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Anime

Invincible Season 2: Worth the Wait? (Spoiler Alert: Heck Yeah!)

by hutchm January 27, 2025

written by hutchm

Okay, fellow Invincible fans, let’s be real. That wait for Season 2 was BRUTAL. I mean, come on! Leaving us hanging like that after Season 1’s explosive finale? And then splitting the season into two parts? It was a definite buzzkill. But you know what? Now that I’ve devoured every last episode, I can confidently say it was worth the wait. Mostly.

Picking Up the Pieces (and Punching Some Faces)

Season 2 picks up right where we left off, with Mark reeling from that earth-shattering battle with Omni-Man. The dude just went toe-to-toe with his own dad, who also happens to be the world’s most powerful superhero-turned-planet-conquering-villain. Talk about family drama!

Mark’s dealing with a whole lot of trauma, guilt, and the ever-present threat of the Viltrumite Empire breathing down his neck. But hey, at least he’s got his awesome powers, right? Except, those powers are kinda terrifying, especially when you’ve seen what your dad can do with them. Mark’s constantly struggling to control his strength, his anger, and the fear that he might turn into his father.

New Faces, Familiar Threats

This season throws some new challenges Mark’s way. We’ve got Angstrom Levy, this creepy dimension-hopping dude with a serious grudge and the power to make Mark’s life a living hell. Levy’s not just some power-hungry villain; he’s got a personal vendetta against Mark, and their battles are some of the most intense and brutal in the entire series.

But it’s not all doom and gloom! We get to see more of the awesome supporting characters we fell in love with in Season 1. Atom Eve is back and more powerful than ever, grappling with her own insecurities and finding her place in the world. Robot’s got some seriously shady stuff going on (no spoilers!), and the Teen Team is trying to hold it together while facing threats that would make even the Guardians of the Globe nervous.

And let’s not forget the return of Omni-Man! Seeing him imprisoned by the Viltrumites, stripped of his power and forced to confront his actions, adds a whole new layer of complexity to his character. The scenes between him and Mark are emotionally charged, and you can’t help but feel for both of them, even though Omni-Man, you know, tried to destroy the planet and all.

Expanding the Invincible Universe

One of the things I love about Invincible is how it keeps expanding the universe. We get glimpses of other planets, alien races, and intergalactic conflicts that make the stakes feel even higher. The Coalition of Planets is a fascinating addition, and it’s awesome to see how different species are coming together to fight against the Viltrumite threat. It’s like Star Wars meets The Boys, but with more heart (and way more blood).

Personal Struggles and Epic Battles

Season 2 doesn’t just focus on the big, cosmic battles. It also delves into the personal struggles of the characters. Mark’s relationship with his mom, Debbie, is strained as she tries to cope with the betrayal of her husband and the danger her son faces every day. We see Mark struggling to balance his superhero life with his personal life, and the toll it takes on his relationships.

But let’s be honest, we’re all here for the action, right? And Invincible delivers in spades. The fight scenes are even more brutal and intense than in Season 1. The animation is top-notch, capturing every bone-crunching blow and visceral detail. Remember that fight between Invincible and the Sequids? Or that epic showdown with the Viltrumite warrior, Thragg? Holy moly! It’s like watching The God of High School and Parasyte -the maxim- cranked up to eleven.

A Shocking Twist and a Cliffhanger Ending

Just when you think you’ve got Season 2 figured out, it throws you a curveball. The final episodes are packed with twists and turns, culminating in a shocking confrontation that leaves you reeling. And that cliffhanger ending? Man, I’m already counting down the days until Season 3!

Overall Thoughts

Invincible Season 2 is a wild ride that builds upon the foundation of the first season and takes it to new heights. It’s a must-watch for fans of superhero stories, animated series, and anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of action, drama, and emotional gut punches. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go rewatch that fight scene with Thragg. Again. And again. And maybe just one more time…

January 27, 2025 0 comments

Amazon Anime Independent

Holy Viltrumite, Batman! Invincible Season 1 Was Brutal (and I Loved It)

by hutchm January 24, 2025

written by hutchm

Okay, folks, let’s talk about Invincible. You know, that Amazon Prime show that absolutely blew everyone’s minds back in 2021? Yeah, that one. With Season 3 just around the corner (Feb 2025, mark your calendars!), I figured it was time to revisit the glorious carnage that was Season 1.

