, so I think there’s an element of religious fanaticism tied into all of this. And, unless, the image was lie/illusion, she IS responsible for the destruction of his home and was directly involved in the execution of his parents.

      KaleRylan
      Reply

      3. actually the flashback was pretty clear: the revolution won thanks to the aid of Nina’s supernatural powers.

        I do wonder how much power she has in the government now.. or if she is being used as a religious symbol to just rally the people.

        I have the feeling Nina (young) realized what a mistake she made when she saw Karl’s eyes (young) .. i had the feeling she regretted whet she did. … Oddly i got nothing on that feeling when she did the speech on the first episode, likely when she got older she just got assimilated by the system.. or the hold they have on her got deeper.

        inanis
        Reply

  7. History is recorded by the victors.
    We haven’t really been shown how the old Empire was bad or if the Wind Rebellion was truly justified. However, from flashbacks so far, those creepy old men behind Nina Viento don’t look particularly righteous. The citizens did seem discontent during the parade though. I don’t know what to think yet.

    Ptolemaios00
    Reply

    1. Agreed. It’s hard to tell as of yet. The mother, at least, doesn’t seem nearly evil enough to justify what happened to her, and yet the citizens were clearly behind it.

      Was it all a matter of spin? Did this Ameriano convince the people the rulers were bad? At this stage the history of this show is way more interesting to me than the ‘end of the sky’ thing.

      KaleRylan
      Reply

  8. Treason and murder of your family isnt something that you should arbitrarily forgive, kiss and make up with those responsible. After reading the wiki entry id like for once the current mc to act like the mc from darker then black and put one between the eyes and walk away as an ending

    ripper19
    Reply

  9. I’m kind of split on this series. I like the story and the characters for the most part. This episode certainly does give one good reason to feel sympathetic for Kal. Must have been a traumatic experience for him to lose both his parents like that. I like Claire as well. Frankly, it’s hard not to like someone as nice as she is.

    The problem I have is the all the aerial stuff. Standing up, shooting a semi-automatic rifle at a barrage balloon while traveling at least 100mph (stall speed is probably 120+mph given wing area)!? LOL, yeah, I guess it would be tough to hit the broad side of a barn barrage balloon with the “wind buffeting the rifle”. Odd how the wind only affects the rifle and not Kal’s body as well. *facepalm* I re-watched the opening battle in EP 01, and at least for the “normal”/non-trainer planes, they had a mounted machine gun which could be moved 360 degrees along a metal ring. That still make zero sense vs. a more conventional design (e.g. 2+ fixed, forward-firing MGs with seated rear gunner firing mounted, pivotable MG), but I’m willing to suspend my considerable disbelief on that as well as the physic’s defying tilt-rotor acrobatics. But watching the “training” session just goes too far. It’s not asking for suspension of disbelief, but rather complete absence.

    Same goes for conversations perfectly understood by simply speaking to the other person all while traveling in an open cockpit bracketed by two prop engines (these things don’t have mufflers) at 120mph, 150mph or even 200mph (IIRC cruising speed is about 190mph). Worse is shouting out commands to the squadron… which are actually heard and understood (the planes react after he yells the commands so it’s not done by signal flare alone). *bangs head on desk* Again, it’s beyond suspension of disbelief to complete absence. Given then level of tilt-rotor technology, I’m surprised at the lack of any voice radio tech. I’m assuming that’s the case since the distress signal is sent by Morse Code (so there is at least some wireless comm tech).

    Worst of all, none of these WTF issues need be present. There’s NO reason not to have a couple MGs mounted in the top of the nose or wings AND have the rear gunner be just that. No standing up – sit down and cover the rear/sides of the plane in a similar manner to a Douglas SBD “Dauntless” dive bomber. If the elevated rear end absolutely must be there, then have the MG mounted per the “non-trainer” planes and the gunner’s seat swivel 360 degrees so that the “rear” gunner can fire forward as well. NO reason why they can’t have at least some basic voice radio/wireless tech either – even just wired between pilot and gunner and leave out the shouting commands to a squadron in flight. A signal flare is enough. I can’t see how paying sufficient attention to detail for these issues would have any impact on the story.

