Article by Clark A.
The spring anime season brings one highly anticipated show about a hero in training, but I suppose you could say heroism is a central theme for all of them. Whether it’s a matter of directly purging evil, upholding the law (hey, lawyers aren’t all evil), beta testing for a peace project, or saving people by just being generally breezy, there’s plenty of self-sacrifice to be admired for the next three months.
My Hero Academia
Certainly the most hyped entry on this list, My Hero Academia’s manga has gained major traction as of late. This animated interpretation has the opportunity to make the franchise a breakout hit Tokyo Ghoul-style. The series follows Izuku Midoriya, who dwells in a world where 80 per cent of the population has a supernatural ability. Despite wanting to be a hero his entire life, Midoriya does not…until the world’s top warrior appears before him and offers Midoriya his powers. As the title implies, the setting of a hero academy allows for a setting that facilitates the main character’s growth well alongside plenty of shenanigans with fellow aspiring heroes. Combine the intriguing passing of the torch narrative with the strong influence from western superhero lore and you’ve got ample reason to check out for the latest battle shounen on the scene.
Ace Attorney
The Phoenix Wright video games have always served up a clever fusion of slapstick humour and legal drama, so it’s surprising the franchise has taken over a decade to make the transition to anime. Nevertheless, Ace Attorney is on the scene and looking to fill that crime drama niche. The show follows – you guessed it – Phoenix Wright in his early days as a rookie lawyer and is a direct adaptation of the first two games in the series. For those who never had a chance to try the games (despite being re-released half a dozen times…), you can no longer hide your guilt in the face of Mr. Wright’s justice.
Twin Star Exorcists
It’s not easy being having to conform to family expectations, especially when exorcism mastery runs in the family. Young Rokuro sounds justified in wanting to do literally anything else with his life, but finds his passion renewed when he meets a female exorcist with a similar pedigree and he’s fated to marry her. Rokuro’s exorcist powers pave the way for plenty of supernatural battles, but the dynamic between the two leads has solid potential. I always appreciate a show that dares to pair up its male and female protagonists from the get-go rather than perpetually dangle a carrot and then pretend it never existed.
Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
Sakamoto is that special kind of high schooler everyone envies. He’s got style, he’s got grace, he’s a winner. None can resist his fabulousness, but the dreamboat is never above lending a hand to those in need, regardless of their status or predicament. Obviously comedy is a central theme here, but before long viewers will find themselves entranced by the absurd actions of the stunning young man with a heart of gold. The manga source material concluded last year, so I imagine the anime will chronicle Sakamoto’s glorious antics from beginning to end and, boy, that will be a treat.
Kiznaiver
While I must admit I can’t vouch for the manga’s quality (having never read it), Kiznaiver’s concept is so compellingly experimental I feel obligated to recommend it. In Sugomori City, there’s a test project to achieve world peace by connecting the lives of multiple humans. Any wounds sustained by one personal will be transferred to all other participants. Right of the bat, there are glaring issues from both practical and ideological standpoints, but the system is well-intentioned in trying to equalise society and reduce violence. I can’t help but want to learn about the intricacies; do diseases and death transfer over? And hey, whether it’s hit or miss, anything with Studio Trigger tied to it has my interest.
What’s on your agenda this season?
– Clark A.
Anime Editor
