Granbelm Episode 9 Review: Nocturne Changes Colours

Anna has been out for an entire episode, and our current villain is now Suisho. Let’s get her.

Plot

Nene is still working on her theory of the abnormal magical power being generated from Mangetsu’s house. I am not entirely sure as to why this is freaking her out, but it is. Does it mean that Mangetsu is the strongest of them all? Is she surprised because Mangetsu doesn’t come from a family of magicians? I’m gonna guess it’s both.

Back with a flashback, we get to see Kuon’s sister playing the piano and telling her that the only way for the two of them to be safe is her joining Granbelm and becoming a magician. As I mentioned before, this seems to be the most interesting storyline so far. After a brief standard shot of Kuon squeezing her hands on her skirt, we see her ignoring all communications on her phone.

In the meantime, Shingetsu is offering Mangetsu yet another training session on the Armanox. It is full of non-important information and shiny drawings. I’m not really sure if there’s any point to that or if this is just a method to fill in the episode and delay the battle. She has some visions while she’s at it. Shingetsu explains that she won’t be able to participate in the next battle, because of all the damage she took from Anna.

Meanwhile, Suisho is being very creepy with Kuon. The sexual harassment tension in the scene is real. Suishou tries to convince Kuon that her sister wanted to get rid of her. She also seems to have some very specific ideas on how she will be the one to win Granbelm because she’s ready to give everything up and accept her pain, unlike the others.

Shingetsu and Mangetsu are working hard to call on a spirit called Orca. After this very educational session, they go grab some fast food, and Shingetsu eats even though it messes with her diet. She ends up buying fast food. On her way home, Nene meets approaches her, probably to talk to her about the anomaly on her radar.

The next Granbelm round begins. Shingetsu seems to have found out something really profound about Mangetsu, and instead of stepping back as she was supposed to, she decides to throw herself into battle. Suisho quickly shows up and challenges her, but I won’t bother you with the details. Scream, slap, and smash. Suishou seems to be doing pretty well. Mangetsu joins in. Lots of screaming. The Kuon joins in. There is rain. The three of them seem to be teaming up against Suishou – I mean, wasn’t that the plan? Kuon is particularly enthusiastic, despite her little talk with Suishou. Suishou also touches on the fact that Shingetsu knows something Mangetsu doesn’t… Are they gonna tell us or what? Suishou threatens to tell. Please do? Nope. Instead, she calls on a spirit called Medusa.

Battle battle battle. Mangetsu summons Orca. So they’re all like, sea creatures now? I don’t get it. Kuon is captured by Suishou, and she uses her sister’s voice to freak her out. It’s not very effective. Kuon manages to break free and even do a little piano concerto while she’s at it. Kuon is now seriously pissed off and has a serious go at Suishou. To be frank, nothing seems to have changed except for her resolve somehow. Or her point of view. Which is pretty much what real life is like anyway, so I’ll have to allow it. Battle battle smash. Did Kuon win? Nah. But Suishou’s Armanox changed into something a lot more phallic for some reason.

Oh, come on, just tell us

I mean it’s not hard to guess that she’s some special magical child but at least let us find out.

How did you find this Granbelm episode? Let us know in the comment section! And don’t forget to check the rest of the Summer 2019 anime reviews on MANGA.TOKYO!