    It’s frustrating because I DO like the show overall. I don’t have any plans to drop the show, but the in-universe credibility issues are making hard not to do so.

    daikama
    Reply

    2. This is all very well said and frankly I agree with you on most of it. That said, it seems from your statements you know a thing or two about aviation and military aircraft, plus a little basic logic (why tilt-rotor but no radio?).

      Most viewers probably are not as knowledgeable about these things as you appear to be so I don’t think it would bother them.

      That said, I do agree with you that a lot of this stuff changes nothing. Having the gunner (if that’s what you call them here since they don’t seem to have a gun)have a machine gun versus apparently firing a freaking rifle would not change much and Morse code versus voice radio would change literally nothing. The rifle thing is particularly silly since can you imagine trying to hit a moving target that’s shooting back at you in a situation like that?

      Still, I’m here for the plot, which I’m enjoying so far, so I’ll forgive them the utter randomness of this world’s technology, and apparently wind magic.

      KaleRylan
      Reply

      1. @KaleRylan: I’m enjoying the plot as well which is why I’m split on the show. Normally, I’d just drop it and move on, but I’m hooked enough on the story to want to know how this all turns out. JMO, but I see this as lack of attention to detail which other shows have given proper attention. You make a very good point about the fact that a large percentage (probably most, but who knows for sure) may not realize some of the issues – particularly avionics. FWIW, I’m far from an expert on that field. Just some things I’ve picked up here and there.

        Still, anyone who’s driven or ridden in a car traveling at highway speeds with the windows down knows that wind noise is significant… and that’s INSIDE the car. Stick you head out the window (passengers only please) and now see how loud it is. Now add some type of helmet on top of that. Pretty d*mn hard to hear anything above the din. Stick your hand out the window and you can feel just how much wind resistance there is. Now double all that that b/c the speed is roughly doubled… That’s on top of trying to shot on a moving, unstable platform with apparently no(!?) small arms training. Kal doesn’t even hold the rifle correctly after Claire “corrects” him. I didn’t mention that, but it made no sense that they didn’t receive any training in how to shoot. Just the trainees up there and hope for the best I guess. >_>

        My overall point is that I’m willing to give some (key) suspension of disbelief, but the show should meet me halfway instead of putting all the burden on the viewer. Attention to detail. Even if “most” viewers may not realize most of the flaws, why even take the risk? It may take some additional effort, but why not make the show the best they can? Why not think about these things during scripting/production/direction and address them? Other shows have hired “military hardware advisers” so no reason the show couldn’t have done the same (if they did, they picked the wrong one). Why? That’s the question that repeatedly comes to mind. Are they not aware of such in-universe credibility issues, or just don’t care? “Good enough” rather than simply good?

        daikama
        Reply

      3. @daikama

        Eh, it’s not that bad, it’s still just wind noise – I’ve had to communicate through things that are much louder, like multiple M16/4s or a M2. I don’t really hold Kal-el’s posture against him either, most of the time TVs and movies with real actors don’t even get them right, I’m not going to hold an animate studio to a higher standard(besides, at least the direction given by Claire was correct).

        As for the trainee’s lack of experience, that’s something for the story to explain later.

        My overall point is that I’m willing to give some (key) suspension of disbelief, but the show should meet me halfway instead of putting all the burden on the viewer.

        But you’re not at the mid-point, your position is way far on the other end relative to most people.

        Attention to detail. Even if “most” viewers may not realize most of the flaws, why even take the risk? It may take some additional effort, but why not make the show the best they can?

        Some of it is inherent in the world setting, this is not a non-fiction, it’s not bound by the all the rules and logic of the real world(unless you think Earth is really flat, and floating islands magically appears and floats over bottomless giant waterfalls and magic springs).

        Also, there are the very real world constraints called time and budget, just like not every TV shows gets a $200 million production treatment, most animes also don’t get a Ghibli-style makeover.

        Mike
        Reply

      4. @Mike:

        Just posted a long “proof” reply to Zephyr explaining why I make the claims I do (currently “awaiting moderation”), so no point in repeating all of that. It’s as comprehensive as I’m willing to post.