From Zero to Hero (With a Side of Alien Bloodshed)

Invincible starts off innocently enough. We meet Mark Grayson, your average teenager juggling school, a part-time job, and a budding romance with Amber. Oh, and his dad just happens to be Omni-Man, the world’s greatest superhero. No biggie, right?

Things take a turn when Mark finally develops his own powers, inheriting his father’s Viltrumite strength, flight, and invulnerability. He starts training with Omni-Man, gets himself a sweet superhero suit (thanks, Art!), and takes on the mantle of Invincible.

But this isn’t your typical coming-of-age superhero story. Right off the bat, Invincible throws us a curveball with the shocking murder of the Guardians of the Globe. I mean, who saw THAT coming?! It was a brutal, bloody massacre that instantly established the show’s darker, more mature tone.

Now, I’m a big fan of superhero stories. Give me capes, give me superpowers, give me epic battles that level entire cities. But Invincible… this show took everything I thought I knew about the genre and threw it out the window.

For starters, the animation. It’s got that classic comic book vibe, but with a level of detail and fluidity that’s just stunning. Seriously, go back and watch the fight scenes. The way they choreographed those brutal, bone-crunching battles? It’s like watching the best parts of Attack on Titan and Superman rolled into one gloriously violent package.

And speaking of violence, let’s be real, this show doesn’t pull any punches. Remember that first episode? Yeah, that train scene. Or that entirely unexpected twist with Omni-Man and the Guardians of the Globe? I was sitting there with my jaw on the floor, thinking, “Did they really just do that?!” It was shocking, it was brutal, and it set the tone for the entire season.

Family Drama, Alien Invasions, and Teenage Angst

From there, things just get crazier. We’ve got:

Alien invasions: The Flaxans, a race of time-warping warriors, launch a series of attacks on Earth, leading to some epic battles with Invincible and the Teen Team (Atom Eve, Rex Splode, Dupli-Kate, and Robot).
Intergalactic diplomacy: Mark encounters Allen the Alien, a hilarious and surprisingly insightful cosmic traveler who mistakes Earth for “Urath.” (Side note: Seth Rogen as Allen is pure gold.)
Supervillain shenanigans: Mark faces off against a rogue’s gallery of villains, including the cyborg Machine Head, the monstrous Mauler Twins, and the terrifyingly powerful Battle Beast.
Oh, and did I mention the Martian invasion? Yeah, that happened too.

But amidst all the chaos and carnage, Invincible also delves into some surprisingly deep themes. We see Mark grappling with the responsibility of his powers, the challenges of balancing his superhero life with his personal life, and the moral dilemmas that come with being a hero in a world where the lines between good and evil are often blurred.

But what really makes Invincible special is the characters. Mark Grayson, our titular hero, is instantly relatable. He’s just a kid trying to figure out his powers, navigate high school, and deal with the fact that his dad is basically Superman. Speaking of which, J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man? Absolute perfection. He brings this gravitas and complexity to the role that just sends chills down your spine.

And let’s not forget the supporting cast! Atom Eve, with her kickass powers and relatable struggles. Allen the Alien, providing some much-needed comic relief. And Amber, Mark’s girlfriend, who gets caught in the middle of all this superhero chaos.

Of course, I can’t talk about Invincible without mentioning the source material. Robert Kirkman’s comic book series is legendary, and the show does an amazing job of adapting it while still adding its own unique flavor. For fans of the comics, it’s a thrill to see these iconic moments brought to life on screen. And for newcomers, it’s a perfect gateway into this incredible world.

The Ultimate Betrayal

And then, of course, there’s the big twist. The revelation that Omni-Man, Mark’s beloved father, is actually a Viltrumite agent sent to conquer Earth. It’s a gut-wrenching betrayal that culminates in a devastating father-son battle that leaves entire cities in ruins.

The final showdown between Invincible and Omni-Man is one for the ages. It’s brutal, emotional, and ultimately heartbreaking. And that ending, with Omni-Man abandoning his mission and flying off into space? Man, that left me reeling.

