Gachiakuta Episode 2 Saves the Anime!

Although highly anticipated as one of Summer 2025’s top anime releases, had a relatively unimpressive debut. The first episode isn’t poor quality, but it doesn’t captivate newcomers to Kei Urana’s popular manga. Fortunately, Gachiakuta Episode 2, titled “The Inhabited,” manages to improve the situation by unveiling the anime’s true narrative and hinting at what awaits Rudo.

In Episode 2 of Gachiakuta, Rudo’s unjust framing for Regto’s murder and exile into The Pit mark the start of his prolonged journey towards vengeance and justice. However, he learns a harsh truth: most of the world harbors hatred towards him, and there seems to be no way to change that except by battling for the right to survive. Despite not breaking new ground in the shonen anime genre, this episode effectively demonstrates why such reinvention might not be needed.

Gachiakuta Reveals the Anime’s Setting & Power Systems

The Episode Is the Start of Gachiakuta’s Real Story

Gachiakuta isn’t an immediate action-packed battle anime; its world and story unfold gradually. The debut episode focuses on Rudo and his classist society, but lacks the action and escapism typical of Gachiakuta, given the hype preceding it. Moreover, Episode 1 skimps on revealing the specifics of the world, only providing a general outline, such as the prejudice against tribal people and their oppressive justice system. Fortunately, Gachiakuta Episode 2 dives headfirst into elaborating on the missing details and sets the anime’s genuine story in motion swiftly.

In Episode 2 of Gachiakuta, we learn that Rudo was expelled from The Sphere and fell into The Pit. Unlike the cities in the sky, The Pit appears to be a distinct dimension rather than being directly linked to them. This vast, trash-filled landscape is home to terrifying, almost immortal creatures known as Trash Beasts. The inhabitants of this planet-wide rubbish dump can be either scavengers or members of a group called Cleaners, who battle the Trash Beasts. Interestingly, Rudo possesses unique abilities that enable him to transform ordinary objects into weapons, and he’s part of a mysterious collective referred to as “Givers.” The fact that the entire episode is set within this single location without any cuts is worth noting.

In a nutshell, Episode 2 of Gachiakuta highlights some crucial details: The inhabitants of The Pit suffer more injustice than the tribespeople, and they harbor intense resentment towards the Spherites for destroying their homeland. To drive this point home, characters directly explain these matters to Rudo without interruptions. It’s fair to say that the dialogue feels heavy-handed and not very realistic. The main problem with Gachiakuta Episode 2 lies in its lack of subtlety and cleverness.

The Episode’s Lack of Nuance & Complexity Is Impossible to Deny

In the latest installment of “Gachiakuta”, characters openly display their animosity towards Spherites and Rudo without any apparent cause. Rudo’s antipathy towards those not aligned with Regto remains unexplored or challenged in a substantive way. Fans who appreciated the straightforward themes of Episode 1 may find themselves frustrated by how Episode 2 intensifies this immature pessimism. However, it’s important to note that the issue isn’t necessarily the content or delivery of “Gachiakuta”, but its lack of originality.

In my perspective, it’s essential to acknowledge that these aren’t ordinary stories; they’re set in magical realms filled with extraordinary individuals. It might even be said that the bigotry portrayed by the inhabitants of this world is over-the-top and offensive, reflecting the fact that prejudice is irrational and senseless. In truth, it’s refreshing to encounter a contemporary narrative that doesn’t shy away from depicting racism as the absurdity it often is. However, one cannot ignore the fact that these tropes are quite predictable in the genre of dark fantasies and dystopian narratives, which seem to have influenced Gachiakuta.

Anyone who has watched anime like Tokyo Ghoul is familiar with Gahicakuta’s perspective on discrimination stemming from class and biased opinions about individuals with unique abilities. Moreover, Rudo’s hatred can be understood as a rational response to his mistreatment, his marginalized position, and his violent retaliation against bigots rather than an exploration of human nature or societal issues. Here’s hoping that future episodes explore these themes more thoroughly, as Gahicakuta’s subtext could potentially convey something profoundly meaningful and contemporary instead of merely repeating previous ideas.