        “Just” wind noise at 100mph, 150mph or greater isn’t so “just”, especially when you add engine noise and gunfire on top of it. Communications systems between pilots and other aircrew were developed for a reason.

        You do make a good point about Kal’s firearm technique (or lack thereof), but the problem for me is that it’s ONE MORE THING I have to overlook. Regardless of whether this is “halfway” for the majority of viewers or not, it all adds up. Perhaps many others may not notice such details, but that avoids the real question which IMO is WHY have these (potential) issues when some extra work and planning can avoid them? It does not take millions of dollars to draw a basic wired comm system, or have Kal strapped in a seat firing a mounted MG. Attention to detail isn’t an insurmountable financial burden. In the overall scheme of things, I’m really not asking for that much.

        As for the fantasy setting, in ANY fictional setting there ARE “in-universe” rules, and from everything I’ve seen, the complaints I have concern violations of those “in-universe” rules as presented. To simply say “well, it’s fantasy” and buy into whatever happens is the same as what I posted above, absence of disbelief rather than suspension. In-universe credibility matters to me because at some threshold violation, it bars my immersion into the setting and story. It creates a barrier, a strong, constant realization that this is “just made” up in contrast with being able to be “swept up in the story.” So if/when some “feels” moment occurs, why should I feel anything for the characters since it’s painfully obvious all of this is “just fiction”? It’s the difference between a story told and a story well told.

        You may not be convinced which is fine – agree to disagree, but IMO “not so bad” shouldn’t be standard to which a show is judged. My hope is that the underlying story will surmount such issues, but the fact remains that IMO the show would be markedly improved if they did not exist, and again IMO, they should not exist.

        daikama
        Reply

      5. Just posted a long “proof” reply to Zephyr explaining why I make the claims I do (currently “awaiting moderation”), so no point in repeating all of that. It’s as comprehensive as I’m willing to post.

        “Just” wind noise at 100mph, 150mph or greater isn’t so “just”, especially when you add engine noise and gunfire on top of it.

        One of those 3 is a lot louder than the other two(more importantly, 100mph is definitely your number). Not saying it’s not loud, but trust me, a bunch of rifles firing is far louder.

        Perhaps many others may not notice such details, but that avoids the real question which IMO is WHY have these (potential) issues when some extra work and planning can avoid them? It does not take millions of dollars to draw a basic wired comm system, or have Kal strapped in a seat firing a mounted MG. Attention to detail isn’t an insurmountable financial burden.

        One, because it’s very likely that 99.99% of the viewership don’t give a flying ****, second, that’s not how the author designed the craft (yes, this is based on a LN, it is NOT anime original).

        As for the fantasy setting, in ANY fictional setting there ARE “in-universe” rules, and from everything I’ve seen, the complaints I have concern violations of those “in-universe” rules as presented.

        Uh, you realize that you’ve been declaring what those rules are in the first place right?

        It creates a barrier, a strong, constant realization that this is “just made” up in contrast with being able to be “swept up in the story.” So if/when some “feels” moment occurs, why should I feel anything for the characters since it’s painfully obvious all of this is “just fiction”? It’s the difference between a story told and a story well told.

        I don’t know about you, but the fact that it’s an animation is a pretty obvious clue to me that it’s “just made up”. I love LOTR, I get swept up in the story, but not for one second did I believe magic was real.

        I fail to see why such a burden of suspension of disbelief should be placed upon more knowledgeable viewers…NONE of the above answers the primary question I have which is WHY did the director/producer/whoever ignore such issues? Changes could be made to technical aspects which do away with many of these issues. How is the story harmed by having a relatively more traditional layout? You say there are fixed, forward firing MGs, but I didn’t see any for Kal’s side. If a wireless radio is “too much” than how about a “telephone” type comm system between gunner and pilot? Where’s the harm in that to the overall story?

        Because it’s an anime show about a magical floating island in made up world, not a History Channel documentary on WWII.

        Suspension of disbelief is almost a prerequisite for watching anime, but IMO that doesn’t mean shows should freely abuse that notion.

