A Visual Spectacle Hindered by a Lackluster Protagonist
MAPPA, renowned for its exceptional animation, teamed up with director Hiroko Utsumi to bring this original anime to life. The premise held promise: a high school embroiled in gang wars, supernatural elements, and a protagonist caught in the chaos. While the series excels in style, it struggles with substance, especially when it comes to the main character, Arajin Tomoshibi.
Visual Brilliance
From the very first episode, it is clear that MAPPA invested heavily in the animation. The character designs are sharp, unique, and full of personality, making it easy to distinguish each member of the large cast. The action sequences are fluid and energetic, from street fights to supernatural encounters, and the choreography feels cinematic at times. The color palette is vibrant, with neon-lit cityscapes, gritty alleyways, and tense close-ups to make it all feel alive. The opening theme "Sesame" by Kroi is catchy and energetic, perfectly matching the rebellious, high-energy tone of the series, while the ending theme "Love je t'aime" by Mahiru Coda provides a soothing, melodic counterpoint. Even the sound effects during fights enhance the intensity, making the action feel visceral and engaging.
Arajin: The Weak Link
Despite the show's strengths, the protagonist, Arajin Tomoshibi, is a significant letdown. His personality is inconsistent, his motivations often feel shallow, and he rarely shows meaningful growth throughout the season. While he is positioned as the central figure, he struggles to command attention or sympathy. Many viewers find it hard to connect with him, as his actions often feel reactive rather than intentional. His relationships with other characters, including his childhood friend Matakara Asamine, are underexplored and sometimes feel superficial. For a series with so much energy and dynamic storytelling, having a protagonist who lacks depth is a noticeable flaw.
Supporting Cast Shines Bright Like a Diamond
While Arajin struggles to find his footing, the supporting characters bring life to the story. Matakara, his childhood friend, layers the narrative, while Marito and Ken stand out with clear personalities, distinct goals, and interactions that feel alive. They show initiative, strategy, and a level of emotional engagement that the main character evidently lacks. These characters highlight how much more compelling the series could be if the protagonist were developed with the same care.
A Missed Opportunity
Bucchigiri?! had the potential to be a standout series. The world-building is creative, the conflicts are exciting, and the supernatural elements add intrigue. The animation quality and soundtrack elevate even the quieter scenes, making the show visually and aurally appealing. However, the weak protagonist and uneven character arcs prevent the series from achieving the narrative impact it could have. With a stronger lead and deeper exploration of character relationships, this series could have been memorable on every level.
Final Verdict
If future seasons are made, they should prioritise Arajin’s development, exploring his motivations, insecurities, and growth more thoroughly. Giving more depth to the supporting cast could also add emotional weight and make their actions more meaningful.
There are several unanswered questions and underused plot threads that future seasons could address. What exactly are the Honki people, and why is Matakara so obsessed with becoming one? Why did Senya and Ichiya possess high schoolers just for a grudge match? The Cat Cafe subplot with Miss Jasmine also felt like wasted potential. Addressing these elements could make the narrative far more satisfying and engaging.
For fans of high-quality animation, stylish fight sequences, and energetic sound design, Bucchigiri?! is worth watching. It succeeds in spectacle and entertainment, but the unresolved storylines hold it back from being exceptional. There is clear promise and some good laughs, so we rate this anime an 8/10, POW! ^3^
