My first impression of Ruby upon seeing the Season 1 anime poster/visual teaser and without knowing the context of the series is that, "She's cute enough to dream of being an idol". That was my initial thought before even getting into the series. At that time, I haven't even watched episode 1 yet. I delayed and delayed and delayed watching episode 1 until late May 2023. So, I just avoided the internet so I can watch Oshi no Ko anime series as blind as I can be.
Late May 2023 came and I finally finished episode 1. I couldn't stop crying after watching it for the first time. Minutes later, and on that very same day, I rewatched that movie-length episode 1 for the second time, and I cried again.
I cried because I finally understood who Ruby is: she was Sarina in her previous life. What made me initially cry in episode 1 (even before Ai's death) was little Ruby dancing in front of the mirror. I thought, "Finally, she can dance. She can move." I've never been happier for a fictional character. And, mind you, I cried twice that day just by watching episode 1 twice and it's because of Ruby.
Fast forward to June 2023 and finally, the finale of Season 1 of the anime premiere: Ruby finally debuted as an idol. It's her first concert and she couldn't be happier. She's living the dream of Sarina because as Ruby, she can finally sing, dance, and look cute on stage. In addition, she's living the dream of her reincarnated mother because Ai wished for Ruby to become an idol.
Ruby grew on me even though she has little character development in Season 1. But, I'm a manga reader, and so far, her character growth is stunning! I couldn't root more for her happiness than what I've already been doing. Why? Well, it's because I want Sarina to find contentment in her life, but this time, living as Ruby Hoshino.
And finally, no matter where the series creators decide to take Ruby's character, I'm gonna be there for it. No matter what the series creators decide (e.g., how they conclude the manga, how they wrap-up the series), I'm gonna respect their decisions. Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari gave fans a treasure trove of life lessons in the form of this Oshi no Ko manga. I might never see a manga series as precious and worth it like this until decades later in my lifetime.
As for Yurie Igoma, no one can voice Ruby as perfectly as she does! She may be a newbie in the Japanese voice acting industry, but when she played Ruby, she hit it home! When she voiced little/kid Ruby (I presume) and teenage Ruby, she brings out the cuteness and cheerfulness of the character. Listening to Yurie Igoma is a joy to behold, and I couldn't have asked for a better voice actress!
I haven't watched those behind-the-scenes Oshi no Ko videos in YouTube. But, someday I will so I can understand Yurie Igoma's fantastic personality and what she brings to the table. ๐ |