400 Boys

I do not understand the other reviewers of this episode rating it 7+ stars. Its realistic rating should be half that at best.

No story foundation. We are dropped in the middle of random characters doing random things, finding random allies, fighting random enemies.

The premise - bad. The story - worse. The fight - terrible.

Pretty much the only saving grace is the animation style (which isn't my favorite, but it's done properly for what it is).

I understand that in that limited amount of time for the episode they couldn't do a lot of building up and explaining the story, but completely omitting any attempt to do so was a very, very poor choice.

Do you have to know the back story behind everything before you can enjoy it? I don't understand the universe; I don't understand the human race; I don't even understand myself; yet I am KICKING ASS and having a BLAST! That's the backstory of this episode. Shockingly stylish. Brilliant. This episode stands out in a stand out series. Don't try to understand; just enjoy; just feel; tune in to the vibes; see the sights; hear the music; revel in the chaos; let the philosophy inspire you beyond any scientific detail. You don't have to know everything; you don't have to understand everything; just know that nothing ever ends.

Despite its somewhat negative reception, I found 400 Boys strong. It is visually compelling at all times (a bit like Zima Blue), and what it lacks in narrative investment it makes up for in gorgeous animation, with some nice perspectival changes throughout. It has its place in the anthology series and takes seriously the art of the battle scene.

If you want detailed character exposition, look elsewhere. These characters blend into one another with direct encouragement from the story, which focuses on various competing factions (not individuals) inhabiting a hostile apocalyptic setting. The hard edges, breakneck movements, and sustained fight sequence are plenty enough.

The animation, voice acting, STYLE, soundtrack and setting create such a unique tone right out the gate for 400 boys. I had a hard time taking my eyes off the screen even If everything on screen was crazy.

Watching this short made me really want to go look up the animation team behind it, or whoever was responsible for the visual style because it was that unique.

This is one of those Love Death and Robot shorts that definitely leaves an impression after viewing it. 400 boys is a unique short that is tense, weird, cool and somewhat horrifying in a way. What a trip!

Now off to watch the rest of the season.

I understand that this animation style remains rather divisive among fans of the show, but, in my personal opinion, it is phenomenal. Sure, it's a bit odd, but that's what makes it great. The surrealism of "400 Boys" draws you in immediately, makes you curious about the world, and makes for a fantastic final battle scene.

As far as the story goes, it's not great, not by any stretch of the imagination, but it keeps you entertained enough to the point of enjoyment. They did a great job of building the 400 Boys up as threats, and the reveal of them was not disappointing.

Great animation, intriguing story, fast-paced action, what's not to love? I especially loved the character work of Hilo. One of the best episodes in this frankly lackluster season.