Let those who demand legitimization of this show’s mastery look no further than these names: Yuzuru Tachikawa and Yoshimichi Kameda. That is all I need say. If just reading their names has not unequivocally convinced you of Mob Psycho’s grandeur, then fear not, for all those who seek shall receive answers. Those who strive shall be rewarded. And those who accept shall find comfort and lasting happiness.
Yet for some, this knowledge is not enough.
They require strict adherence to the rules of propriety and demand things such as “good plot” and “well-developed characters”. Dear peasants, I now say to you that while these things are certainly admirable, it is through faith in the sakuga gods and the blessings of their freely given graces that we are able to have such narrative elements in the first place. Therefore, any benefit or enjoyment derived these things is only secondary and made manifest by the glory our eyes feast upon.
However, fear not, for “good plot” and “characters” can be found here. Experience has evinced that it is unnecessary to repeat narrative details here when they have been expounded upon elsewhere. Therefore, I shall not belabor you with trivial specifications. The main character, Mob, provides a convincing look into psyche of genuinely kind-hearted individual who does not wish to be defined by his psychic powers, or rather, the burdensome expectations of a hierarchical society. His mentor Reigen portrays the nuanced dilemma of being a hypocrite who cares for others. At one point he says that someone who cons other is the worst kind of person, and because he is actually talking about himself, this is a very deep remark. Further important characters include a proud esper who learns how to truly live his life, and Mob’s little brother who comes to realize the dangers of ardent longing and abuse of power. The amount of character development Mob Psycho plows through in it’s short run is truly commendable. Exemplified here are just small pieces of the “good” narrative elements found in the show. As for plot, the entire thing is a coming of age story (probably) interlaced with complex metaphors for the corrupt societal standards by which most individuals are bound nowadays.
I shall now endeavor to address several grievances that have been brought to my attention.
1. The story is scattered and takes a while to get going.
A valid concern. However, it would seem that the individuals who hold this opinion harbor an untoward bias regarding shows with strong beginnings, and therefore, they would give a better impression of their candor by waiting to see how the pieces fit together before making judgments. Often expectations are ill-founded, illusory, and detrimental to one’s viewing experience. It is recommended that such preliminary opinions be set aside.
2. Mob is emo and overpowered.
At this point, we have degenerated into obstinacy. To hold this view, one must have decided that he or she will simply NOT enjoy this show. They are now dedicated to disseminating menial trivialities in an attempt to justify their perversity.
3. It’s "over-animated" and the art style looks like crap.
There exists an unfathomable abyss of bad opinions, and upon entering this domain one passes beyond the reach of reason. There is no more that must be said on this topic.
In closing, I oblige all peasants to consider the following: if a show has been bestowed upon us by the higher powers of sakuga, will not true visual satisfaction and awe-inspiring animation be its natural concomitants? Candid inquirers of truth will gain cognizance of true talent, and those who seek to believe will find that the door is open for those who wish to enter. Our faith in the beings behind this show will carry us through the mountains of mediocrity we face as we continue to view Japanese cartoons. This is greatness. This is anime.
