Let’s break down the plot, character introductions, action sequences, and the long-term implications of this pivotal first episode. The episode opens not with chaos, but with peace. A title card reveals that two years have passed since the events of the original Danball Senki (the battle against the Innovators and the destruction of the Eternal Gunner).
For fans of Level-5’s cult classic mecha franchise, few titles evoke as much nostalgia as Danball Senki (known as LBX: Little Battlers eXperience in the West). Following the massive success of the first season, anticipation was sky-high for its direct sequel. Danball Senki W Episode 1 —titled "Arata naru Tabidachi" (A New Journey)—premiered as the gateway to a larger, more explosive world. But does this episode successfully reboot the stakes, introduce new characters, and recapture the magic of the original? danball senki w episode 1
The episode’s climax features a 2-vs-1 battle against an illegal LBX known as Hunter . The action is noticeably faster than in the original series. The "W" in the title stands for "Double" (referring to the two protagonists) but also feels like it stands for "Widescreen" or "Wilder." Let’s break down the plot, character introductions, action
is the standout addition. Orphaned and reserved, Hiro carries a dark secret: his father was the creator of the dangerous “Detector System” that threatens to weaponize LBXs across the globe. Unlike Ban, who fights for fun, Hiro fights out of guilt and responsibility. His LBX, Hyper Function Achilles (ACHILLES) , is an upgraded, faster, and more fragile machine compared to Ban’s all-rounder Odysseus . For fans of Level-5’s cult classic mecha franchise,
Additionally, the absence of fan-favorite characters like Ran and Kazu for the entire episode is a letdown. They are mentioned but not seen, leaving the episode feeling slightly empty without the original trio’s chemistry. Looking back, Danball Senki W Episode 1 successfully did what few sequels dare to do: it split the protagonist role . This risk paid off. Hiro became just as beloved as Ban in Japan, and the "buddy mecha" dynamic influenced later Level-5 works like Inazuma Eleven GO .