Looking Ahead to Season 3

So, what can we expect from Season 3? Well, based on where things left off in Season 2 (no spoilers here!), we’re in for a wild ride. More epic battles, more shocking twists, and more of that signature Invincible blend of action, humor, and heart. I, for one, can’t wait.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go practice my best Omni-Man glare in the mirror. “Think, Mark! Think!”

January 24, 2025 1 comment

Anime

Weeb and Otaku – Seriously blurred lines

by hutchm December 5, 2020

written by hutchm

Two words anime fans will always find themselves being called are weeb and otaku. Let’s look at what exactly these terms mean and whether they are being used in good faith or as a slur.

Ever since my infatuation with anime many years ago, I’ve only begun to notice the crude disposition many people feel towards those who enjoy Japanese games, comics and of course anime. To be even more specific, this degrading viewpoint of an entire fanbase is primarily targeted to those who enjoy the aforementioned cultures of Japan, but are not of Japanese ethnicity themselves. This unfair and hostile treatment towards a select group of people who happen to have an interest outside of their own culture is an ongoing occurrence that needs to be properly analyzed and discussed.

Nobody is safe on the internet

Whenever I’m browsing YouTube, Reddit or Twitter, my personal holy trinity of websites at any given time, there are always two words that get thrown around when anime becomes the main topic of discussion. The terms weeb or weeaboo is the first phrase that always attracts my attention. I’ve seen friends call each other this name in a joking manner, but I’ve also seen it used as a direct insult in online arguments between two complete strangers. According to Japan Powered, a website that discusses everything Japanese and anime related, the word weeaboo is a slang term derived from the two words “wannabe” and “white.” Its earliest usage dates back in the infamous online chat rooms of 4chan, when they would use it to insult obsessive and obnoxious anime fans.

To my surprise, I still get called a weeb by my friends and online users from time to time. I too am not exempt from this term used to shun fans of Japanese culture who are not of the same ethnicity, or so I thought. In actuality, the term weeb and weeaboo have become so overused all throughout social media and other popular websites that it has become a generic term used to describe all fans of Japanese culture, mainly anime fans. This Reddit post seems to understand my pain all too well. However, one of the commenters from that post explains the term weeb has been self-used by the anime community for some time now, and that it is used to separate occasional watchers from die-hard fans.

From my understanding, the term has gained so much traction that it has lost most of its meaning. The misuse of the term weeb, which originated as an insult to annoying fans of Japanese culture but has since shifted to simply anyone who consumes anime or manga, is a troubling development that transforms a demeaning phrase with a prolifically racist history to an uplifting status, which apparently some people take pride in.

Origins of Otaku

The second term I see time and time again is otaku. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, otaku is an actual Japanese word that originated years before weeb came into existence. According to Tofugu, a website focused on learning the Japanese language, “media and cultural trends have shaped the term’s popular perception over time.” They continue by stating otaku was used by Japanese people as a term for those who consume a ton of anime and manga. Tofugu explains how Japanese people needed a word to connect with others of similar interest and otaku fit the bill perfectly. In general, the word otaku appears to be a mutual and friendly term used by experienced anime fans.

Nakuru Narumi being followed by the girls from Mayo Chiki!

Hatred breeds more hatred

The two words otaku and weeabo were created for distinct purposes, but since then their meanings have evidently been reshaped to convey the opposite. Where weeaboo was once coined to insult overly-enthusiastic fans of Japanese culture, it has now become a title anime fans have found pride in. On the contrary, otaku was made to help identify and connect with other anime and manga fans but has now turned into yet another derogatory term for those passionate about Japanese culture. It is without a doubt the perception of these two words have changed significantly, but one thing remains certain, they are two of the most commonly used words to blatantly disrespect fans of anime and Japanese culture in general.

Crew members aboard the Harekaze battleship from Haifuri

I try my best to not let the words of others irritate me, especially when they are the ones casted over the endless boundaries of the internet, behind the comfort of anonymity, but I can’t deny the terms weeb and otaku irritate and possibly offend me to no end. I had no idea two words could conflict this much hate and animosity towards a particular group of people with niche interest, but that is apparently what it has come down to. Anime fans have faced this type of persecution for years and will continue to bear the onslaught of derogatory terms, with the main perpetrators being weeb and otaku, for as long as the internet is around, and that is deeply concerning.

