Ep 1. Frightened Corpse

In Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress season 1 episode 1, titled "Frightened Corpse," viewers are transported to a dystopian Japan where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the emergence of Kabane - zombie-like creatures that can only be killed by destroying their glowing hearts. The episode opens with a glimpse of the terrifying world where humans are barricaded in walled cities and must fight daily to survive.

The story primarily follows a young engineer named Ikoma, who is known for his obsession with developing a new type of weapon that can more efficiently kill Kabane. At the beginning of the episode, we see him strategize how to finish and test his weapon concept. As he is working, an infected woman approaches, and he hesitates upon seeing her. Before he knows it, she's turned her bite on him and he is infected.

Ikoma's fears, hopes, and setbacks are a significant focus of this episode, and we see his journey begin from this point on as one of the protagonists of the story. The first episode introduces this character and establishes his motivations, fears, and background. He is one of the kabane killers known as Kabaneri - humans who have been bitten by kabane but still retain their humanity and have become stronger and faster in the process. The other primary character introduced in this episode is Mumei, a young girl who is also a Kabaneri, but from previous experiences is much stronger and experienced than Ikoma.

Through the eyes of Ikoma and Mumei, we get to witness the world of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress and see the relationships between humans and Kabaneri. The episode introduces the core themes of the show - trust and loss - as we see Ikoma's colleagues begin to fear him and his transformation, ultimately thrusting him out of the walled city that was his home.

The visuals of the show are stunning and gruesome as they depict death and gore in a visceral manner. The battle scenes are well-choreographed and easily amongst the most intense moments of the episode. The attention to detail is notable with blood dripping from wounds and the illustrations of the Kabane's mechanized hearts. The characters of the series are well designed, distinctive, and have their own unique roles within the story.

The music complements the visuals very well. Egoist provides the opening, which is atmospheric and sets the tone for the show's general mythology. The score throughout the episode is adrenaline-pumping, especially towards the end, drawing the viewer into the intense action sequences.

In conclusion, "Frightened Corpse" does an impressive job of introducing the audience to the post-apocalyptic world and its characters. It sets up the audience's expectations for the series while remaining action-packed and thought-provoking throughout the episode. The first episode of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress leaves the audience eagerly anticipating what's to come in the remainder of the series.