Mob Psycho 100 is set in a world where the paranormal exists and follows a school kid commonly called Mob who has an unfathomable level of esper energy and who works for his mentor/master Reigen Arataka, a self-proclaimed psychic running a business of doing odd jobs related to the supernatural.
Sadness permeates through my being as I say goodbye to this phenomenal work of art since the anime finished its run with its third and final season at the end of this year. Adapted from the webcomic/manga by ONE, studio BONES poured all of their love and care into this last season delivering a sublime experience once again. It is rare to receive quality at superb consistent levels with all three seasons delivering on every facet that goes into an anime. It is rarer, still, to be left off with a conclusion that is nothing short of perfection. I’m struggling to remember the last time when something concluded to this degree of satisfaction as so often properties that I love, even with a solid ending, leave something to be desired. But ONE and BONES went 100%. Sadness persists but is one of peace, closure and contentment.
Season 3 carries on from the previous one where our protagonist MOB is dealing with further growth and future prospects as the power-hungry antagonists have all been dealt with. This was the biggest surprise and a stroke of genius in this final season that instead of introducing some new big baddie or a secret organization repeating the cycle, the story focuses on its main set of characters and related plot threads and wraps up their arcs in the 12-episode run. That’s not to say that there aren’t any splendid action sequences or crazy levels of animation because those elements are present but the stakes are the most personal they have ever been.
The final season strikes a sound balance between slice-of-life shenanigans and humongous threats showcasing the character's growth in all aspects. While I love ONE’s writing in terms of his subversion of tropes and comedic flair, it’s his characterization and wholesomeness that shine the most amongst all the craziness. The primary characters reach the zenith of their arcs in a stupendous fashion that pulls on your heartstrings in a thrilling and nerve-wracking manner with the story beats and themes that were set up all the way back in Season 1 coming to a full close. The story itself has been about the inability to process emotions or bottling them up till they explode, trauma, connecting with other people, personal growth, and self-acceptance of both the yin and the yang or light and dark inside you and Season 3 reaches a perfect climax and catharsis for it.
Shigeo Kageyama or Mob became one of my favourite anime protagonists and Reigen Arataka might be one of my favourite anime characters, as a whole, of all time. It is a testament to the writing and care for the story when one gets so attached to these fictional characters and revels in their trials and development as well as learns from them. The duo of these two is simply wonderful. Without going into spoilers, let's just say man tears were shed (yet again). Even the secondary and tertiary characters get their moments in the limelight, sometimes in a supreme fashion. I wish there were more scenes with the Body Improvement Club bros, though.
To continue with the praise, the animation was absolutely gorgeous once again and this entire anime series is one of the best examples of a Studio giving it all consistently. I can understand why some people might be put off by the art style but that was never a bother for me and this is, without a doubt, one of the best animations I have ever seen in any animated series. The soundtrack is no slouch either giving everything an extra punch when required whether it be comedic, melancholic, unsettling, or thrilling.
Ultimately, I adore this anime. I’m glad I decided to give it a shot all those years back and now the journey is over. Saddening, yes, but also superbly satisfying. ONE has a knack for depicting overpowered characters unlike anyone else I’ve experienced and I love it. If you have any interest in anime or animated series, in general, I’ll highly recommend giving Mob Psycho 100 a try. And if I were to rate this season and the entire anime, I’d give it a 10/10.
P.S. I can only hope that One Punch Man gets out of production hell and gets similar treatment going forward or the kind of treatment it got in Season 1.
