First, I’d like to thank everyone for voting for Star Crossed at the Anime Blog Awards. While it was indeed obvious that Random Curiosity would dominate the category for “Best Episodic Blog”, I’m glad to see that I managed to walk away with the bronze award.
Anyway, about Soul Eater: this episode was another one o those building-up episodes. Tsubaki’s brother seems to be causing trouble, possessing his victims and forcing them to go on a killing-spree, so Tsubaki goes after him. The next episode should tell us more about why the heck he’s ended up doing things like that.
But really, is it me or is Black Star a bit too similar to Naruto? Sad past? Check. Shunned for things that aren’t his fault? Check. Acting highly energetic because of this? Check. Stupid haircut/outfit? Check. It’s good thing that he’s not involved in any rivalry, and his relationship with Tsubaki has done a lot to make up for this. I especially liked how he doesn’t seem to care whether Tsubaki uses him for her own goals or not. I’m still not impressed by the fights in this series, but the special bonds between the weapons meisters and their weapons have been getting better and better.
Black Star is your standard issue shounen protagonist. Who isn’t a protagonist. Ha! Tbh, I think he’s harmless so long as the other characters are there to diminish his importance.
When we get 5 episode fight scenes where a full 3 episodes are angsting flash-backing, then I will condemn him.
Although I am willing to admit Black Star bears similarities to Naruto, it does annoy me that people always make that connection.
There are tons of male shounen protagonists that would fit Black Stars description. Not to mention I am SURE there have been hyperactive characters in japanese nnja anime/manga before.
lol haaaaaaaaaaaa
SPOILERS
yeah about that rivalry thing…bs call kid out once but was easily put down. Does that count?
I think the point about Black Star is that he’s a standard, though perhaps exaggerated in his attitude, shounen protagonist…who isn’t the protagonist. Even amongst the main three teams, Kid gets more ‘screen time’ than he does.
Autonomous Monster – You’re in luck, the five episode fight/3 of angst doesn’t happen here (it’s a two-parter and really about Tsubaki), and hasn’t yet happened in the manga to date.
I think Lilykt7 has a point about Kid being the closest Black Star has to a rival in the series.
Frankly, I’d love to see Black Star challenge a Tech or Weapon way above his capabilities (which he might, to prove how ‘big’ he is), just to see him get his arrogant backside kicked. Would it cause him to rethink his attitude? Would it heck. But it would be entertaining. Go on, make some crude comment about Maka you little brat, have Spirit go Death Scythe on you…..;)
Anyway, you’ve picked out the points I most dislike about Black Star, but I think this episode and the one that follows it are good for some characterisation and backstory on Tsubaki, at least. It clears up her more forceful and determined side that had only been hinted at in previous episodes.
But where Black Star differs is that he gets his ego smacked down on occasions, does not magically convience everyone he meets onto the path of good, and best of all, HE DOESN’T EMO ABOUT HIS PAST. It is so, so glorious. (and before any fans kill me, I love Naruto in both the character and the series as much as the next Nartard)
I always figured the samurai guy (his name escapes me) with the golfbag full of swords protecting the little girl witch was Black*Star’s rival in the series. Cats vs. dogs, samurai vs. ninja, the epic struggle continues.
It’s true that Black Star has really does have stupid moments. But mostly they come back to bite him in the end. Peeking in episode 2 – Ninja star to the head, shaking Soul in hospital – Maka Chop, yelling during his over the top strike against Mifune – almost got killed.
Plus when he gets serious is a damn good assassin. The trap star against Sid, and Tsubaki as a decoy against Mifune worked well. Even in this fight aside from the Speed Star slip up, was pretty serious the whole time. Certainly can’t change the fact he can be an idiot.
Did like the moments with Black Star and Tsubaki in this episode. Not pushing her for information and telling her that its just fine to rely on him.
Wish Tsubaki the best of luck in the next fight.
Well I may be the only one here but the episode that pulled me to keep on watching Soul Eater was ep2 where we see Black Star to his fullest. I find him very funny, the series would be too sad without him.
I think the writer made black star like naruto as a little joke. And anyway he is not the main character. ALso he doesnt annoy me as bad as naruto does and seems in this episode he showed some major restraint not pushing tsubaki into telling him about her brother.
Black Star is intended to be like that xD but exagerated =O!
and he has no sad past, he doesnt remember he was a baby n-n and dont care