The dark fantasy anime Übel Blatt continues its gripping tale of vengeance with Episode 3, titled “Langer Regen” or “The Long Rain.” Released on January 24, 2025, this episode plunges Koinzell, the protagonist, further into his quest for retribution against the Seven Heroes who betrayed him. This installment is marked by intense confrontations, the introduction of new characters, and a narrative that, while action-packed, has left some viewers puzzled.
Koinzell’s Confrontation with the Past
Episode 3 sees Koinzell’s journey progress as he directly encounters Glenn, one of the Seven Heroes who were responsible for his brutal demise years ago. The encounter is far from amicable. Driven by the vivid memories of his betrayal and murder, Koinzell immediately attempts to attack Glenn. However, his path to vengeance is blocked by the Seven Spears Knight Order. This confrontation underscores the immense power and influence the Seven Heroes have amassed since their treachery.
Despite Koinzell’s attack, Glenn appears magnanimous in front of the crowd, “forgiving” him, unaware of Koinzell’s true identity as Ascheritt. This act of false forgiveness further highlights the hypocrisy and corruption at the heart of the empire and the deep-seated injustice that fuels Koinzell’s desire for revenge.
Introduction of Lady Aht
A new character, Lady Aht, is introduced in this episode, immediately establishing herself as a formidable antagonist. She is seeking vengeance on Koinzell for the death of her elder brother, Kratt, who Koinzell killed a few weeks prior. The motivations behind this conflict, however, are not fully explained, contributing to a sense of disjointedness that has been criticized by some viewers.
Aht appears in what has been described as “Black Avenging Garb” and attacks Koinzell. This introduces another layer to Koinzell’s struggles, as he must now contend with not only the powerful Seven Heroes but also those seeking personal revenge against him.
The Narrative Labyrinth
One of the significant criticisms of Episode 3 is its disjointed narrative. Many viewers have noted the removal of key backstory elements from the original manga. This has led to a confusing viewing experience, where characters and events are referenced without providing the necessary context. This lack of world-building and character motivation leaves some viewers struggling to connect with the story and its characters.
Adding to the confusion, the episode opens with a prologue featuring a woman, possibly a priestess, who speaks of “cosmic laws being rewritten.” This declaration, while fitting for a dark fantasy, appears random and lacks immediate explanation, contributing to the episode’s overall feeling of chaos. Koinzell also encounters other seemingly random characters, such as Rozen, whose significance is not immediately clear.
Technical Aspects
The episode is visually characterized by a pervasive blue filter, giving the impression of a constant downpour, aligning with the title, “The Long Rain.” This aesthetic choice, while creating a specific mood, has also been criticized for making the visuals feel cold and somewhat monotonous.
Despite these criticisms, the animation from Satelight and Staple Entertainment is generally considered adequate. The action sequences are dynamic, though the overall presentation of the plot has been widely criticized.
Release and Availability
“Übel Blatt” Episode 3, “Langer Regen,” was released on January 24, 2025, in most international regions, with its Japanese broadcast on January 25, 2025. The series is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, allowing viewers worldwide to follow Koinzell’s quest for vengeance.
Critical Reception
The third episode of Übel Blatt has received mixed reviews, with some criticism aimed at the narrative structure and pacing. The removal of key plot elements from the original manga has led to a confusing experience for some viewers who are not familiar with the source material. Additionally, the introduction of new characters without sufficient context has further contributed to this sense of narrative randomness.
Despite these drawbacks, the episode maintains an engaging atmosphere and sets the stage for future confrontations. The action sequences and the introduction of Lady Aht offer compelling moments, hinting at the complex journey that lies ahead for Koinzell. The series continues to generate interest, particularly among fans of dark fantasy and revenge-driven narratives, but has yet to convince critics that it is fully living up to its potential.
Key Events in Episode 3
Here is a breakdown of the key events in the episode:
- Koinzell encounters Glenn, one of the Seven Heroes, and attempts to attack him.
- Glenn dismisses the attack as a misunderstanding, maintaining his facade of innocence.
- Koinzell is attacked by a new character, Lady Aht, who is seeking revenge for her brother’s death.
- The episode features a brief prologue with a mysterious woman declaring the rewriting of cosmic laws.
- Koinzell is suddenly transported to the Seven Heroes’ encampment after crashing his stolen dragon.
- A character known as Wied also makes an appearance, referencing Kratt, further adding to the confusing narrative.
- The episode has a continuous rain effect with a blue filter.
Moving Forward
Despite its narrative flaws, Übel Blatt Episode 3 sets the stage for future conflicts and reveals a glimpse into the dark world Koinzell must navigate. With more confrontations and character introductions on the horizon, viewers will have to wait and see if the series can overcome its issues. The desire for revenge and the complexities of the world created in “Übel Blatt” promise a potentially thrilling experience for fans of the genre.
