Dragons of Wonderhatch Episodes 3-4 Review
Disney’s action-fantasy series “Dragons of Wonderhatch” (Wandahatchi: Soratobu Ryu no Shima), which mashes anime with live-action, soars in episode 3. The energetic dragon-rider Tyme (Okudaira Daiken) from the animated alternate world of Upananta, flies into Japan to find his hero Akuta (Mackenyu) and take him back. So, episode 2 ended with the big cliffhanger – Tyme and his little dragon Guphin crashing into teen Nagi’s (Nakajima Sena) home out of thin air.
Titled “The Boy who came to Yokusuka”, episode three begins with a bittersweet flashback of how Nagi became friends with Son. In the present timeline, Nagi is shocked to see two weirdos appearing into her mother’s room, as if they popped out of the book-shelf. She freaks out and runs to Son, and the two best-friends finally figure out what is happening and decide to help Tyme in his quest to find Akuta. It’s an exciting, fast-paced episode, where the first half focuses on this new friendship and the trio’s effort to trace Akuta. Meanwhile, back in Upananta, another of Tyme’s comrades approaches the wise Saira (Sumire) to find a way to save their world.
The cinematography of “Dragons of Wonderhatch” is an absolute visual treat. By demarcating the animated world from the regular human world, the creators are able to avoid the tricky usage of special effects for most parts. From the simple close-up shots of Nagi to more elaborate scenes of a hippie-like communal utopia built by Akuta on an island, the visual world-building of the series is delightfully refreshing. I am honestly tired of complaining about excessive poorly lit shots (when they can be avoided) in other works, and coincidentally, that’s my major gripe with “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” another Disney fantasy series that came out at the same time as “Dragons of Wonderhatch.”
Creators usually use dark scenes to cover up CGI flaws, and it doesn’t always work. So, one has to applaud “Dragons of Wonderhatch” for giving us a daylight scene of Tyme and Nagi riding their little dragon in episode 4. It’s a pretty mediocre scene in terms of special effects, and instead of low light, clouds are used to cover up some of the awkwardness. However, it’s about the moment—Nagi enjoying the sheer magic of flying in the air—and viewers being able to see what’s happening, even if it’s not perfect.
Okudaira Daiken who plays Tyme, infuses the live-action part of the series with a new energy, which was much needed, because most the other human characters aren’t as cheery or enthusiastic as him. Tyme’s aura also rubs off on Nagi and Son, with the three of them making a fun onscreen squad. Mackenyu’s portrayal of the cynical Akuta, who is jaded from living in the real world, offers a great contrast to the hopeful Tyme.
Titled “A New Nation,” episode 4 follows Tyme’s desperate fight against Akuta to get him to Upananta with him. However, the latter, who has built his own little island village with his lawyer friend Ayana (Riko Narumi), claims he hasn’t just given up on his old life but plans on building a new nation. “Has he gone nuts?” Nagi hilariously asks when she hears him say that. It soon becomes clear to Tyme that he will have to figure out his fight without his idol.
Meanwhile, the episode also focuses on Space (Morita Go), another of Upananta’s inhabitants stuck in Japan for far longer, and he seems to have some sinister motives. He is seen surreptitiously stalking Tyme’s moves, adding an element of mystery to the tale. Episode four ends with an exciting cliffhanger – someone new crashes into Nagi’s home from the other side! So, things might just get more crazy in the next few episodes.
You can stream “Dragons of Wonderhatch” on Disney Plus.
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