I started Haikyuu!! with pretty low expectations. I knew most sang its praises, but 1) I don't like sports, and 2) I'm not a big fan of testosterone-fueled stories...which is exactly what most sportsball stuff is. There's just a lot of "proving you're a man" and other bullshit I don't care about. So I was worried Haikyuu!! would be everything I don't like in a story, but was willing to stick it out for at least 5 episodes.
It didn't even take 5 episodes for me to be hooked on the show. Just the first two episodes roped me in, and from then on I wasn't capable of stopping.
STORY // The story behind Haikyuu!! is fairly basic. There isn't this elaborate plot happening during games or practices. For the most part, it's pretty straight forward. However, the simplicity of the story is what makes it so much fun. There's more of a focus on the characters and how they become a team, and the lack of a complex story narrows the show's focus directly onto the matches, which are some of the most important moments. I think some sort of mystery or "greater motive" would ruin what makes this anime's story so fantastic. Haikyuu!! focuses on its characters and how they interact, and that's my weakness.
ART & SOUND // The art is fantastic, I love the music, and the sound effects are really well-done. They're also well-timed to pull the right emotions out of the viewer in prime moments. This is particularly clear during the matches when you're already on the edge of your seat as it is!
CHARACTER // I loved every one of the characters. Hinata and Kageyama are my favorites, but the supporting cast is brilliant! Like Asahi, the gentle giant with amazing power, and Yuu, the fireball short stuff who's always cheering his teammates on and trying his hardest. Tanaka was one of my favorites for his personality and fierceness, and Tsukishima for his quiet sarcasm. But really, the team's dynamics and the various personalities in every character make it very hard to pick an absolute favorite.
ENJOYMENT // I thoroughly enjoyed every episode, and I was on the edge of my seat during every match. I got chills, laughed out loud, smiled when they won, and was so proud what Kageyama and Hinata continued to shock everyone with their "god-like" quick. I finished this and immediately started season 2 because I needed more!
I'm fairly certain this will remain in my top 5 favorite anime for some time. I loved everything about it and while that might sound biased, it's true. I can't think of a single problem area for me, and that makes it a masterpiece in my eyes. I definitely get why everyone has been rallying behind this series. It's also inspired me to give other sports anime a chance, so I can't wait!
