There’s a very long as in long review coming……….
About the STORY
To be honest, this series starts off with a very boring and cliché storyline. Before watching the series, I am already aware how famous this is and of course, as an anime lover I wouldn’t let the chance of watching it. If it wasn’t for my knowledge beforehand, I might not have continued watching it. Note that first, middle, and last parts are the most important parts in any anime/manga or any story for that matter. First part to get you interested; middle part to make you love it; and last part to give you a satisfying closure. Anyways, after first few episodes, finally like what they’ve said, the storylines changed and it is worth the wait. The plots and climaxes are just so exciting that I am actually holding my breath. How the story unfolds and truths reveal are so anticipating. This is mafia story elevated. Some of the main plots might be cliché but its originality and very unique ideas are very much well incorporated in this series. Babies, rings, box weapons, future selves, time traveling are some of the interesting parts of the storyline. Let me tell you that the use of baby characters who acts like adults is such a genius idea. It is so original and refreshing. It is also amazing to see characters in their future selves. I mean, who doesn’t want to see at least a glimpse of what we would look like in the future? It is so exciting. The transformation from being weak to being strong is also a sure hit. Everyone just loves it when they see people gets stronger and stronger even though they are initially so weak. It gets you so inspired. Even though it might be cliché of all clichés, deciding to fight and getting stronger as to protect the people that you love is really an inspiring thing and so it really is still effective for the storyline.
About the CHARACTERS
With one of the longest running series, there are also a huge range of characters in this series. Hayato; who’s the most loyal to Tsuna, to the point of almost an obsession. While Takeshi on the other hand is not that into Tsuna, instead of considering Tsuna as a boss, he considers him more as a friend. And also, among all the guardians, I like Takeshi the most because he’s always care-free and calm and wouldn’t be overcomed by his emotions but can really get serious when in crisis. Ryohei can be a source of comic relief because of his stupidity and loudness. Lambo is the cutest character but can also be so hilarious with his stubborn and obnoxious attitude. Together with I-pin, they are the source of the lightness of the story. Being innocent as they are can really make you feel that it is such bliss to be young. I just love whenever he talks and does his usual antics. I like him a lot as a character but not so much as a guardian. I even doubt on why he becomes a guardian when he can’t do anything instead he can be an annoyance to others. Mukuro; I don’t hate him but I don’t particularly like him. He is such an enigmatic character. Among all the guardians, Hibari is the one who would give you a reassuring feeling when he is fighting. With all his confidence and calmness, you will feel that he will win for sure. I like how their personality’s matches well with their elements. Even though I find it so hypocrite for them to be so soft including Tsuna and they might not be one of the most amazing as a group in the anime world; however, I love how they are able to stick to their resolves and not be swayed by what others think of them. For me, that is amazing enough. I will admit that the villains are so effective because almost all of them are very much irritating. But among the villains who become an ally in the end, Varia is the most interesting because they serve somewhat as a comic relief considering they are so genuinely irritating when they are still the enemies, most especially Flan. I just adore his brutal way of talking while having a poker face. The most satisfying and interesting of all the characters are the babies, the arcobalenos particularly. They are all so cute not only for the simple reason that they are babies but because while they have baby appearances, they are actually adults and that gives a super extra cuteness to them. I just love it when they gather around. Plus, they have this mysteriousness aura about them that will make you so interested on them. I also like the characters from the first Vongola Family.
About SAWADA TSUNAYOSHI
First and foremost, let me just mention that Tsuna has a strong resemblance from Kobayakawa Sena of Eyeshiled 21. Not only physically but with personalities as well. But of course, they are still very much different in many ways. Tsuna starts off as extremely weak person not only physically but also when it comes to his personality. But like in real life, when you give them reason or a motivation to get stronger, then anyone can really change. When given a situation, he has to do important decisions that are much unknown to him, which applies to all of his guardians as well. And as if it is not enough, he has to make those decisions in a short period of time. Which is why Reborn’s way of guiding and teaching him is the proper way for him to get stronger. His adaptability to situations and quick thinking is put to the test but most importantly his resolve is challenge considering his very soft which is not the best quality if you want to protect someone. Although, I’m glad he gets to change his life for the better, I still pity him because he is drag to the world so different from his and force to do things he initially doesn’t want to. Plus, he is extremely pacifist considering he is to be a boss of a mafia and he is like that up to the end of the series. And I find that very hypocrite. Not that I hate him for that, it’s just that he is still so naïve and can be dyed with any color. That is the very reason why he is easily manipulated. I don’t think he can survive in the mafia world with that kind of personality. However, even though I consider it soft, Tsuna still manage to justify it with his own way and resolve at least. In fact, all of them make it so far with the kind of Tsuna’s resolve and so I believe that in so many ways that is amazing enough. Well, even if that is the case, I do think that worrying about his comrades somewhat signifies that he doesn’t have faith with his guardians’ abilities. Among all the most famous protagonists of today’s animes, Tsuna is the least cool and not particularly likeable. Normally, he extremely looks so weak and indecisive. However, when in a pinch and crisis, his appearance looks absolutely cool and impressive. In fact, his whole personality changes when his in the dying flame mode. Well, you do not want to be strong only in times of crisis. But still, overtime Tsuna is still not that impressive personality wise. I can’t feel the weight of being a boss from him. It’s as if he is just a symbol but behind the scenes, Reborn is still the one who leads every each of them.
About REBORN
Even with the titular name, it is still obvious that the number one protagonist is still Tsuna. However, Reborn is still my number one favorite among the characters in this series. It is amazing how he can be so cute yet so cool at the same time with that kind of appearance. He is so mysterious in a way that he doesn’t reveal his true identity and motives. He is one of those stereotype characters that shows up at the right time, knows everything, very powerful, guides you behind the scenes and yet you still don’t know what they really up to. And to add up to his coolness, he is just a small and very cute baby wearing a Mafioso outfit. But be warned, despite his very cute appearance, Reborn can really be scary when his mad most especially when it comes to his beloved students and family. But the most amazing about him is the fact that he is the one that really gives encouragement to every character despite being so hilarious at times. He’s willing to be the villain towards his beloved students because he knows thats the only way to make them stronger. He knows what to say and when he has to say it. Lastly, did I mention that he absolutely loves cosplay? He’s just so adorable whenever he comes out with his unique costumes. I also love his very unique relationship with Tsuna. With first look, he might be too harsh or cruel to Tsuna but deep down he truly cares about him. However, even if he gives an aura of being strong and powerful, it is not shown in here. There isn’t an even single episode that literally show his powers in a real fight and that is extremely disappointing.
About the ANIMATION
The animation may not be one of the best but it still made amazingly. I am also amaze how the weapons are beautifully made. Every time they would use it just gives so much excitement. The music is nice too.
To be honest the plot and how the story unfolds is definitely and extremely amazing but if it wasn’t for the many flaws this could’ve been one of the bests and could’ve been competing head on with the famous animes of today. With that all said, this is still definitely another famous work that has been serialized by Shonen Jump which is, no surprise considering almost all works that has been serialized by Shonen Jump are always sure to hit. Among them are Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Gintama, and Eyeshield 21 which are some of my personal top listers in my lists of top 100 best animes. Even with so many critics that I give, I still feel so sad finishing it and I admit that I will continue following the story in the manga form. I also still wish they would continue adapting it into an anime. I am definitely going to miss these guys especially the very cute Reborn and Lambo.