        While you’re certainly entitled to your view(and I certainly understand where you’re coming from), from where I stand, it’s almost like I’m hearing someone complain about My Little Pony because the anatomies of the horses aren’t presented correctly.

        I’d never be able to enjoy any action flick if I were you, I’d be too busy complaining about how 99% of firefights, explosions, effects of the above on the human body, handling of firearms, fire team tactics and maneuvers are totally wrong and unrealistic.

        Mike
        Reply

    3. Well, just to comment a bit on the in-plane communication portion, it’s interesting to note that they do seem to have the pipes next to the pilot and gunner’s faces for communication similar to what Last Exile did, so it’s not completely lacking. In that sense, the morse-code also is something that Last Exile used as well, so it at least fits in the realm of aerial combat series in general. If I remember, Last Exile didn’t have long distance communication either so, more of it’s a selective choice on part of the guys behind this show. Though admittedly, the squadron leader screaming things out was a bit over the top, but nothing that drastic if that’s the only real big thing here.

      In regards to the rest, it seems that the whole control scheme is based around the tilt-rotor aspect and the sudden cuts/turns it’s able to make. In that sense what they seem to have here is the pilot being focused mostly on piloting and the weaponry left to the gunner, which does make a bit of sense if you’re anticipating that you’re going to use the superior maneuverability of the tilt-rotor to combat opponents by suddenly stopping/turning so your gunner can get his shot in when you do. Chances are at times like this the forward MG wouldn’t be useful in any case, as the opponent would be to your left, right, back so it does make some sense why the rear-seat is like that. And if by some chance the opponent’s in the front, they do have a forward MG if needed.

      Of course, it’s not going to make perfect logical sense considering alternative strategies and deployments, but at least if you consider the way they seem to do things here in their dogfights versus the ones we’ve seen irl, there is at least a little logic within it. Not quite a total absence of disbelief.

      Zephyr
      Reply

      1. @Zephyr: “…it’s interesting to note that they do seem to have the pipes next to the pilot and gunner’s faces for communication similar to what Last Exile did, so it’s not completely lacking.”

        Not familiar with Last Exile, but I did notice the potential “speaking tube” communications setup. Reminded me of voice pipes used a long time ago on ships. I say “potential” because the way the anime illustrates said device is completely ineffective for the intended use. See above reply to KaleRylan concerning wind/engine noise. Here is a pre-WWI illustration of an aviation “speaking tube”. Notice how for the pilot, the “speaker” is literally right on top of his ear. So for a pilot in Toaru Hikuushi, it could work… IF the pilot stuck his/her ear on top of the tube opening. For the gunner – no way. Not possible. The gunner is ALL over the place (see below) which makes using a fixed tube impossible. Plus, the gunner is even more exposed to wind/engine noise before even adding noise from gun fire.

        tl:dr = The “voice tube” as show in the anime is not a realistic system.

        ——————————-

        – “In that sense what they seem to have here is the pilot being focused mostly on piloting and the weaponry left to the gunner, which does make a bit of sense if you’re anticipating that you’re going to use the superior maneuverability of the tilt-rotor to combat opponents by suddenly stopping/turning so your gunner can get his shot in when you do.”

        Sorry, but I disagree. First, the suddenly stopping, turning, reversing direction, etc. via tilt-rotor manipulation is unrealistic. Tilt-rotors do NOT work like that. They do NOT instantly shift from horizontal position to vertical in a split second, and even if they did, there is such a thing as forward momentum. You didn’t see this type of maneuvering IRL because it’s not possible IRL. When I posted “considerable suspension of disbelief” that was a primary part of “considerable”.

        For VTOL aircraft such as the Harrier “Jump Jet” the desire for the VTOL aspect was “…to operate from ad-hoc facilities such as car parks or forest clearings, avoiding the need for large air bases vulnerable to tactical nuclear weapons. Later the design was adapted for use from aircraft carriers…” In combat (“dog fights”), the VTOL aspect wasn’t used IRL because RL physics along with the nature of the VTOL system make it disadvantageous to do so. Same is true for the more modern F-35. VTOL/SVTOL use is for exactly what the acronym implies – take off & landings only.

