Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress made a really good first impression among anime fans with a swashbuckling, pulsating first episode. And though it's hard to deny striking similarities between Kabaneri and Attack on Titan, it nevertheless blew everybody's expectation with impeccable art-style, and most of all a very entertaining storyline.
Episode 1 Recap:
At the height of industrial revolution in an island nation of Hinomoto, a monster appeared and started infecting human with its bite. The infected humans were turned into mindless zombies called Kabane. But unlike any other type of zombies, the Kabane can only be killed by piercing its heart protected by several layers of iron.
As the Kabanes continued to multiply and overrun the entire nation, humanity built walled cities called stations to protect themselves from the monster. Using Hayajiro (a steam train), people can go in and out of these station, though they have to undergo very strict inspection as they are trying to avoid a potential kabane from starting an epidemic within the station.
Ikoma, a steam smith, has been tirelessly working on a steam gun that can effectively kill a Kabane. While most of the people in Arawakin station have succumbed to fears of kabanes all their lives, Ikoma is different. He believes that man should not lose its humanity out of fear, as he hopes that one day humanity will make its counterattack to wipe all the kabanas from the face of the world.
Together with a mysterious girl named Mumei, Ikoma found a new strength that would help him achieve his long-time goal of a world without Kobanes.
Episode 2 Preview:
Ikoma finally reunited with Mumei following Kabane's attack at Arawakin station. After explaining the current situation, Mumei invited Ikoma to join her journey to the Iron Fortress. As mindless zombies bggining to engulf the entire Arawakin station comp, Ikoma, Mumei and the remaining survivors make their desperate ran towards the Hayaijiro.
TV Schedule & Streaming:
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Episode 2 will be televised on Fuji TV's noitamina anime block at the 24:55 block time (12:25 a.m Japan Time / 3.00 p.m US ET) on Thursday. Amazon Prime provides simultaneous streaming, while delayed telecast of the episode can be found here.
Update: Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Episode 2 won't be aired this week due to recent Japan quake