The Other Side of the Tale
The popular Japanese folktale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, is clearly a story about heroism and justice. Momotaro himself is portrayed as a protagonist who is not only righteous but also brave, having been born from a peach. He embarks on a quest to defeat the malevolent Oni (demons) that terrorize the land. The lines are clearly defined: Momotaro, along with his loyal animal companions, embodies purity and virtue, while the Oni are depicted as monstrous antagonists whose cruel intentions justify their persecution and elimination. This classic tale serves as a direct allegory for the triumph of good over evil.
However, Tougen Anki boldly takes this cherished legend and drastically flips its script, transforming its very essence into the catalyst for a much darker and more complex conflict. Here, Momotaro's traditional image as a benevolent hero is shattered. Instead, his lineage, now a formidable organization, embodies oppression and cruelty, becoming the instigators of the main conflict. In this version, the battle between "heroes" and "villains" isn't as straightforward as it seems in traditional tales. The series intentionally blurs those lines, making it clear that good and evil aren't absolute concepts, but often a matter of perspective.
Characters of Tougen Anki
Shiki Ichinose:
The impulsive protagonist who inherits Oni blood.
Tsuyoshi Ichinose:
Shiki's adoptive father, a former Momotaro.
Naito Mudano:
A rational and somewhat enigmatic instructor at Rasetsu Academy.
Jin Kougasaki:
Homare Byobugaura:
A small and timid Oni classmate of Shiki's at Rasetsu Academy, specializing in ranged attacks with her projectiles.
Ikari Yaoroshi
An impulsive and combat-enthusiastic student at Rasetsu Academy, known for his flashy fighting style.
Juji Yusurube:
A calm and composed upperclassman at Rasetsu Academy who acts as a mentor figure with a unique blood manipulation ability.
Kuina Sazanami:
A spirited and loyal Oni student at Rasetsu Academy who utilizes a distinctive blade-like blood manipulation.
Rokuro Kiriyama:
A highly intelligent and analytical student at Rasetsu Academy, often seen strategizing during missions.
Samidare Momoya:
A Momotaro agent and antagonist.
Opinion and Expectations on Tougen Anki
Tougen Anki undoubtedly innovates by twisting the Momotaro legend. The way it subverts this story, traditionally told always from the same perspective, is not only interesting but also very compelling. This is what truly distinguishes the series at a narrative level from many others. However, this originality also comes with a strange sense of familiarity, as if we've seen something similar before.
The story itself borrows successful elements from other shonen models, which isn't unusual at all (after all, we know Kishimoto was inspired by Toriyama, and many others have done the same). Yet, the problem I find with this series is that it ends up being an amalgamation of many others. This not only prevents it from defining itself but also affects its narrative pacing. There are moments when things happen very abruptly and without sense, disrupting the plot's flow.
And that's the thing: we've already seen some of this before, so it doesn't always achieve the impact it aims to create. This imbalance can sometimes make the viewing experience feel too stereotypical to fully immerse oneself in or even take seriously.
This issue even extends to its protagonist. While there's a certain originality in creating a shonen hero who isn't immediately likable or purely heroic, Shiki's blatantly bratty attitude and explosive temper can create a barrier between him and the audience. Many shonen heroes, even those with their flaws, usually have a certain charm that makes them easy to support. Shiki, on the other hand, often prioritizes his volatile emotions and personal vendettas, making it difficult for viewers to identify with him or get invested in his journey. While this might be an intentional choice to portray a more imperfect and realistic character, it runs the risk of alienating a certain demographic due to his personality.
Furthermore, while Tougen Anki tries to leverage the efficiency and capabilities of both traditional 2D animation and computer-generated imagery (CGI), its implementation sometimes creates an incompatible effect that, regrettably, robs the series of dynamism and fluidity. In its more intense action sequences or when showcasing complex movements, the anime frequently transitions between hand-drawn scenes and noticeably stiffer, often less detailed CGI models.
Instead of the fluid, high-octane battles that should be the hallmark of a shonen action series, the marked contrast between the two animation styles can feel clunky and disjointed. Crucially, this isn't just an aesthetic problem; it directly impacts the narrative. Moments intended to be impactful, fast-paced, or emotionally charged can lose their power when the animation struggles to keep up, making the action feel less fluid and the characters' movements less natural.
Important Warning: If you have an aversion to blood or gore, it's crucial to warn you: you might want to steer clear of this series. Blood isn't just a fleeting visual element here; it's fundamental to the story and the Oni's power system, whose abilities are based on its manipulation. You'll often see characters use their own blood as a weapon in explicit battles.
Despite these criticisms, Tougen Anki still offers a lot to appreciate. Its unique premise and its dark fantasy elements, although presented in a simplistic way, could resonate strongly with a younger audience that isn't as familiar with the nuances of that genre.
