There’s a long review coming…………
About the STORY
I just love series that has most of the important elements in it. There’s comedy, drama, supernatural, fantasy, adventure, a little bit romance, and of course, tons of actions. Even for an old series, the action can still be considered sophisticated. This is a proof that even before, action series can still be tasteful. Though the storyline can be cliché or something that we’ve already seen, the plot is definitely original. It can be genuinely interesting and exciting. That’s why every revelation is very interesting and anticipating.
About the CHARACTERS
For a tournament kind of story, of course it is given that there is a huge range of character in this series. Some are mysterious, some are likeable and some are interesting but for some reason almost all of them can be really irritating. They really can work up a nerve because most of them have their own share of hypocrisies and that’s even with the protagonists themselves. The villains, particularly Hao is very irritating but the most irritating of all is the very hypocrite X-laws, particularly Lyzerg. But among the characters, one of my favorite is Chocolove. He may not be funny most of the times but when he hit it right, it’s genuinely hilarious. With so many episodes, there is obviously enough time for massive character developments whether for main or recurring characters. And most of it is because of Yoh or because of their interaction with one another. That kind of set-up might be kind of cliché but it is very effective that’s why it is always a sure hit. However, their skills development can be really incredibly far-fetched. One moment they’re so weak then the next minute they’re unbelievably strong. Perhaps, that’s to make them look cooler but it doesn’t work for me. Some characters can be extremely irritating when they force their beliefs with others, much like some hypocrites would do particularly the X-Laws. Characters that are obsess with their own righteousness. I really hate that. But boy it just feels so good when they are proven wrong by the protagonists.
About ASAKURA YOH
Yoh is one of the reasons why I just love very laid-back protagonists alongside Luffy of One Piece. They are very simple-minded, easy going, and not complicated characters. And the most amazing thing about them is that they are usually very strong and because they are easy going characters, their powers are not obviously shown or they don’t look so cocky about it. For some reason, they look a lot cooler when they are like that. Imagine very powerful characters yet they are very simple and stupid looking characters. I just love it when protagonists don’t boast about their skills. Also, they are always positive and carefree despite being in a dire situation. That way they are a lot more interesting, amazing and definitely likeable. And as always, this type of character is always able to make his enemies into his allies. If you would think about it, this kind of ability can be considered as the most terrifying of all. Being extremely charming and influential has always been a terrifying ability of human being. Hitler is a very good example of it. It is just so weird that his goal is to be lazy and have an easy life. It is funny yet admiring in a weird way. I also think that Yoh is the most laid-back and easy going character I’ve ever seen in my many years of watching animes and reading mangas. He’s too much laid-back that it is becoming irritating at times and he has the tendencies to become so hypocrite.
About the ANIMATION
Considering it is an old series, it is to be expected that the animation was not as amazing as of today’s animations. I also love how the spirits are made particularly when they are being used by the Shamans. Every spirit is very interesting.
Just like the others, this series also has its fair share of flaws even more now that I’ve seen so many kinds of series already. Though this series has almost all the important elements, the story has the tendencies to be far-fetched. Sometimes the storyline can be very predictable, boring, and runs in a very slow pace as well. The drama also oftentimes can be overly done and becomes so cheesy. Some characters can be over the top and become very hypocrite. And I am not saying all this just because I was younger then. Just like this series I’ve also watched and planning to watch all the series that I’ve encountered when I was younger. What I am trying to say is that there are still few series that I still find so amazing or I am even more amazed now that I’ve seen the original version. There are few series that from before and until now are still so amazing.
I think this kind of series works before and it was really amazing back then but unfortunately now, seeing it after so many years it really does feel very off. And I am not saying that series from before are all far-fetched because there are some series before that are absolutely amazing even if you watch it again now or watch for the first time like Hajime no Ippo, Detective Conan, Naruto, Cardcaptor Sakura, and of course One Piece which is much more older than this series. However, I strongly believe that with right improvement and with it’s no doubt very unique and interesting plot it can even compete to the few series that are still amazing even after so many years had passed. And it is still exciting for most of its important parts. Nonetheless, I am still genuinely glad that I am able to watch its original version.