My advice to those caught in the receiving end of this backlash is to ignore it and move on. The people who purposely try to insult or humiliate the interest of others for any reason are a special breed of individuals who don’t deserve your attention. It’s not a foolproof method for defending one’s self against the legion of baseless haters, but it is the reality we as a contemporary society live in, and one that we must overcome at all cost.

December 5, 2020 0 comments

Anime Television

The right way to watch Anime

by hutchm December 4, 2020

written by hutchm

Let’s break down some of the finer aspects anime has to offer as an entertainment medium, and how the circumstances in which you watch it majorly affect the overall experience.

Mayuu Kanenashi from Scorching Ping Pong Girls

Anime is a unique type of entertainment medium that not everyone can easily enjoy. They are drawn in a variety of different ways and have premises that range from the wackiest of ideas to absolute masterpieces. If you’re unaccustomed to anime or Japanese visual culture itself, these uncommon animations may be unappealing from the very start. Or, on the other hand, you might have actually watched an anime or two but didn’t really enjoy it, consequently setting aside Japanese animation as a whole forever. It’s not uncommon for either of those reactions to occur. Anime, as a form of entertainment, usually falls under the realm of liking it from the start or giving it a shot but with no success.

This article will hopefully guide those who are on the fence about watching anime as a hobby or for those who gave up on it long ago due to a lackluster past experience. Use the advice below to help better understand the unique interest anime provides. All anime, much like any other TV show or movie, each have their own values worth watching. However, if you never give something a proper chance, their values will never reach you.

Watch it for your own sake

It’s as easy as it sounds. Although recommendations are great, they will not always match your preference or expectations. We are all vastly different from one another, so the ways we react to shows will differ as well. The people offering anime recommendations may have your best interest in mind, but don’t be surprised if your opinions differ from others. Instead, choose an anime for your own sake. There doesn’t need to be any logical reasoning as to why. The simplest of reasons, such as a well-drawn cover art, an interesting synopsis, or even a catchy theme song are all perfectly understandable motives to watch an anime.

The more popular method of sorting by top rated or most popular anime and choosing from there is also a valid reason to watch something. However, when you pick out something from the top of a list, your expectations will more often than not skyrocket tremendously. You might find yourself nitpicking at every little flaw of the show and make it your duty to find a million and one reasons why the show is ‘overrated.’ It’s not uncommon for extremely popular shows to be disliked by a vocal minority, but it does occur and they’re opinions are just as justified as anyone else’s.

Also, it’s important to never shy away from watching something that is outside of the norm, or something that is not ‘targeted’ towards you. Never let anyone question why you started watching a show. It’s a show, they exist to be watched. As long as you were the one to choose it, there can never be a wrong or right answer as to why. Choosing an anime on your own free whim helps to reduce the limitations on all the shows you can watch. There are no borders to cross, just pick an anime and continue watching.

Give it the attention it deserves

More often than not, people will have no idea what’s happening in their anime because they are too distracted on their phones or on another tab. It’s disheartening but understandable. If an anime does not show enough to warrant the viewer’s immediate attention, then it’s arguable to call out their rather lackluster storytelling. But on the other hand, to actually enjoy a show, you must give it your full, undivided attention. When you’re watching an anime, it’s assumed that you’ve got enough free time to simply pay attention to what you’re watching.

Essentially, when you’re watching an anime, do try to keep your eyes on the show and avoid any unnecessary pauses or distractions. One of anime’s key traits is the ability to immerse the viewers into the fictional realm. That, of course, will not be possible if your mind is already drifting elsewhere. If you’re giving an anime every chance to start becoming interesting but are still bored to death, then it’s time to rethink your strategy. Although there is some criticism to this train of thought, the anime community generally gives a show up until episode 3 before they axe it.

Free time is valuable but often very limited. It’s understandable to want to enjoy yourself during these well-needed rest times, and being bored to death from an anime doesn’t sound appealing in the slightest. Do give the anime a chance, but if it passes the 3rd or 4th episode and it still doesn’t strike your fancy, then simply move on. We don’t want to be forced to watch an anime we find no connection with, so feel free to drop it and move on. As mentioned before, when you can, always watch anime for your own sake and never feel obliged to complete a show for the sake of finishing it. You will probably end up hating the anime even more.

