Hello everyone, and welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today I figured we’d check back in on Ranking of Kings, where our two aspirants to the throne are currently each contending with their own dire turns of fate. Having been betrayed by Domas and cast into the depths of hell, it seemed like this was the end for Bojji – but between Kage’s interference and the “protection” offered by his existing curse, our boy was safely carried to the King of the Underworld.
Unfortunately, it seems there’s no corresponding Kage-like ally here to rescue the young King Daida. Though he has claimed the crown he so fervently sought, he has in doing so pushed away all allies who might genuinely aid him, be they loyal protectors like Domas or the ever-hopeful Bojji. Fear of betrayal has ironically made him all the more susceptible to it, as by rejecting all who were willing to challenge him, he has left himself vulnerable to those whose unerring support was always a façade.
As Ranking of Kings has so consistently expressed, all people contain multitudes, and unique circumstances can always lead them to embrace their worse or better instincts. That is precisely why it’s so important to have companions who wish you to be your best possible self, and are willing to step in and say something when you embrace your less charitable instincts. Having spent his youth trusting in his own strength and always fearing betrayal, Daida lacks the sense of humility and compassion that would foster such relationships, putting his fate squarely in the mirror’s hands. Let’s see what fate awaits him as we return to Ranking of Kings!
Episode 6
We open on more gorgeous establishing shots of the King of the Underworld’s domain. Beautiful background design is important for any genre, but it’s absolutely essential for a fantasy series like this, where the weathered texture of the world is so crucial to us believing in its drama. Digitally created backgrounds have made it easy to produce more anime, but each of those productions is impoverished by the clear disconnect between clean digital lines/textures and organically imperfect drawings. I’m guessing everyone except high-level producers would prefer a medium where fewer shows are produced and each is afforded sufficient resources, but unfortunately those high-level producers run the industry
I suppose anime’s problems are reflective of the entire entertainment industry’s migration from major releases to endless reams of content, but it’s all pretty depressing stuff
“I heard Bosse died, didn’t he?” The King of the Underworld does not mince words
The storyboarding here is doing an excellent job of presenting this King as a lofty and unapproachable presence; lots of high-angle shots from his shoulders and low-angle shots from Bojji’s, as well as shots that emphasize the great distance between them
He is apparently the second-ranking King, Desha
Desha claims he is the trainer Bojji is seeking, and asks one of his retainers to test Bojji’s abilities
Kage gives us some more context on Desha’s “Order of the Underground,” who are apparently relentless warriors who pursue any underworld escapees to the ends of the earth. This slight flourish of exposition serves three separate purposes. First, it provides its obvious purpose in this particular scene: hyping up the threat that Bojji is about to face. Secondly, it falls neatly into a pattern of worldbuilding that Ranking of Kings often employs, serving as a “local legend” that enhances the texture and specificity of this world. And thirdly, it establishes this order as uniquely threatening for the purposes of any further drama, meaning if this group reappears we’ll immediately have both context and the dramatic payoff of “oh shit, those guys are back”
And as Bojji expresses his willingness to fight, a fourth purpose emerges: reaffirming Bojji’s unflappable resolve
To his credit, the head of the order seems deeply uncomfortable fighting this tiny boy
Kage begs for Bojji to get a second chance, in order to show off his unique dodging abilities. The relationship between Kage and Bojji seems to embody the most fundamental thematic argument of this series: that all of us are capable of greatness, but our best selves can only emerge when we have people at our side who believe in us
“You must have suffered so many setbacks up until now.” In extremely Ranking of Kings style, even this faceless guard captain is afforded a brush of humanization. His costume in fact amplifies the effect of this gesture, emphasizing his humanity in spite of his generic appearance
A variety of terrific cuts as the order captain finally lets loose. Obviously plenty of great Bojji smears as he essentially teleports around the battlefield, but I also love the forced perspective making this guard’s attacks appear so huge in the first cut, as well as the wild paint smears that essentially serve as “elevated speed lines” during the profile cut of Bojji dodging
Desha’s visual design is so perfect for his personality. His extended mouth naturally lends itself to exaggerated boredom or wicked smiles, and his beady little eyes are ideal for rolling in derision
Desha declines to train him. “How will you defeat your opponents like that?”
Kage at last reveals the letter of recommendation, which only angers Desha further
Kage and Bojji are so good for each other. After being tossed out, they each apologize for disappointing the other, then assure each other that they did great. They really do embody how honest friendships make us stronger
God, this show does so much with its character acting. After being all fired up by Kage, Bojji does his best to move a variety of differently weighted stones, failing each time. His constant little transitions from breaking into tears then rallying himself with an assuring smile are heartbreaking
But as it turns out, our heroes were actually supposed to be seeking Despa, King Desha’s younger brother
“King Desha is a great man, but when it comes to his brother, he has a powerful antagonistic streak.” An extremely Ranking of Kings-appropriate characterization, once again emphasizing how our personalities and even virtues can vary depending on context and experience
The captain admits he wants to see how Bojji grows. Yet again, a character cast in an ostensibly antagonistic role is revealed to be far more complex than his station or professional loyalties would imply
Back over on Daida’s side, the mirror is apparently done playing games. “King Daida, you are like a butterfly trapped in my web”
“I am still young. I want to believe in my own potential.” Even without words, a series of flashbacks clearly demonstrates the sense of frustration Daida is feeling. Daida has worked hard for everything he has earned, while his older brother cried and played in the sand. It is his own effort and conviction that have raised him to the crown, and to now be told that his efforts are fundamentally meaningless, and that he can only succeed by borrowing the strength of another, must be a great blow to his sense of self
“I promise, I will be the kind of king that lives up to your expectations.” The sort of line that would be meaningful if Daida were confiding in a supportive ally, but unfortunately he has seriously misjudged this situation
And at last, Apeas arrives
Apeas halts at the mirror’s voice, referring to her as “Lady Miranjo.” We see he first met her as a young soldier, when she apparently transformed him into his current oversized form while working under King Bosse
“According to Bosse’s will, I must make sure Bojji becomes the king.” Rather than being happy to see her, Apeas simply appears terrified, like an animal afraid of being struck
“You expect me to trust you so easily!?” Only now is Daida realizing how fragile his position is, and how little he knows of the motives propelling his ostensibly closest allies
And his last ounce of faith in the mirror is exploited for the mirror’s final betrayal. Good going, Daida
But enough about that, let’s check back in with Bojji! Look at this wild subterranean city! Look at all these wacky characters!
As Daida is force-fed the mixture, Despa makes his grand appearance!
And Done
Whoof, things are not going well for our young king, are they? Through his arrogance, insecurity, and simple lack of experience, Daida has managed to place his trust in basically all the wrong places, sending away all the people who genuinely care for him while exalting those who’d do him harm. He is desperate to prove his own strength, but much like his brother, he simply doesn’t have the power to shape this world alone. While Bojji was forced by his nature to learn how important it is to rely on others, Daida received no such education, leaving him vulnerable the moment his protectors were away. It’s not truly his fault, but Daida has nonetheless booked an express trip from fucking around to finding out, and soon may only have Bojji left to save him!
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