The anime "Artificial Insect Kabutoborg V×V (Victory by Victory)" has gained popularity for its outrageous plot and dark humor. The story's backdrop also hints at the dark side of modern society... For a children's anime, this one is surprisingly thought-provoking! Let's take a look at it!
A Kabutoborg Coup?!
Our protagonist, Ryusei, and his friends Katsuji and Ken are summoned to the Kingdom of Amara, home to a king who loves Kabutoborgs. The king, a particular fan of Katsuji, treats him with the utmost luxury. However, the citizens, disgusted by their free-spirited king, stage a coup! Despite the onset of a full-scale war, Ryusei attempts to fight back with Kabutoborgs, Ken dies, and Katsuji becomes a god... This episode reveals that war is cruel in any era, even when it involves children.
The Decline of Kabutoborg!
Episode 42 sees the arrival of the Kabutoborg Battle craze, in which players cut their heads into the shape of rhinoceros beetles or stag beetles and clash their heads against each other in battle. All the children who had been enjoying Kabutoborg up until then forget about it and become obsessed with Kabutoborg. This story highlights the nastiness of adults who exploit children's tendency to get excited easily and then lose interest quickly to create a new craze and make a profit. In the end, Ryusei reminds those around him of the fun of Kabutoborg, sparking a resurgence in popularity. Perhaps truly great things are loved forever like this.
Long-established Kabutoborg vs. cheap, mass-produced Kabutoborg
In episode 43, thanks to the efforts of Hard Cash, Kabutoborgs can now be purchased for just one coin (100 yen), causing a long-established Kabutoborg store to fall into disuse. Ryusei visits Hard Cash to save the store. However, upon visiting the company, Ryusei learns of the hard work of its staff. Today's companies spare no effort to make high-quality products affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. On the other hand, they can also be envied by long-established companies and try to shut them down... Episode 43 ends with a rather unsavory punchline, as Hard Cash is taken over by the long-established Kabutoborg store.
Modern Father and Son
Ryusei's nemesis, General Big Bang, who seeks to use Kabutoborg to control humanity, is none other than Ryusei's biological father. In the final episode, Ryusei worries that he might one day follow in his father's footsteps and turn to evil. However, we ultimately learn that General Big Bang is not inherently evil, but rather merely pretending to be evil. He corrected Ryusei by willingly setting a negative example for others. In today's society, discipline, harsh reprimands, and even violence are condemned. A father like Ittetsu Hoshi from Star of the Giants could be reported to child welfare offices. While it may be a forceful method, ingenious educational methods like General Big Bang's may be necessary in today's society.
Summary
Despite being a children's anime, Kabutoborg V×V lacks a satisfying storyline and is shrouded in darkness. However, by deliberately revealing darkness and raising questions in the viewer, this anime may serve as a cautionary tale, like the Big Bang leader.
