Wistoria: Wand and Sword episode 7 became the talk of the weekend after delivering a wonderfully animated episode. While I do have some questions regarding the writing for the series, there’s no doubt that the production staff is breathing life into Wistoria in epic fashion.
Wistoria Animation Production
The animation in episode 7 was undoubtedly its biggest highlight while the music by composers Yuki Hayashi, Luke Standrige, and Asa Taylor added more flair to the dramatics. It goes without saying that anything led by Director Tatsuya Yoshihara will have its fair share of hype moments.
From using the vertigo effect, to smooth camera rotations, and using particular shots to emphasize a shift in position of power between characters. Yoshihara was known to have used the very first opening for Black Clover in its biggest moments, so I couldn’t help but smile when the opening theme for Wistoria started playing when Will was ready to finish it all.
That feeling of simply knowing who it (probably) was that decided to implement a creative decision you personally love just makes the viewing experience of anime that much more enjoyable, and that’s what I got out of episode 7. The fight between Julius and Will didn’t have some breathtaking special effects or jaw-dropping composition, but it certainly had style and character.
Unlike Will’s fight with Shion, this one with Julius showed much more than a one-sided beatdown. It showed how capable Will is, how characters in this series can’t win off of talent alone, and that good facial expressions and visual storytelling can take a moment in time a lot further than the simple act of what’s occurring.
The animation was undoubtedly fantastic in episode 7 of Wistoria. What I also loved, though, is the constant moments of Julius’ and Will’s facial expressions in different variations of close-up shots like the ones below. Englufling that in their settings with certain shots at specific points in the fight (the last pictures in the collages) added that personality. Nothing more satisfying than watching the calm protagonist assist the antagonist in slowly falling into insanity under the weight of his own pride.
Wistoria’s Writing Worries
One thing I give Wistoria credit for is being able to develop side characters (mainly antagonists in this regard) that are easy to hate which, in turn, amplifies the viewers’ fandom for the main protagonist. I love it when a series gives us someone who’s easy to root for and another who’s the opposite—Wistoria does this in its own shonen-like charming way. It’s not necessarily unique, but it’s far from anything to be disappointed with.
That being said, in my enjoyment of episode 7 I can’t help but feel as if the series itself is rushing along a little too much. The fight between Julius and Will felt like it was something that was a long time coming when in reality it was only a few episodes. The opening began playing, the animation got cranked up to 11, and all of Will’s friends were celebrating at the end. As hype as it was, it just felt like we hit a major climax in the story when it’s still technically just beginning.
I understand the plot was carried over from Julius and Will’s bout at the restaurant. But overcoming someone who even Elfaria said could become her successor given his natural talent feels like it should’ve been something much bigger than it was. Will defeated yet another bully. First Shion, then Professor Edward, and now Julius. Are all of his obstacles just going to be bullies and those who look down on him?
This is what I’m concerned with when it comes to Wistoria—there’s still no set main antagonist yet. All of this could possibly be set up for that one person to come along, sure. But now that it’s seven episodes into a 12-episode season, what’s going to be the climax that tops this fight?
Don’t take any of this the wrong way. I’m enjoying Wistoria and what Yoshihara and company are bringing to the table. Even the author, Fujino Omori, has been constantly praising the adaptation every single week, and rightfully so. It’s such a visually beautiful adaptation that nobody can deny it at this point. I even love how the anime tones down the fan service around Elfaria’s character design in comparison to the manga.
I just want to see Wistoria breathe for a bit and focus on the world-building and character developments a little bit more rather than jumping into rushed rivalries and magic battles. The characters are there and are engaging, now let’s focus on them outside of their fighting, especially Colette and Lihanna.
Wistoria Episode 7 Wrap-Up
Wistoria brought the hype with episode 7, straight up. That was an edge-of-the-seat kind of episode from beginning to end. I was undoubtedly hooked, albeit with my plot questions. It’s, without a doubt, deserving of a top-five spot in the upcoming weekly polls. Takahiko Usui, who worked as the episode director and storyboard artist for episode 7 of Wistoria, did a wonderful job.
Episode 7 rating: 9/10
If you enjoyed Wistoria: Wand and Sword episode 7 then vote for the episode in our weekly poll! Episode 5 will be released on Sunday, September 1, on Crunchyroll.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Fujino Omori, Toshi Aoi, Kodansha/Wistoria: Wand and Sword Production Committee
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