Hetalia Axis Powers Episode 2: Axis Powers: Episode 2

artelinix

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This episode continues with the plots (or arcs) that were established in the previous one. The first half focuses on the introduction of Italy, Germany and how exactly they met. It does a great job at showing why the franchise is even called Hetalia (ヘタレ(cowardly/incompetent) + イタリア(Italy) → ヘタリア): "I'm a virgin! I won't be any fun to shoot!" is what Italy said upon seeing Germany. It perfectly shows his desperation to live and, well, to put it frankly, his patheticness. And as we could see, even Germany himself was not a fan of it. The arc continues later to show Italy being very lazy, further establishing his character. He doesn't even try to escape after Germany gave him a chance, because "As long as I'm here, I get fed and I don't have to fight either." The second half of the episode, meanwhile, focuses on Chibitalia. It also shows core relationships between baby Italy and the people in his life. The scene of France trying to defend Chibitalia from Holy Roman Empire, his bully, and failing at doing so is great, as it foreshadows the future dynamics between the three characters that would be present even far into the future (e.g. Italy still trusts France deeply and asks for his advice during tough times). It also shows backstory of the Italian brothers and the reason why Italy became a victim of bullying. Overall, a decent episode. I don't really like the animation here, but Chibitalia arcs have a cute colouring style.