It’s not a race, pace yourself

Most anime are on a one-episode a week format. Seasonal watchers are given an entire week to think about what transpired in the latest episode and to speculate on what happens in the next. This lengthy cooldown is sometimes needed to give the viewers a chance to appreciate each episode, rather than just skipping ahead to the next one. The build-up is a real phenomenon and viewers have something to look forward to the following week. Depending on how you look at it, the fortunate part about watching shows that have already aired is the ability to watch everything in one sit through.

Inugami and Kohina Ichimatsu from Gugure! Kokkuri-san

Just remember to pace yourself. There is no race to see who watches an anime the fastest. Ruining a watching experience over something so trivial is just nonsensical. If you want to binge an anime because you’re enjoying it on all levels, then go ahead. But don’t watch it in one sitting because you want to simply get over it, or ‘skip’ to the good parts. Watching anime, or any show, at speeds faster than its intended rate should also be used sparingly, especially if it’s your first time watching. Even at a 1.25x faster rate, the dialogue sounds higher pitched and the pacing of the show will inevitably feel rushed. Always remember to watch in moderation and for your own enjoyment, not for speed-run achievements.

Get a feel for the Japanese language

Pretty self-explanatory. Although anime is rich with English dubs, not all anime is fortunate enough to get translated. If you continue to actively watch anime, then you should at one point accept watching in its original Japanese voice work with English subtitles. This may ruin the immersion for some, considering that reading while trying to watch the visuals could be somewhat of a nuisance. Unfortunately, English natives will simply have to endure the subtitles. However, not all is lost. The Japanese language sounds rather soothing once you get used to it. Also, with a few hours of watching anime, you’ll begin to familiarize yourself with some of the common words, giving your brain a rest from all the reading. It’s a learning process but it’s simply something all anime fans must endure. Again, you can get away with just watching anime in English. However, you will be depriving yourself of some of Japan’s most spectacular stories and characters.

Never skip openings/endings

Last but not least, never under any circumstances should you skip openings/endings. Alright, maybe it’s not that serious of an offence, but do try to listen to the songs. More often than not, anime themes are performed by the voice actors themselves, adding even more sentimental value to a show. They are catchy works of music that set up and close out each and every episode. At times, they even show the story’s plot through it’s (SPOILER WARNING) 1 minute and 30 second intro. The songs make up an anime, just as a story or characters would. They are a central piece to identifying a show, without revealing any names or premises.

They don’t provide the same weight as the aforementioned do, but at the same time they are not something you should be wilfully skipping. How else would you feel the excitement when an anime’s first opening plays as the final episode’s ending? If you actively skipped all songs, no connection would be made, missing out on an opportunity that is cherished among many anime. The opening and ending themes are part of the episode, so try your best not to skip them. Anime has grown more popular over the years but still continues to be somewhat of a niche medium. The show’s animation quality is getting more refined every year, but the same wacky premises and out-of-this-world plotlines are still very much the same. Although anime may not be for everyone, there is most likely an anime show out there that everyone can enjoy.

December 4, 2020 0 comments

Anime Television

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni – A delightful return

by hutchm November 16, 2020

written by hutchm

The Higurashi franchise returns with a new rendition of the classic 2006 series. Most of the original Japanese voice actors reprise their roles once more to finally settle the mysteries of Hinamizawa. This article contains no spoilers.

Mion, Keiichi and Rena walking to school

After a grueling long three month delay, the latest adaptation of the horror-drama Higurashi franchise, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou, has finally made its debut for the fall 2020 anime season. Despite the horrific story that takes place in the fictional Hinamizawa, fans of the franchise were more than willing to relive those dire moments, this time in high-definition.

It has been long speculated whether the new season would be a reboot, remake or potential sequel of the original Higurashi anime that aired back in 2006. Regardless of the outcome, the amount of hype that surrounded Gou’s debut made it abundantly clear that fans were excited and wanted more Higurashi, regardless of rendition.

