Anime: Light and Not So
One Punch Man didn't sound very good to me in premise. I mean, a superhero who defeats all his opposition literally with one punch? That's like Superman, only more super! Even if, technically, he's super-amped-up human (ie. strength, speed, endurance and such, but no flying or unusual powers).
But after watching a 12-episode season, I have to say it's better than I expected. There's fun to it, silliness, and some seriously thought. Saitama, the title character, is basically unbeatable and ridiculously powerful, but because of that, he's pretty much totally jaded with it. He still goes out and defeats the monsters that spring up around him, but there's no thrill or excitement or even reward, really.
Genos, the hero who attaches to him as a self-styled "disciple" provides a more traditional viewpoint, but you can see him learn some things along the way too as Saitama searches for purpose in becoming an officially-recognized hero and so on.
I also took in Sword Art Online 2, which backs off the creeptastic fanservice of the second half of the first season at least somewhat. The first half takes place largely in and around another virtual game, and is a little on the slow side. After sitting back at the end, though, I have to say the entire season has a pretty consistent theme of dealing with death from various angles. That makes for some pretty heavy stuff at times and a lot of psychological subthemes. Additionally, we get to watch the main characters growing up and starting to find their way, and I find the relationship between Kirito and Asuna sweet without being overwhelmingly saccharine.
Worth watching after investment in the first series, if perhaps not so remarkable on its own.
But after watching a 12-episode season, I have to say it's better than I expected. There's fun to it, silliness, and some seriously thought. Saitama, the title character, is basically unbeatable and ridiculously powerful, but because of that, he's pretty much totally jaded with it. He still goes out and defeats the monsters that spring up around him, but there's no thrill or excitement or even reward, really.
Genos, the hero who attaches to him as a self-styled "disciple" provides a more traditional viewpoint, but you can see him learn some things along the way too as Saitama searches for purpose in becoming an officially-recognized hero and so on.
I also took in Sword Art Online 2, which backs off the creeptastic fanservice of the second half of the first season at least somewhat. The first half takes place largely in and around another virtual game, and is a little on the slow side. After sitting back at the end, though, I have to say the entire season has a pretty consistent theme of dealing with death from various angles. That makes for some pretty heavy stuff at times and a lot of psychological subthemes. Additionally, we get to watch the main characters growing up and starting to find their way, and I find the relationship between Kirito and Asuna sweet without being overwhelmingly saccharine.
Worth watching after investment in the first series, if perhaps not so remarkable on its own.
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