Strike The Blood Episode 1 English Dub Funimation

Okay, let's talk Strike the Blood. Specifically, episode 1 with the English dub on Funimation. Ready for some potentially controversial opinions?

First Impressions: Fangs and Frills

Right off the bat, you're hit with vampires and a whole lot of anime tropes. Big shock, right? But how did the dub hold up in delivering all that action and awkwardness?

Honestly, I wasn’t completely sold immediately. Did anyone else feel like the voice acting needed a *little* more...oomph?

Kojou Akatsuki: Reluctant Vampire King?

So, Kojou is our main man. He's suddenly the Fourth Progenitor, which is a fancy way of saying "super powerful vampire dude."

The English voice actor does a decent job conveying Kojou's initial confusion. But I secretly wished for a bit more "teen angst" in his voice. You know, really sell the "I didn't ask for this!" vibe.

Am I the only one who thought that? Probably.

Yukina Himeragi: The Sword-Wielding Observer

Then there's Yukina. Tasked with "observing" Kojou (wink, wink), she's armed with a lance and a whole lot of determination.

Her voice actress nailed the serious and slightly clueless attitude. I found myself laughing more at her reactions than the actual jokes.

Plus, the whole "observe" thing? Come on! We all knew where *that* was going.

The Dub: Hits and Misses

Look, dubbing anime is tough. You're trying to capture the original performance while making it accessible to a new audience. I appreciate the effort, Funimation!

But sometimes, the dialogue felt a little...clunky. Like they were trying too hard to match the lip flaps instead of focusing on natural delivery.

And those "Ara ara" moments? They just don’t hit the same in English, do they?

Action Sequences: Dubbed Mayhem

The action scenes were definitely enhanced by the dub. Hearing the characters shout their attacks in English added to the excitement.

Although, I did cringe a little at some of the over-the-top battle cries. Maybe I’m just getting old.

Anyone else feel the same? Let me know!

Unpopular Opinion Time!

Here's where things get spicy. I think...the Strike the Blood dub, especially in episode 1, is...okay. Just okay.

It's not bad. It's not amazing. It's firmly in the "watchable" category. It feels like a decent, early-2010s dub, which, well, it kind of is.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I’m just not sure it’s a dub I’d write home about.

The Fan Service Factor

Let's be real, Strike the Blood has its fair share of fan service. Did the dub amplify or diminish it?

Honestly, it didn't make a huge difference. The awkward situations were still awkward, regardless of the language.

Maybe I'm just desensitized at this point. Who knows?

Final Verdict (For Episode 1, Anyway)

Overall, the Funimation dub of Strike the Blood episode 1 is a mixed bag. Some performances shine, while others fall a little flat.

If you're a purist, you'll probably stick with the original Japanese. But if you're looking for a fun, slightly cheesy way to experience the show, the dub is perfectly acceptable.

Just don’t expect a masterpiece. It's a fun romp with vampires and high school drama, and sometimes, that's all you need.