Long waited reunion

The first episode was a sigh of relief as they brought back all the familiar faces and lovable characters of the original series. The personalities and interactions with one another were all too familiar, like reuniting with an old batch of friends after countless years. Keiichi still pretending to be aloof, Rena’s overwhelming obsession with all things cute, and Shion always acting like the geezer of the group, were all the very same unique traits that encompassed who they were in the original adaptation.

An even more delightful surprise, perhaps, was the reassembly of the original Japanese voice actors from nearly 15 years ago. Gou managed to bring most of the cast back, with all of them reprising their original role. Although most of the cast are now well into their adult years, like true professionals, they portray their younger counterparts without missing a step. Yukari Tamura, Yui Horie and Mai Nakahara, all of which have since become renowned voice actors and singers in Japan since casting for Higurashi, will also be returning.

Rena looks on while she plays in her beloved scrap yard

If that didn’t bring back nostalgic memories for previous watchers, then maybe the familiar soundtracks will. Not only does Gou feature soundtracks from the older seasons, devoted fans will quickly notice that it also includes music from the original visual novel game that was released way back in 2002. As simple as they were from a composer’s point of view, they helped put together everlasting scenes and moments that players and watchers would remember years later.

Future like no other

Fans of the franchise will quickly notice the vibrant new art style of the anime, courtesy of studio Passione. The rural village of Hinamizawa looks more alive and vastly colourful than all of its predecessors put together. Although the layout of the village looks the same, the sharper animation and brilliant colouring make it feel much more immersive and memorable. The characters’ newly drawn style should draw some comparisons to another popular anime known for their subtle yet terrifyingly accurate portrayal of facial expressions, Nisio Isin’s Monogatari series. That is because the lead character designer for that anime, Akio Watanabe, is also the lead designer for Gou.

Less than halfway through the first episode, it should come as no surprise that the same events from the original anime were unfolding, this time with some additional new scenes. Keiichi is still regarded as the new kid on the block while he learns more about the history of Hinamizawa as well as his friends, Rena, Shion, Satoko and Rika. As secrets slip out, trickles of doubt and mistrust begin to cloud Keiichi’s mind and long before he begins to even realize, the warm sunny days spent hanging out with his most precious friends are that of the past.

From the mastermind himself

To the resounding joy of many, Gou begins its story by retelling the first arc, Onikakushi-hen, only this time being more faithful to its original source material, the visual novels released nearly two decades ago. After the premiere of the first episode, the original creator of the Higurashi series, Ryukishi Zero-Nana or more notably by his pen name Ryukishi07, shared his thoughts and insight on it for an interview with Funimation.

The main cast having a picnic at the shrine

It was Ryukishi’s intention to find a perfect medium that would appeal to both those who’ve seen Higurashi before and for those who are first time watchers. He ended the interview by thanking his longtime supporters and reminding everyone to tune into the next episode. “Things are finally going to start moving with the next episode, so I hope you watch carefully from episode two on,” he concluded.

Regardless of how episode two will unfold, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou has managed to bring back warm yet chilling memories of the past, and has us tense in excitement for the unexpected outcomes of the next episode onwards. It matters not whether Gou is a remake, reboot, sequel or anything else in between, studio Passione has done a phenomenal job bringing these illustrious characters back to life and the staff have done well to incorporate everything the fans have cherished in the previous seasons back into this one.

With the gifted mind of Ryukishi at the helm of the production staff, there is no doubt that Gou will become a series that longtime fans can adore, while also serving as a gateway for new fans to explore the frightening beauty of the magnificent Higurashi universe.

November 16, 2020 1 comment

Anime Television

Get a grip with Climbing Girls!

by hutchm November 14, 2020

written by hutchm

Iwa Kakeru!: Sport Climbing Girls introduces Konomi Kasahara to the up and coming sport of climbing. Using her background of puzzling gaming, she transfers her innate ability to problem-solve on the climbing walls.

With the fall 2020 anime season being jam-packed with popular shows and highly anticipated sequels, it’s rather common for some series to go under the radar or even completely forgotten. Iwa Kakeru!: Sport Climbing Girls unfortunately seems to be following in this trajectory. That, however, is to be expected given the anime’s relatively short-lived manga and mediocre ratings.

