Ookiku Furikabutte: Kihon no Kihon

This episode is a side story about Haruna, who was a small supporting character in the regular season of Ookiku Furikabutte. (I read somewhere that this story was actually written first.) It can be watched alone without seeing the series and doesn't expect you to know anything about the rest of the show. So... even if you haven't seen Oofuri, you can watch this!! ;D

This single episode tells the story of a really good high school rookie and the dynamic he creates on his new high school's baseball team; more specifically, how another pitcher reacts when faced with all the talent and ... skill of this new pitcher. So, again -- like in Oofuri, you can really see the insight and thoughtfulness the mangaka brings to the genre of sports anime generally and the mental aspect to preparation and execution in baseball specifically.

The art is the same style as used in Oofuri, it's probably a little unusual for some people. I like it now; it's grown on me considerably. The colors are so rich and bright in a way that really makes me think of that time of year. The faces are still somewhat problematic: I personally still think that some characters bear too much of a resemblance to others and I still find it somewhat confusing at times -- for instance, there's one background person in this dvd episode that, to me, looked a lot like one of the recurring characters from Oofuri, but it wasn't him.

The voice actors here did a good job. I liked everyone and no one was particularly annoying. I'm still not a huge fan of the op/ed (which are from the regular season), but ...I guess you can't have everything at once. ;)

The character is the really interesting part of this. In the regular season, Haruna is introduced through the perspective of one of the main characters of the show (Abe) and the viewer doesn't get much of an opportunity (though there is some) to formulate an opinion about him outside of Abe's viewpoint. The Haruna you meet here doesn't seem like the same person and part of the story's charm is that this is Haruna's chance to make a second impression. At the same time, that tactic is such a great way to revisit one of the themes from the regular season, namely how people can can change in different environments and communities.

I think Asa Higuchi is brilliant. I have watched a lot of sports animes and I have watched a lot of shounens similar in style and plotline and I think that the level of insight and introspection and attention to the psychology of sport and of winning is extraordinary. And in a genre that's (arguably by necessity) fascinated with brawn more often than brain, it is refreshing and entertaining to see a show that's interested in both the physical and mental readiness necessary to achieve a goal.

Even if you refuse to watch 25 episodes of Oofuri, if you're at all interested (and you'd have to be to read this, right?) at least check this out. Really. XD It's probably labeled as episode 26.

^.^

Rate an 8
English Dubbed

I will stagger a guess. i believe one of your thoughts is why an 8? Why not lower or better yet higher?

Art wise this work is wonderful. The characters along with the scenery is rich in color. Animations are smooth.

Sound- crisp and clear

Characters- individualistic and ripe with personal aspects.
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Nice information but hasn't answered the question. At least not yet...

Story is what makes a show and why my eight. If you were blessed and saw the original show you saw many things. The most notable is the fact is it is about baseball. Well, why that is true there is more to that than the eye can see. You can forget the sport and its name for what matters is the team. Without a team you have nothing but individualists who wouldn't truly care about anything or anyone else.

Although, like in life it isn't that simple. Luckily this anime produces a nice additional element called wisdom. The more you know the better right? This couldn't be any truer. Life is riddled in issues from fear of quitting to personal. Having a good friend, hell a whole team of them in your life to provide comfort and reassurance through examples is the best. But with wisdom that is one's life net. Don't believe me? Think of it this way. Say you are a wealthy person with tons of friends. However, you are all stranded somewhere. The idea of help is unlikely. What is your plan? Stay still? Ha-ha-ha... Sorry, you were serious? No, chances are you would move at least a little. If you had certain insight knowledge better know as wisdom like what plants to eat or how to stay safe. I would say your odds of seeing tomorrow sky rocketed in comparison to the opposite.

In regards to this anime while there is some knowledge (wisdom) to take that is the problem. It is only some and it is mostly in relation to a character's backstory. While one can jazz this episode (special) with all the most futuristic aspects it won't change a damn thing. For it will remain one sided. Unlike here but seen in the original show you had a lot of going on. More than enough to keep you busy. Because of the multiple characters and drama they bring. Which is why one doesn't see a special generally the same or higher in rate in regard to the original.

I hope I have answered your question.