My experience with Darling in the Franxx has been full of surprises. I thought for sure I wouldn’t like this show. “Boys and girls piloting mechas in overtly sexual positions?! What a stupid ploy to have a ton of fan service!” I thought. But the show’s overall maturity and ability to weave in themes of love and sexuality while developing an interesting story with a likable cast of teenagers has really impressed me. I never thought I would be so invested in the world building and romance that this show has so deftly balanced.

And much like the show itself, the opening took some time to grow on me. Now I’m totally hooked and can’t stop listening to “KISS OF DEATH” by Mika Nakashima x Hyde. Like Gurren Lagann, Darling in the Franxx features two different openings and each one features a different mix and lyrics of the song. I’ve linked both songs below for comparison and for your listening pleasure.

Relying on colors and visuals to create exciting openings that pop, the song itself has lyrics that are significant to the story as well. I think I like the second opening and the mix of the song slightly better, but both are great and the opening makes me excited to see where the story of Darling in the Franxx will go. As long as my heart isn’t completely broken by the end of it, I’ll be okay. But even if the show ends on a depressing note, I don’t think that will affect my enjoyment of listening to “KISS OF DEATH” nonstop. Hopefully.