        During WWII, the Luftwaffe attempted to develop a tilt-rotor fighter, the Focke-Achgelis Fa 269, for the purpose of having a “local defense fighter which would combine the VTOL capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and economy of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft.” Again, the VTOL/tilt-rotor aspect is desired for the ability to take off and land in areas in which a conventional aircraft could not. Theoretically, you could hide the aircraft in a inconspicuous location rather than be subject to strategic bombing or air to ground fighter attack.

        tl:dr = The tilt-rotor function does NOT add ANY additional aerial combat (“dog fighting”) capability NOR was/is it used IRL during said combat for very good reasons. It makes the aircraft more versatile in terms of where the aircraft can be used (i.e. take off and land). That’s it.

        ———————————-

        Second, the “rear” gunner aspect is arguably the most egregious violation of in-universe credibility. The person just STANDS IN A COMPLETELY OPEN COCKPIT. IRL, they would lose gunners by the score simply by taking an unexpected dive (ex. if you’ve ever ridden a roller-coaster – you know why you are strapped in as soon as you take that first big drop). The gunner would have to use BOTH hands to hang on for dear life during all that fancy, physics defying maneuvering lest he/she be torn from the open cockpit. Both positive and negative g-forces would play havoc with the gunner’s body let alone ability to aim.

        That’s why in WWII, gunners for bombers like the B-25 Mitchell were seated, strapped in and situated in an enclosed bubble canopy for protection against wind (not to mention it was MUCH more aerodynamic). In my previous SBD “Dauntless” dive bomber example, the gunner is seated low enough to be protected from the wind, were only responsible for protecting the rear of the aircraft, and they were DEFINITELY strapped into their seat.

        As for “better aiming”, during WWI, one of the greatest advancements in fighter plane technology was the “interrupter gear RL aerial combat experience showed that it was MUCH more effective for fighters to have fixed, forward-firing guns and have the pilot “aim the plane” rather than have the pilot or separate gunner aim independently. The history of fighter aircraft development is far too lengthy/OT to address, but I think this quote from the Wiki article on that sums things up fairly well.

        The first step in finding a real solution was to mount the weapon on the aircraft, but the propeller remained a problem since the best direction to shoot is straight ahead. Numerous solutions were tried. A second crew member behind the pilot could aim and fire a swivel-mounted machine gun at enemy airplanes however, this limited the area of coverage chiefly to the rear hemisphere, and effective coordination of the pilot’s maneuvering with the gunner’s aiming was difficult.

        Finally, as for the complexities of flying and shooting, apart from the VTOL tilt-rotor aspect which was addressed above, the two highest scoring US WWII aces flew the twin-engined P-38 Lightning fighter. American WWII top ace, Richard Bong (40 confirmed kills) used the P-38’s twin engine design to his advantage during dog-fighting by simultaneously throttling back one engine and revving the other so as to “spin-turn” his plane. Even so, by far the most effective dog-fighting method for a P-38 fighter against the A6M Zero (or similar) was to use “boom and zoom” tactics. Dive down from above, fire, then use the Lightning’s speed advantage to zoom away, climb back up to altitude, and make another diving pass.

        tl:dr = RL has proven the exact opposite of what you suggest – especially for a gunner trying to aim a rifle or MG at an erratic, high speed moving target… while STANDING in an erratic, high speed moving open cockpit.

        ——————————

        Summary: A very “tl:dr” post for a reason. I wanted to show that my criticisms are well founded upon factual evidence. I’m not making this stuff up. Others may not have a problem with these issues, but unfortunately my basic knowledge of such things makes it very difficult to continuously overlooking such “WTF” moments. Furthermore, I fail to see why such a burden of suspension of disbelief should be placed upon more knowledgeable viewers.

        NONE of the above answers the primary question I have which is WHY did the director/producer/whoever ignore such issues? Changes could be made to technical aspects which do away with many of these issues. How is the story harmed by having a relatively more traditional layout? You say there are fixed, forward firing MGs, but I didn’t see any for Kal’s side. If a wireless radio is “too much” than how about a “telephone” type comm system between gunner and pilot? Where’s the harm in that to the overall story?

