What I'm Watching This Season (Spring 2011)

As with all new seasons of shows I go out of my way to preview each and every single one, usually until the 2nd episode. It's a pain in the ass and I have to sit through a ton of shit just to find something I'm actually interested in. Luckily though, I'm glad to say that I seem to have been able to pick up at least 2-3 shows each season. I'll only talk about one of those show right now.

My number one pick right now for the current season (Spring 2011) is very easily Tiger & Bunny.

 Our title characters striking a pose.

In essence, this is a comedic action series about super heroes with company sponsors as they try and save the day and earn points on something called Hero TV for a chance at being the King of Heroes. Really, this show is wacky, but with a lovable cast of characters. So far the series centers around main character Wild Tiger aka Kaburagi Kotetsu, who is a down-on-his-luck super hero forced to team up with pretty boy Barnaby Brooks, a new up-and-coming Hero superstar.

 

The Heroes in their street clothing.

 If this show does one thing right, it's showing off the hilarity of its spirit. Each of the Heroes are decked out like NASCAR vehicles with real-life company logos. One of my personal favorite companies Calbee (a famous Japanese snack maker) appears on a kung-fu theme Hero named Dragon Kid. While Pepsi is having its latest product Pepsi NEX front-lined on ice themed super idol Blue Rose. There is an entire cast of other Heroes, each equipped with amusing and quirky personalities. The series really goes out of its way to show off these hijinks and it really works for the tone of the show.

A scene with Barnaby (left) and Wild Tiger (right).

The banter between the two title characters Wild Tiger and Barnaby make for an interesting spin on the dysfunctional buddy cop cliche. It's a fun show and you'll be sucked from the first episode alone. Do yourself a favor and just try out this series if you haven't already. I know the internet rumor mills are spinning like crazy about this show, but some of that intense hype is well deserved.

 Pepsi NEX staring Blue Rose.

That about does it for my first real post. Next time I'll be talking about the end of SHAFT's latest epic series Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Mind you this brand new series just ended, but let me tell you it takes the typical mahou shoujo archetype (think Sailor Moon or Pretty Cure) and really turns it on its head. Madoka is another series you MUST give a chance. Sure the moe-feel of it will turn off most viewers, but by episode 3 you'll get the true nature of the show. Even so, I've got to save some of this discussion for next time, so I'm off. Whenever I post again it'll either be about Madoka or perhaps why I couldn't write that article yet.. Good night!