Kill la Kill is an original shonen battle anime that is well regarded as one of the best to come out of the early 2010s. The series is what put the beloved Studio Trigger on the map, known for their trademark look consisting of over-the-top action, zany characters, and iconic shows. Here's a helpful guide for newcomers looking to jump into this one-of-a-kind anime series.
The Plot of Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill follows the story of high school delinquent Ryuko Matoi. After returning home from boarding school she finds that her father had been murdered by an unknown assailant with an oversized scissor blade, leaving behind one half of the weapon embedded in Dr. Matoi's chest. Ryuko's search for her father's killer leads her to the illustrious Hannoji Academy, a school built on the principles of its iron-fisted class president, Satsuki Kiryuin. The school is famous for its Goku Uniforms, technologically advanced outfits for students that can bring out their potential and maximize their fighting power.
If Ryuko has any hope of avenging of father and learning the circumstances that led to his death, she'll have to defeat the numerous club presidents of Hannoji Academy, the terrifying Elite Four that make up the student council, and even Satsuki herself.
Luckily, she has teamed up with her father's final invention, a sentient sailor uniform named Senketsu, that can fuse with Ryuko to transform into a scantily clad ultra-powerful fighter. She also has her new friend, Mako Mankanshoku, by her side, a bubbly energetic girl from the slums of Hannoji Academy.
Where To Watch The Kill la Kill Anime
The anime series ran from October 2013 to March 2014, with 24 episodes. There is also a 25th Episode OVA that acts as a sort of epilogue for the series. The anime is easily accessible, as it's licensed on multiple different streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, VRV, and Funimation. All platforms also have the sub and dub, and the dub is highly recommended if you enjoy anime dubs.
Erica Mendez as Ryuko is an amazing casting, as she perfectly captures that hot-headed delinquent girl energy you'd expect. Christine Marie Cabanos as Mako is hilarious and charming in every line she delivers; she gives the performance her all, especially in the Mako speech moments the series is so well known for. Finally, Carrie Keranen as Satsuki is the perfect balance of commanding and cold, but can also bring out Satsuki's humanity in her more intimate scenes.
If you're looking for Blu-Rays of the series, expect some hefty prices. The complete Blu-Ray Box-Set goes for $199 on RightStuffAnime. There are also standard Blu-ray and DVD collections, however, they are out of print and have varying prices from secondary sellers on outlets such as Amazon.
Where To Read The Kill la Kill Manga
Following the success of the anime, a manga adaption was serialized in Young Ace magazine, illustrated by Ryo Azikuki. The manga is not a continuation of the anime, but simply adapts the first 12 episodes of the anime into a manga format. This does make the manga a tough sell, but for anyone interested in returning to this story and characters in a different style this may fit the bill. The art doesn't bother to replicate the style done by character designer Sushio for the anime, but it doesn't need to. Ryo Azikuki's style feels like a cross between the excitable high energy of Kill la Kill while leaning slightly more into the cuteness factor.
Three total volumes were published, but have since gone out of print. The Kindle ebook version is available for $5.99 on Amazon and the Nook Book is $12.99.