        Granted one could keep suspending disbelief further and further until no issues remain. However, IMO that’s an unfair, and worse, unnecessary burden placed upon the viewer. IMO, the anime should not be given a free pass for this when a little extra work and planning would make such a burden unnecessary. Suspension of disbelief is almost a prerequisite for watching anime, but IMO that doesn’t mean shows should freely abuse that notion.

        daikama
        Reply

      2. Point of clarification to my above post re: Harrier jet – I erroneously stated that the Harrier “Jump Jet” did not use its ability to alter thrust vectors during combat. It did. My mistake – got a bit confused when putting all of that together. Sorry about that. However, manipulating thrust vectors during combat is markedly different from tilt-rotor operation.

        daikama
        Reply

      3. tl:dr = The “voice tube” as show in the anime is not a realistic system.

        It’s a realistic system in the concept that there have been speaking tube systems utilized before and that it would be feasible as something usable if you’re close enough to the tube. At the very least, it’s not completely made up tech, and it’s something that has been used to a degree in various animated aerial combat series before.

        Your qualm seems to be that there’s too much noise, but to be honest, we’re not exactly sure how much noise the tilt-rotor seems to produce. It’s not the same technology as the motors and engines we use, and at the very least the fact they’re using hydrogen packs could at least provide an in-universe explanation as to why it could be quieter than we expect it to be. In that sense, we don’t hear much of the engine in general, but it’s not as if they’re completely quiet either. So it’s not as if they’re advertising the engine as completely quiet either, but at least it reasons that there are potential in-universe explanations as to why it is quieter than you would expect.

        To add on, the gunner may potentially be shifting 360 degrees, but that does not mean the wind tube system impossible to use, especially if it is quieter than you seem to assume it is. At the very least, the gunner can communicate at his discretion.

        Tilt-rotors do NOT work like that. They do NOT instantly shift from horizontal position to vertical in a split second, and even if they did, there is such a thing as forward momentum.

        The VTOL aspect is named such precisely what it is because it was the intention in the first place. Saying it’s VTOL automatically means the tilt-rotor was made intentionally for that sole purpose and was not intended for any additional dog-fighting maneuverability. This does not, however mean that it cannot be adapted in any other way. You can argue it just wasn’t ever really explored because there was no point.

        By the time we started making tilt-rotors, we already had aircraft that could break the sound barrier, which makes the notion of a tilt-rotor shifting in mid-air and slowing down pointless and likely physically impossible due to the speeds involved. However if we’re talking about WWI era aircraft, which went much slower, the tilt rotors are much feasible, The fact that VOTL’s we have IRL can fly and move their rotors at the same time when lifting off/landing attests to this ability to modify the rotor trajectory midway while maintaining lift and some speed.

        Of course, it won’t maintain full speed, but that’s the point, because it can use the tilt rotor to slow down enough so that aircraft chasing it would fly past it. Assuming their entire plan is this, then the gunner needs only to aim in a certain direction of the opposing plane’s predicted pathway.

        Re: the Gunner

        The interesting thing is it seems like you answered the thing right there. The gunner being at a higher location than the pilot and the rest of the plane gives him 360 uninterrupted firing angle. And as a correction, the forward firing gun was in fact the rear gunner utilizing that added vantage point. And for all the open cockpit issues, plenty of WWI era planes were open cockpit, so there’s nothing particularly wrong there.

        The seatbelts thing is something to note sure, but as of this time you’re unsure whether or not this applies only to more than just the basic trainee plane. And again, it was another Last Exile thing too (Vespas didn’t have seatbelts), so in ways it’s also par for the course.

        – –

        But yeah, look, there is some suspension of disbelief, sure. You can argue there’s more or less, and I never said you’re making things up. But in the realm of other animated aircraft series, it’s nothing more than what we’ve already been accustomed to, especially since this series seems to borrow quite heavily from Last Exile, which was extremely well liked despite people noting there were a few questions in terms of the aerial feasibility.

