Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Kuroko no Basket

This is a pretty good series, even if you are not a big sports or basketball fan, this series is still interesting. The plot starts off with the Generation of Miracles(GOM) who are the best middle school basketball players in Japan. They go to high school and part ways, all going to different teams. The story follows one member whose way of playing is unique. Along with his teammates, they deny all odds and try to beat the strongest teams in Japan. Overall its a underdog story about a basketball team.


Tetsuya Kuroko
The quiet boy who is like a ghost, even to his friends and teammates. He is calm and persistent, showing little emotions. His strongest ability in the basketball team is passing. However, he is not strong in anything else, useless yet useful. He wants his team to be the strongest not as individuals. In middle school he was a regular for Teiko (#15), now he is regular for Seirin (#11).

Taiga Kagami
The stubborn and heated American boy. However, due to some circumstances he moves to Japan and has the goal in becoming the best player in Japan. However, still a diamond in the rough, along with his teammates, he grows to be a capable player. He specializes in dunks, but his real power is his jumps. His position is a regular power foward in Seirin (#10).

Ryota Kise
The pretty boy and "weakest" of the GOM who is easily bullied. He is a bit more happier and easy going than the other members. Started playing during his second year of middle school, after watching Aomine. He has the ability to copy other basketball players abilities, but he can't copy anyone who is better than himself. He was a regular small foward in Teiko (#8) and now Kaijo High (#7).
Shintaro Midorima
The intelligent and probably the most annoying of the GOM. A serious person who takes little risks. He is overly superstitious that he carries lucky items with him all the time. His ability is long distance shooting with 99.9% accuracy, as long as his form is not disturb. He is a regular shooting guard for Teiko (#7) and now Shutoku High (#6).

Daiki Aomine
Probably the most obnoxious and arrogant of the GOM, however, he has the skills to act that way. He gets so bored with basketball since he is so powerful, that he starts to think he is the best player in Japan. His ability is his skill (similar to street basketball) and agility. He is power foward for Teiko (#6) and now Too(#5).

Atsushi Murasakibara
The tallest and most childish of the GOM, always seen to be eating a snack or something sweet. He hates basketball, making an excuse that he might as well play since he's good. At first, he is very calm and bit slow but when angered, that is a different story. His ability is his blocking and strength.  His position is center for Teiko (#5) and now Yosen (#9).

Seijuro Akashi
The small leader of the GOM, however, he has a sort of charisma or intimadation that makes him strong. He seems like a prefectionist, he needs to do everything. He has something that is called Emperor's Eyes, which helps him predict or know the next move. Think of Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. He is the point guard for Teiko (#4) and now Rakuzan (#4).

The characters consist of the Generation of Miracles (two are not really seen in the first season) and the main characters, however, there are alot more characters that are not mention. And each stand on their own or at least have some screen time. But mentioning them all would take pages.Conclusion is their team members do have a prominent role in their development. So really, it may seem like one star player, but it intrically is a work of all their members.

It is interesting how all the main members are well know for a technique. They have a sort of super power which makes them different from a regular player. In a way the set up reminds me of power rangers. I find it weird that in series the characters have to have their own color. I mean, who can forget a guy with blue hair. And all the other characters have black or brown hair. Thanks anime, I realize people with black and brown hair are so normal.

The animation was done amazing. Though you will notice the ARKWARD movements when they play but for the highlight of the show was great. When there is a show down or some kind of awesome play, the animation does not fail. Also the characters design are a bit better compare to the manga. So it might be better off to watch the anime than reading the manga, in this case.

The voice actors are good too. Not only do they match each characters really well, they also give a distinct voice that play the situation well. I greatly enjoy how they interact with each other. It is not planned like some other shows, like a planned gag where no one laugh.

Another bonus, the music is great as well. From the matches to the climax, the music fits the scenario perfectly. In a way, it gets you heated up when you watch one of the matches. However, the opening and endings are...great! Not a big fan of the first ending, but all the other songs were awesome! I particularly enjoy Old Codex CATALRHYTHM.

Comparison with the manga that I remember is that the dog comes in earlier than expected. I have no problem. Just waiting for season 2 to come up and see how the show plays it out. Also the manga seems to have a different sequence compare to the anime, but it really does not stray from the plot. In all, manga is good as well. If you are getting tired waiting for the second season, read it and have major spoilers.

The show is great, I was not a basketball fan but really. But, after watching this show, I have an interest in the sport. So really, this show is everyone, even if you hate basketball, I would still recommend this show. But be wary, apparently this show has alot of gay fanart,fanfiction, etc. So don't google search recklessly.
(Watch each episode til the end, there is a nice suprise, so try not to skip over the second ending.)

This show does put the spotlight on those who are too prideful or full of self confidence. Even though you can do everything on your own, you will eventually need the help of others. But at the same time the show also says not to be too reliant but also show your strength. In a way, there is nothing wrong with being strong. But it is only when you work together that you are at your strongest.

I read many comparison between this show and Slam Dunk. If you are a fan of this, watch Slam Dunk. Even though it may be older, it is really a good show to watch.

No comments:

Post a Comment