This will also be author Ryuudai Ishizaka’s first manga to get an anime adaptation. Although that is a tremendous accomplishment for Ishizaka, it won’t help that he has no other past works to attract existing or new fans. Despite Climbing Girls’ underwhelming reception among the anime community throughout the first five episodes, it is still a worthwhile show that explores the up and coming activity known as sport climbing through the lens of a charming group of girls.

Rocky Puzzle

The anime begins when high school junior Konomi Kasahara stumbles upon a climbing wall right outside of campus after her first day of class. She was initially drawn into it because of the many different shapes and colours the holds of the climbing wall had. To Kasahara, it reminded her of a puzzle video game, a variety of gaming that she was all too familiar with. Despite being extremely skilled in video games, so much so that she has even won national tournaments, Kasahara wished to move on from her stay-at-home lifestyle and to embark on a new ambition.

Due to her background in puzzle gaming, Kasahara instinctively climbed the wall in a strategic manner. Using the best route available, she made it all the way to the top, hooking the final anchor. As the three members of the climbing club looked on, thoroughly impressed at her first attempt ever, they welcomed Kasahara with open arms and told her about the upcoming sport climbing tournament.

Climbing Girls offers a new perspective on the sport of rock climbing and highlights the athleticism, precision and strategic prowess needed in order to ascend or send a wall. Right off the bat, the anime is quick to dispel any narratives that suggest rock climbing is solely an upper body dependent activity. As the show progresses, we begin to learn more about the subtle techniques and finesse climbers must utilize in order to conquer their wall or route. The climbers are drawn with detailed muscles, especially the abominable section, and glossy sweat that illustrate the sport and its athletes to perfection.

Perfecting the craft

Members of the Hanamiya Girls High School Sports Climbing Club

The anime is a delightful surprise for those who aren’t knowledgeable of climbing and quite a refreshing take on a relatively niche sport. Kasahara learns the hard way that arm strength alone will not bring her to the finish line, a great deal of commitment and effort is required, much like any other sport would. Hours upon hours of training are needed to swiftly and safely ascend towards the top, and the anime makes certain that viewers understand this. As she continues her training, she learns how to properly mount holds with her feet, take advantage of her body’s leverages and the best way to assess a route even before taking the first step. Kasahara’s journey from a beginner whose arms gave out after the first climb to a specialist who can contort her body in seemingly any position, is a truly motivating experience that would leave most viewers grinning from ear to ear.

The other girls in the climbing club are still leagues above Kasahara and push the newcomer to her limits every now and then, but all of it is with good intentions as they prepare for the tournament. The girls make sure to give their due diligence in nurturing Kasahara to meet and exceed her untapped potential, even if that comes at her dismay. The friendship the four girls share is the kind of bond many would be envious of, a spiritual connection that allows them to learn, grow and prosper from one another, whether that be in sport climbing or life in general. To the untrained eye, rock climbing is nothing more than using your arms to grab the next hold in front of you.

Not only does Climbing Girls offer an endearing story about four girls competing for a national tournament, but it also provides us a glimpse of the mesmerizing art form known as sport climbing. Regardless of the tournament’s outcome, viewers will be sure to finish the anime feeling satisfied learning about a less than traditional sport, Kasahara’s character development and the unwavering friendship she obtained along the way.

A growing sport

Although rock climbing’s relevancy is still miles away from mainstream sports, such as basketball or baseball, its community continues to grow. For the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sport climbing was set to make its debut as an official event for the summer games. The new format would introduce three disciplines of the sport, lead-climbing, bouldering and speed climbing.

Climbing Girls combines the appeal of sport climbing with a down to earth main character who every viewer can relate to one way or the other. It brings us into the crafty and newly refined world of climbing and practically teaches us the sport from the ground up. The only thing more entertaining than learning the mastery behind climbing is watching Kasahara get teased relentlessly from her fellow club members.

The sport climbing club in their first local tournament

Climbing Girls may be overshadowed by the other, more popular, anime that headline the fall 2020 season, but there is nothing about it that makes it any less inferior in terms of production, characters and story. Overall, it is an anime that stands completely fine on its own and is certainly worth a watch for those who enjoy the competitive nature of sports, or for those who relish in watching a group of friends strive towards a common goal.

November 14, 2020 0 comments

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