        I feel like that and the fact that some of these things haven’t been mentioned isn’t because people don’t notice it, but because that they know they shouldn’t be taking all of this with the expectation that it should be 100% catered to real life principles. It never advertises itself as based on something real (unlike say, Space Bros, which was sponsored by JAXA and NASA), so it shouldn’t be 100% accurate and shouldn’t be expected to be. Part of a series being an adventure and a fantasy is creating something different, even if it violates some things we accept IRL, precisely because they’re entitled to do what they want with their vision, and the author’s vision ended up like this.

        Zephyr
        Reply

    4. eh, I don’t know if I’d use “common sense” here, as you obviously knows something about combat aviation. What you consider to be common sense can be quite different than to the general public.

      This show is nowhere near egregious in glossing over details, at least no more than any other show. I mean, Gravity is a good movie, but some of the lolphysics in there was facepalm worthy to anyone who knows anything about space.

      Frankly, it’s just something you’ll have to get over if you want to enjoy stuff. I mean, I’d never get to enjoy most action/military shows if I keep pointing out all the non-sensicle things in them.

      Mike
      Reply

    5. Yeah, nice points you have. Too bad that this anime isn’t made for realism isn’t it? I mean floating islands and priestesses that controls the weather? If a show is trying to be real I’d worry about those first.

      Just go with it.

      TheMoondoggie
      Reply

    6. @daikama (I read only the first original post of yours. the others – tl;dr for now. sorry)
      pretty late to enter this discussion…but why not?so as for what you said:

      in world war I, and even after that (in between wars and some parts of WW2), the air-fights were like that…wasn’t it? I mean, 2 people sitting in some sort of old-model plane(cockpit open), one with a small-hand-weapons (grenades,hand-gun, rifle, even ropes and bricks (honestly!) and MG which entered a little later but that counts yeah) and the other one flying the plane or whatever.
      and in this series, those planes are like old-modles. these aren’t bombers or jet craft supposed to be with closed cockpit, they aren’t really much high (well maybe, I can’t say for sure). and it’s true that the wind is stronger and all, but this how it was. and yeah, keep stable body is important even while shooting from there, sure it doesn’t necessary mean he’ll hit, but more likely..yeah.

      now look, it’s not like I am saying you’re wrong or something. I am not considering myself someone who truly understand in this field (you talked about airspeed and other stuff, not to mention it’s hard to distinguish their velocity in anime but never mind).
      but I can tell you this – as someone a bit familiar (true, not much) with the aircraft history, this is seems decent enough for me and fits as possible to it. I can’t say it’s totally realistic, it’s an anime after all, and maybe there are really problems as you claimed. but saying zero sense?sorry, but I don’t buy what you’re selling (no offense, really). so, IMHO it’s reasonable enough, or at least somehow reasonable.

      thedarktower
      Reply

  10. There’s a better question wanting here ATM: Why did Kal-el not shoot the last 2 shots and kept them with him?

    Side note: Kal-el’s…sibling, Ariel (really, without birth dates, we’ll never know now…) might just go angry with Kal-el on the subject of the royal execution.

    info600
    Reply

      1. Based on my conjecture, I think its for 2 people.

        1st bullet is for Nina (which is so damn obvious) and the 2nd one is for himself. If my guess is correct, he’s not planning to survive after he kills Nina

        Ginobi47
        Reply

  12. I like the way they tell the story, combining between past and present. sure, it’s going slow for now, but it’s solid. we’re exposed to more and more of this world’s history and Kal-el’s past (and a bit of present) feelings along side the present with the training and all.

    history always thought us that royalty and nobility are usually the bad-guys who exploit the people and looking down on you just because you didn’t born to this circle of people, and so as happening even in the current present of the show. yet, in Kal-el’s case is quite different. on the one hand, he said that back then people didn’t look so nice, yet we aren’t getting the feeling that they are totally guilty. maybe it’s because it’s via Kal-el’s point-of-view. but it’s mostly interesting, now that Kal-el is in on the other side, he isn’t a royalist anymore, quite the opposite, still he doesn’t see something wrong with what his parents did or did not.