Gachiakuta Begins Rudo’s Formulaic Character Arc as a Shonen Anti-hero

The Episode Deepens Rudo’s Relationships With His Mentor & Father Figures

What stands out most in Gachiakuta Episode 2 is the introduction of Enjin, who brings a needed sense of humor to an otherwise grim narrative. While Rudo learns about The Pit’s harsh reality and the power dynamics among the Givers, Enjin serves as a vital contrast, preventing the story from becoming overly tragic or melancholic. His unique brand of dark comedy lightens the mood, provides Rudo with a witty sparring partner, and sets the stage for future developments in Gachiakuta.

As Rudo journeys through the usual trials faced by many anti-hero characters in anime, he eventually reaches a particularly difficult phase of his life, often referred to as “The Pit.” It is here where Rudo comes to understand that his sheltered upbringing within The Sphere was far from ordinary. Inhabitants of The Pit hold a deep animosity towards Spherites like Rudo, going so far as to harm or sell them into the hands of even more terrifying creatures. Remarkably, Rudo encounters individuals with extraordinary powers, such as Enjin, who have never before been witnessed.

It’s hard to deny the similarities between Rudo’s upcoming storyline and the typical rise of an all-powerful anti-hero in shonen fiction. While a lot can happen in Episode 3 and beyond, the events of Episode 2 suggest that Rudo might be following a well-trodden path when it comes to character development. However, it’s worth noting that Episode 2 did add more depth to Rudo than what is often seen in other shonen anti-heroes.

Episode 2 of Gachiakuta highlights that Regto serves as Rudo’s inner conscience and voice of reason. Even when Rudo gets consumed by his anger, he continues to follow Regto’s teachings about kindness. This is what triggers Rudo’s hidden talents as a Giver, and ultimately allows him to imbue his powers into multiple items instead of just one. However, while this adds an intriguing twist to the typical character development in Gachiakuta, it doesn’t quite offer anything new or captivating. Nevertheless, what truly sets Gachiakuta Episode 2 apart is its exceptional animation quality.

Gachiakuta Episode 2’s Animation Is as Awesome & Excellent as Fans Wanted

Bones Films’ Hard-Hitting Action Animation Will Impress Everyone

In the second episode of “Gachiakuta,” it’s the stunning animation that truly shines. While the first episode meticulously built the worlds of The Sphere and The Pit, the second episode showcases the visually thrilling action that made the manga a favorite among fans of action narratives. Not only do we get to watch the monstrous Trash Beasts roam The Pit, but this episode features three incredible battles where the tension and quality escalate with each fight. The climactic battles between Rudo and Enjin against the Trash Beasts are exhilarating, but the highlight of Episode 2 is when Rudo unleashes his hidden powers, recalling Regto’s teachings in a dramatic finale.

It is evident that Bones Studios have significantly progressed from their previously stunning portrayals of superpowers (or Quirks) in My Hero Academia, and this is truly a spectacle to witness in Gachiakuta. Each attack is as impactful as expected, and the resulting destruction underscores the force behind every blow. Rudo’s and Enjin’s abilities appear both menacing and empowering as they should. Despite the battles becoming chaotic at times, the characters’ actions and the effects of their attacks remain clear and easy to follow. It is also noteworthy that Bones Studios’ animators have not restrained their talents to just the fight scenes.


Episode Number	Episode Title
1	The Sphere	6/10

In Episode 2 of “Gachiakuta”, there are heartfelt scenes that show Rudo’s inner world, which beautifully contrast the brutal realities of The Pit. Memories of Regto, tinged with a peaceful yet distant feel given his recent death, are particularly well-done. The stark contrast between Rudo’s fond memories of Regto and the harsh, inhumane nature of The Pit is effectively portrayed through visual storytelling.

The prologue, set against a blank backdrop, with Rudo reminiscing about Regto’s teachings just before he demonstrates his immense powers in the climax, leaves a lasting impression. The animation might have some inconsistencies, as the humorous scenes sometimes seem at odds with the story’s somber tone, but this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience. This is typical of shonen anime, where contrasting tones can coexist.

Episode 2 of ‘Gachiakuta’ surpasses its first episode in numerous aspects. This installment caters to the long-awaited expectations of the manga enthusiasts as it sets the main storyline, lays the foundation for future world development, and presents one of many pivotal characters influencing Rudo’s journey within The Pit. Most significantly, ‘Gachiakuta’ Episode 2 immerses viewers in the enjoyable and escapist elements characteristic of dark power fantasies. If its second episode serves as an indicator, ‘Gachiakuta’ may not revolutionize anything soon, but it promises to stand out among others.

Gachiakuta streams exclusively on starting July 6, 2025.

2025-07-04 18:57