My Hero Academia – 105
Amun: (Side note: reactions are too hard – I might do them again at some point). It has been a while since I wrote about My Hero Academia, so I thought I’d check in on Midoriya and the boys (no, that’s not a figure of speech, it’s pretty much just Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo this season representing UA). Episode 105 – “The Hellish Todorki Family” – is an example of what I’m calling “sledgehammer precision painting.” What I mean by that – in any 13 episode anime, Todoroki Shoto’s character would have the subtlety of well…a sledgehammer. Over-talented, rich kid with daddy issues – wow, so brave. However, even a sledgehammer can paint fine lines if the canvas is the size of a skyscraper – MHA with its seemingly unlimited seasons has developed first-glance straightforward characters (Endeavour, you’re in there too) into an interesting story that grapples with real problems. I’m not saying it’s subtle – but it works given the huge body of work this anime’s produced. I think these depth-giving stories for the supporting cast is also important, since Midoriya’s quest to get stronger and fight worse villains isn’t going to keep us going for another hundred episodes. Also, props to Bakugo for getting Mapo Tofu – I love that stuff!
Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi – 1-2
Wooper: Despite its late start this season, Idaten-tachi has come out of the gate swinging. The most succinct means of describing this series might be to call it the anti-Mob Psycho 100. Like that show, Idaten features a cast of super-powerful beings (this time it’s gods instead of psychics), but rather than using them to advocate for self-improvement and empathy, it embraces violence and nihilism. Senior goddess Rin trains her students by savagely beating them, and while over-the-top humor is prominent in those scenes, the script also circles around to justify her methods. The villains’ involvement with human affairs is motivated by bloodlust and a desire to destroy, rather than a greater ideology. There’s a rape scene at the end of the premiere set to a gleeful piece of classical music – the presentation was significantly toned down from the manga, but it was still in terribly poor taste. It slotted right in with Idaten’s anarchic vibe, though, so I can’t say it was out of place. Even the colors in this series are violent, making extensive use of neon tones for an eye-grabbing look (like a harsher version of JoJo’s psychedelic style). This show is ugly in spirit, but not in appearance, so I’ll stick around for the smart layouts and animation, at least for now.
Ore, Tsushima – 1-4
Wooper: I was disappointed to learn that Aoki Jun’s new project would be a short series, since his absurdist style is more than capable of carrying longer episodes. Alas, each new installment of Ore Tsushima ends as quickly as it begins, but it’s still a fun show in the same vein as Inu to Neko (which wrapped up earlier this year). Tsushima’s gravelly narration and primitive animation give him the look and feel of a visitor from another world, which I suppose he is, being a street cat who was taken in by a kindly old woman. The rubbery quality of his fur works well in scenes where he lazily stretches his limbs or enjoys a thorough brushing, creating a picture of a cat whose sedentary lifestyle is enabled by his owner. She’s named Ojii-chan, and though her potato-headed design masks her actual appearance, she’s given life by the preeminent Mayumi Tanaka, who imbues her with a cranky sort of kindness that makes me want to join Tsushima at her place. Here there are stories about the death of a previous caretaker, a scarring trip to the vet’s office, and the cloying behavior of a new owner, all with a dash of surrealism in the mix. I’m glad for the show’s existence, but mostly it makes me wonder what the next Jun Aoki series will be (full-length Hoshiiro Girldrop anime when?).
Re-Main – 3
Wooper: Having reached the three episode mark, I can confidently say that Re-Main is only for sports anime enthusiasts. I happen to belong to that camp, but if you don’t, this show won’t go the extra mile to usher you into its lane. It’s still in the business of finding members for the water polo club, opting to go after a single big fish this week, and it does it so simply that only fans of the genre would appreciate its method: a competition between the existing club members and Amihama, the potential recruit. Even the club’s defeat isn’t a surprise, since the glimpse of Amihama’s family life makes it clear the show isn’t finished with him. Rather than the episode’s larger structure, though, what I liked were individual moments. Minato and Ejiri’s overacting during their undercover marketing scenes put a smile on my face, and Babayaro’s quick summation of his reason for joining the team was among the best “character explains their motivation” lines I’ve heard recently (since his lack of athletic ability naturally contrasted with Amihama’s talent). The swimming animation looked pretty good, too – it didn’t reach Free! levels of detail, but if Re-Main can stay at or around this spot for a full cour, I’d call that a success. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’ll follow this show through September, but I doubt I’ll have something to say about it every week.