    that way or another, we’re getting an interesting POV of the other side, of the royalist side, who gets hurt the most but he was only a kiddo.
    and poor Kal-El hold it the entire time. and all that left is revenge. and we can see it in the swinging between past and present – that memory is still strong, painful, fresh…it’s tough. but still, Kal-el finds his way in the present. for now it’s for the sake of revenge, but even when his mind isn’t occupied by that, he try to live his life. he is flying a plane which was his dream and enjoy with his friends and all.
    that swinging in feelings wrapping up the theme and makes it interesting.

    speaking of kiddos, Nina Viento looks like a kid when she helped in that revolution.even now she doesn’t seem like full-time adult. and it’s very interesting. Kal’s father said she is tricking. also, it was implied that this journey is nothing but troubles ahead (and it seems some of the elders know it too). so…basically she is a kiddo with power that leads to destruction?

    there is also the silver-head guy (which was a kiddo back then). at least we know a bit more of him, or can have a lucky solid guess. and indeed, he seems into this because of revenge, exactly like Kal-El. but not exactly. as I said above, Kal-El at least enjoy his life, but this one isn’t. he is gloomy all the time. looks like revenge got him all over. and as Zephy said, it’s nature vs nurture here. in this case I’d like to say more of nurture because Kal-El was nurtured by other family and live his life, while at least for now it doesn’t seem so for the silver-head guy.

    three eps are behind us. moving kinda slowly but I guess it’ll become intense later on.
    despite that, so far so good for Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta. it’s very interesting and solid in terms of story, theme, characters and all. I also like that the aerial’s stuff is an integral for all of it. great combination. I am looking forward the rest.

    thedarktower
    Reply

  13. Was that Ignacio in Karl’s flashback? I figured he wasn’t nobility, but I didn’t think he’d have grown up in such impoverished conditions, seeing how well dressed he is as a teenager. As a kid, it looked like someone hadn’t cleaned or fed him for several days. And the smile on his face when the La Hire family were made to bow in front of Nina Viento was rather disturbing. I also didn’t take him to be the type who slacked off in class, and Kal-el posed a valid question when he asked about Ignacio’s motivations. On another note, he didn’t say anything this episode, excluding the preview. Sigh… here’s hoping he’ll get his time in the spotlight, seeing how he is one of the leads.

    ashley
    Reply

  14. Finally caught up with this show and while I wasn’t too sure on it before,this episode definitely sealed the deal.

    I was reluctant on picking it up since I thought it’d focus heavily on aviation and while I enjoy the action scenes like any other guy,I’d probably loose interest if that was the main theme of the show,with a little bit of side romance,revenge & politics that would be half-assed.

    I was quite happy to see that the plot driver of Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta(does anyone know shortened name for this?) is the concept of a former prince seeking revenge for his parents and the internal conflicts that will come with it,along with some reasonably good romance to boot(although I’m not much of a fan of love at first sigh scenarios,it doesn’t bother me much here) that will most likely tie in together with the former.

    MgMaster
    Reply

  15. Thanks to wiki, I am SO looking forward how this story turns out to be =D, hopefully they put all five volumes into this anime since I cannot find any translations of the light novel online.

    Vic
    Reply

  16. wow that guy really had a reason to hold a grudge >.<

    so ignacio knows who ka-el really is? wow hope he keeps that a secret. (that white haired boy in karl's flashback was without a doubt ignacio)

    about the 2 bullets.. i agree hes thinking on killing Nina and then himself… actually i had the feeling the guy was about to go all kamikaze on her in the first episode.. but at that time i couldnt understand why he would have that reaction.

    Ia the republic better than the empire? or is the republic held together only by the "religious" influence of that "magical" girl? dunno need to get more details.

    yeah the whole shooting scene was "odd" unless they got really really really powerful semi-automatic rifles (so their bullets can go faster)

    lol i think Claire gonna ask Ka-el why is he looking so much at Nina's picture (i bet hes gonna try to salvage the situation saying they got the same eye color!)

    I would like more explanations! im pretty sure there is something i have missed besides the whole Ignacio subplot.

    inanis
    Reply

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