English Dub Review: Tokyo 24th Ward: “Silver City”

Overview: Shu (Billy Kametz), Ran (Zeno Robinson) and Koki (Landon McDonald) still find themselves reeling from Kaba’s (SungWon Cho) death, while they must also deal with the surgency of a new, addictive drug on the streets, “D.”

Our Take: Three months have passed since the tornado attack and in that time RGB has been taking the time to cope. Koki and Ran have been busy trying to track down the drug that younger crowds have become addicted to, drug “D.” It’s interesting the stark contrast in how each of them handle it with their own respective resources. For instance, Koki collaborates with S.A.R.G, putting his nose to the grindstone, with no nepotism and/or added help from his father, to look for the D’s dealer while Ran uses his connections as DoRed’s leader to investigate.  

Worried about Kozue going out frequently, late at night, Shu tags along with her as she makes her way to Shantytown, a shady, run-down part of the 24th Ward. There is a compelling tension between the two as Kozue confronts Shu about him atoning for Kaba’s demise, showing there is guilt on both sides with Kozue feeling she should have died instead of her father while there is some self-resentment on Shu’s part for not being able to save Kaba. Getting separated from Kozue, Shuta helps Koki track down a “D” dealer. Koki very much represents the side of government intervention that allows for stability, regulation and control to better ward off crime and poverty for the better, making a compelling case that clashes with others’ ideologies in Shantytown. 

Kozue had disappeared to go see a mural dedicated to her father in Shantytown in person while also meeting Kunai, a member of DoRed. Kozue wants to meet the artist behind the graffiti art which begins to segue into the effect that living in poverty has on someone. Kunai explains that it is not possible for Kozue to meet Red, leader of DoRed, due to his identity being a secret to many, with it actually being Ran unbeknownst to her. It also shows what he believes living in Shantytown inevitably forces out of the residents in going down a positive path, impacting society for the better or going on to be a criminal and ruling with money, believing Ran, who is also his friend, to fall under the former. Kunai shows how cynical and jaded he has become of the government and oversight as a whole with his stance on Koki’s dad trying to turn the area into a casino along with government regulations and control that will only lead to Shantytown’s downfall with many not feeling safe let alone comfortable. 

With Shu reunited with Ran and him reassured in knowing that Kozue is with Ran’s friend, they have a chat that shows just how right Kunai was about DoRed’s leader. Shu is finally starting to get some meaningful development as Kaba’s death shows to weigh heavily on him. There is a grounded nature to the consequences of Shu’s failure like the fear of being relied upon as a savior and having someone’s life in your hands. Ran explains the natural prejudice police have against poor minorities versus that of other classes and how that influences “crime statistics.” People’s reaction to those statistics only reinforces those sentiments. Ran’s response to that and how he chooses to help people is to use his art as an impactful force for good in changing hearts and minds. His ideology makes for a refreshingly honest and heartfelt conversation between the two friends.  

Kozue eventually makes her way to Ran’s newest art piece with Shu there pondering how he wants to change the world. There is a sweet scene that shows how much of big brother Shu is to Kozue in explaining how the graffiti art, “Super Kaba,” keeps the memories of Kaba alive, even if it is taken down. With Kozue thankful for Shu being there for her, she asks him to continue protecting her. It’s a subtle and nicely executed resolution to her grief, with Shu still being conflicted on whether or not he is fit for the responsibilities that come with being a hero, making for a down-to-earth internal issue. 

Carneades re-emerges, who has been setting the stage for his return with his graffiti trickling through the areas RGB had visions about. With the three friends reunited, they receive another task from Asumi which reveals Ran’s friend, Kunai, is behind the next attack. The two choices include either his death or many people on a cruise ship at the hands of a bomb he will detonate, which seems simple to Shu and Koki on the surface but unbeknownst to them it is truly an ultimatum for Ran. Kunai’s actions show how he is the other side of the equation that was discussed with Kozue in his philosophy with the intrigue laying in how Ran will choose to proceed with both his friend’s and innocent peoples’ lives on the line.