Reviews

It goes without saying that not everyone will be able to like, let alone understand the appeal of Super Cub. This is due in large part because of how it deviates from the Slice of Life/CGDCT formula, which more times than not tends to have a happy-go-lucky protagonist or cast of characters with a positive, optimistic outlook on life. Koguma, the protagonist of Super Cub, is anything but “happy-go-lucky”, stating rather bleakly that "I have no parents. No money either. Nor do I have any hobbies, friends, or goals for the future.” While some may proclaim that this is a betrayal of what is to be expected from the genre, Super Cub explores a side of SOL that is rarely ever explored: nihilism. Koguma, for the lack of a better description, is as relatable as anime protagonists come for a major demographic that is underrepresented in the SOL genre. If anything, people are more likely to share the same sympathies as Koguma than they would with Yui Hirasawa from K-ON! or Nadeshiko from Yuru Camp. Koguma, much like the rest of us, isn’t granted a harem of friends to drink tea or go camping with, but instead seeks a temporary but just as fulfilling comfort with the namesake of the show: a Honda Super Cub. Without going into detail about the themes of materialism or Koguma’s interactions with the other characters as the show progresses, Super Cub explores the more existential feelings of life that are rarely seen in the SOL medium.

If you’re expecting a protagonist or cast of characters who’ll provide a form of escapism with blinding optimism, I’m sorry to say that you’ll be disappointed. To put it bluntly, Super Cub is as realistic as fiction gets, and not just when it comes to SOL. Many viewers of the SOL genre will be disappointed that this show doesn’t reinforce the same overused tropes of cheerfulness, friendship, and a positive view on life that can be found in 95% of anime within the genre. So just in case I haven’t made my point clear enough, if you’re expecting this show to be like Yuru Camp, K-ON!, or other shows within the SOL genre, turn away while you still can.

Super Cub is a show that anyone can enjoy, but to understand the themes and meaning of this animated Honda commercial, you really have to relate to its protagonist, Koguma. If you’re someone who can sympathize with her quote that was brought up earlier, which speaks in part for many members of the Millennial or Zoomer generation, I would strongly recommend giving this anime a watch. It’s not going to provide a positive outlook on life, at least explicitly, nor is it likely to grant you a window of escapism from the day-to-day troubles of reality. What Super Cub will do once you watch all 12 episodes though, as you follow Koguma throughout her journey, is provide the much-needed representation and social commentary that is lacking in the genre. Above all else, Super Cub explores one out of many perspectives of the meaning of one’s self and life, which I feel is as “slice of life” as the SOL genre gets.