Episode 3 "Are Goblin Pouches Filled with Our Dreams"

This week's episode of "Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash" is more of the same in terms of plot. The guild continues their daily activities of trying to get themselves out of their lowly status while dealing with the daily struggles of just being teenagers.

But now that we're three episodes in, it is time to not only address what the dramatic questions are, but also has anything been answered?

The biggest looming question is still on the minds of both the audience and the characters is, where were these characters before they landed in Grimgar? Then, the next question is of course - how did they get to Grimgar?

Though the slow build to answering those two important questions may seem frustrating, so far, it sits well among the slice of life style storytelling because of the internal tension it creates. Yes, the main conflict this week is whether the guild will finally be able to lift themselves out of poverty. But the more interesting question is always back in your mind - is this the moment where Grimgar becomes more than just a struggle to make money for goods?

Even though three episodes have passed by somewhat slowly, the pacing is sustained by the foreboding joy that lingers in Haruhiro's constant wondering about whether everyone's actions are being influenced by their past life.

Overall, I am still intrigued by "Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash" in a way that most recent fantasy anime series have disappointed me. The series maintains a degree of tension and conflict without trying to cover up issues with plot and character with gags and gimmicks.

In short, the balance of plot lines in "Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash" are enough to keep me around. However, I am not quite sure if the series will be able to sustain this much longer without another question to complicate the lives of the guild members.