So Mob Psycho 100 is a new show that has generated a lot of talk amongst the anime community and its very understandable why. It's a show that, to me, played it incredibly safe which is something that can never hurt an anime. But it's art style, animation, and comedy allow it to just ooze with style. But we're going to talk about all that and more in my review of the anime Mob Psycho 100.
Story:
The story for Mob Psycho 100 is slightly above average. It starts of in an episodic style for the first few episodes. I'm not too fond of episodic series because I feel like a formula that allows you to skip any episode in a given show and be fine is inherently flawed. And I even accidentally skipped episode 4 without realizing until midway through episode 5 witch proves my point. I was worried there would be an extreme lack of focus in the show, kind of just wandering aimlessly without a purpose not really knowing what it wants to be or a set goal in mind. But luckily it drops the episodic nature and interesting things start to develop. Story elements are introduced, and it finally starts to develop an underlying story. But a huge problem I found was that Mob Psycho 100, once it found its underlying story, really lacked the scale it needed to be great, and honestly left the watcher with lots to be desired. This entire evil organization called "Claw," but only one division is showcased. 11 members of the upper echelon, but most are defeated in a matter of seconds. Which is what I mean by the lack of scale. It introduces story elements, but doesn't place much importance on the implifications of them. But honestly, all this really does is keep a good show from being amazing. Mob Psycho has enough to allow the watcher to have a blast with some amazing fight scenes, intense moments, and hilarious comedy. Although it lacks the scale, it doesn't do much to deter ones enjoyment and inhibit the natural charm the art style and comedy allow this show to provide. So the story is one that lacks focus in the beginning, but soon finds its goal only to lack the scale it needed and could have thrived off of. But that doesn't do much to detract from the anime's merit as a very enjoyable show, still retaining some great moments that are sure to be highlights of anime watchers despite this.
Characters:
The characters are yet another slightly above average aspect. As I said before, the show plays it very safe, and because of this the characters are very cookie cutter, but they feel very genuine in their desire to get better. But when a show has art like this, it’s ok to stay inside the lines sometimes. Mob is probably the highlight of the show. The poster boy for average motivations, he’s the type to not want to rely on his psychic powers and not use them on people, but once provoked is an unstoppable monster. He seeks a lot of personal growth within the show, which is a definite plus, but what makes Mob stand out is his inverse relationship with his brother. This does enough to propel Mob forward and really make him stand out. Mob's brother, Ritsu, is actually a very interesting character especially in his dynamic with Mob, but the one thing holding him back is some empty words said in the middle episodes. The core of Ritsu's character is explored, but never really followed up on. They were some pretty powerful words to, but just lacked any follow-up. But his saving grace is his dynamic with Mob. What makes Mob's character more than your average protagonist works to help Ritsu's character as well, setting up some great moments in the anime. Reigen is Mob's mentor. He has a role within the story, so he's not completely useless, but really lacks a character to back him up. He gives Mob some advice that fuels his character and motivation, and this is where his significant role comes in, but he just doesn't have a ton of development. But what he does do is become a very enjoyable character in regards to comedy, and in this regards makes him incredibly lovable in his own right. Lastly is Teruki. He's a driving factor for Mob and helps him along the way. In terms of a character, he’s given something of an episode to really show off his character, but not much more is known. The characters for Mob Psycho 100, play it very safe and by the book, which isn't really ever a bad thing especially with the charm to back it up. The cast is good, with the Kageyama brother's stealing the show and the rest to back them up. Their personalities work to amplify the comedy, and increase the show's enjoyment that much more.
Art/Animation:
The art and animation is where Mob Psycho 100 gets its charm. The intensity of the art works, not only to supplement the comedy, but also works to make the moments in Mob Psycho 100 even more memorable. Characters emotions are shown through the use of colors such as blacks swirling through blues and reds to display anger. The viewer is told how the characters are feeling based on the art. The animations during the fight scenes is incredibly fluid and uses a large, psychedelic color pallet that is sure to stick in your brain. The character designs are also all eccentric and show the characters personalities and fit incredibly well with the setting and backgrounds. The art and animation are what you watch this anime for, and is where most of its charm and enjoyment are derived from. With an art style that complements the manga incredibly well with its use of psychedelic colors, eccentric and intense character expressions that amplify comedic scenes, and animation that leaves you in awe and makes the show’s action scenes incredibly memorable. Bones did an incredible job with this one.
Sound:
Soundtracks are something I don’t take too much notice in when it comes to watching anime unless they are incredibly noticeable and stick out to me. With that in mind, Mob Psycho 100’s soundtrack is one that fits the bill for this. The OST for this show doesn’t have many tracks, if any, that demanded my attention upon watching, but it did its job. A really stand-out OST could have greatly increased the quality and enjoyment of this show, so it’s kinda sad to say it left no lasting impressions on me aside from the opening, which was great, upbeat, and really prepared you for the episode to come.
Overall:
Mob Psycho 100 is an anime that I would definitely green light when it comes to recommending it. While it plays it safe in its story and characters, which is never a bad thing, its art and animation are enough to give the show the charm it needs to be an incredibly enjoyable watch. The story is fairly cookie cutter, starting off slow but picking up in the latter half. It really lacked the scale it needed in regards to its story elements, but had a ton of moments to leave a lasting impression on the watcher. The characters stayed inside the box as well, with some outstanding factors. They were a joy to watch interact on screen, and the comedy they provide further increases enjoyment. The art and animation, with its intensity and psychedelic color pallet, are what gives the anime its charm and is the main reason why this show is one to remember for most anyone who watches this anime. The sound, however, I didn’t take much notice of, and was the only thing about this show that won’t leave a lasting impression on me. So, as I said, I would definitely recommend this show. It oozes with charm and works to be an anime experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
