Date A Bullet

Date A Bullet: Dead or Bullet – A Kurumi-Focused Spin-Off That Leaves Fans Wanting More

If you’re a die-hard Kurumi Tokisaki fan, Date A Bullet: Dead or Bullet is like a gift from the anime gods. Released in 2020 as a spin-off of the popular Date A Live series, this 24-minute “movie” (which feels more like an OVA) dives into the mysterious afterlife of spirits, with Kurumi at the center. Produced by Geek Toys, it’s a love letter to one of the franchise’s most iconic characters—but does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down, straight from the fans’ mouths.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the runtime. Many viewers were confused when they realized this “movie” clocks in at just 24 minutes. As one fan put it, “I thought this was a movie, but is only 24 minutes long? Yup, the first part is 24 minutes long. The problem here is that MAL calls everything that has an event screening a movie, which creates misunderstandings.” It’s a valid point—this feels less like a standalone film and more like a teaser for something bigger. But hey, Kurumi fans will take what they can get, right?

The story follows Kurumi as she wakes up in the “Quartet of Nightmares,” a bizarre realm where spirits go after death. She quickly finds herself in a battle royale against other spirits, each with their own agendas. The premise is intriguing, blending action, fantasy, and psychological elements, but the execution leaves some wanting. “The story isn’t good. But 5/5 anyway for my waifu,” one fan admitted, summing up the sentiment of many Kurumi loyalists. The plot is a bit disjointed, with flashbacks to her past and hints at her connection to Shido, but it’s mostly a setup for future installments.

Visually, the animation is a mixed bag. Some praised the art style, calling it “gorgeous” and noting that it’s an improvement over Date A Live Season 3. “The animation was overall great,” another fan said. However, others pointed out stiffness in the movements, with one commenter describing it as a “weird combination” of nice drawings and rigid action. Still, Kurumi’s iconic design shines through—her red eyes, black hair, and that menacing yet alluring smile are as captivating as ever. The White Queen, a new character introduced here, also drew attention, with fans comparing her to Esdeath from Akame ga Kill! and Altair from Re:Creators.

Character-wise, Kurumi remains the star. Her complex personality—equal parts ruthless and vulnerable—is on full display. We see her struggle with her past, her feelings for Shido, and her desire to survive in this new world. “I thought she was only after his power,” one fan mused, “but when she said she’ll always love him, it made me rethink everything.” This depth is what makes Kurumi such a beloved character, and the spin-off does a decent job of exploring her layers. The supporting cast, including the White Queen and other spirits, are intriguing but underdeveloped, leaving fans curious about their backstories.

The biggest issue with Date A Bullet: Dead or Bullet is its brevity. At just 24 minutes, it feels like a prologue rather than a complete story. “Is this all we get? This was so interesting,” one fan lamented. “I wonder what’s happened? When did she die? I might have to finish the 3rd series.” The ending is abrupt, with Kurumi facing off against the White Queen and the battle royale just beginning. It’s clear that this is only the first part of a larger story, which is both exciting and frustrating.

Despite its flaws, the spin-off has its moments. The fight scenes are dynamic, especially when Kurumi activates her Zaphkiel ability, and the interactions between characters are engaging. The music also stands out, with one fan raving, “This OVA’s instrumentals were crazy 🔥.” And let’s not forget the cute scene with Kurumi and a cat—small touches like that add charm to the otherwise dark narrative.

In conclusion, Date A Bullet: Dead or Bullet is a must-watch for Kurumi fans, but it’s not without its shortcomings. The short runtime and disjointed plot may leave casual viewers confused, but the focus on Kurumi’s character and the promise of more to come make it worth checking out. As one fan put it, “It was not finished yet, so I’m glad they’re still producing the next one.” If you’re invested in the Date A Live universe or just can’t get enough of Kurumi, this spin-off is a fun, if incomplete, addition to the franchise.

Final Verdict: 7/10 – A solid entry for Kurumi enthusiasts, but be prepared for a cliffhanger that will leave you craving more.