Director: Keiichi Sato
Starring: Hiroaki Hirata, Wally Wingert, Masakazu Morita, Yuri Lowenthal, Minako Kotobuki, Kari Wahlgren, Kenjiro Tsuda, John Eric Bentley, Mariya Ise, Laura Bailey, Go Inoue, Patrick Seitz, Taiten Kusunoki, Travis Willingham,
Running Time: 175 minutes
Certificate: 12
If you think the world of superheroes has been overdone on the big screen and there are no interesting stories left to tell, then may I suggest you pick up TIGER & BUNNY. TIGER & BUNNY takes place in a world of superheroes, but these superheroes are sponsored by huge corporations and are broadcast on Hero TV, where they gain points for capturing criminals and saving innocent members of the public. In this world of superheroes, called Nexts, we follow Wild Tiger who is one of the lowest scoring heroes on Hero TV. After his sponsors go bankrupt he is picked up by another corporation and teamed up with new kid on the block, Barnaby Brooks Jr.
The show works because it plays out in interesting ways. It isn’t just a scathing attack on product placement and reality TV, the show thankfully spares us such obvious avenues. Instead, the sponsors are explained in the need for support when addressing collateral damage and lawsuits. It also helps explain all the heroes’ expensive gear and weaponry. Rather than using it as a constant source of amusement, the corporate mentality is used to delve into the characters psyches, whether it be their annoyance at having to spew out irritating catchphrases, or having to worry about trying to delay the villains during commercial breaks.
There’s also a lot of great rapport between the two main characters of Wild Tiger and Barnaby Brooks Jr. and the writing creates tension and conflict within the viewer themselves. Wild Tiger is the typical idealistic hero who isn’t in it for the points and fame. However, he is also the most incompetent and headstrong, whereas Barnaby is the opposite, proving himself to be an extremely talented and logical hero, but will follow orders from TV executives very closely.
The action and animation is stunning. Mixing in very subtle and also unnoticeable CGI to add a few shots that traditional anime can’t quite reproduce. Being animation, we’re treated to a number of fascinating action sequences per episode, but each one feels as though it adds to the plot or characters. Wild Tiger and Barnaby are constantly at odds how to deal with specific situations, but we still see their friendship blossom.
This first set is only 7 episodes long, which introduces most of the key characters and sets up some intriguing mysteries. Unfortunately, just as the series finds its footing, you’ll find yourself waiting for the next set. TIGER & BUNNY has loads of action, plenty of laughs, and wonderful moments of originality that comment on pop culture and takes the tired superhero genre in a new direction.
TIGER & BUNNY Part 1 is released on Blu-ray & DVD on 4th February 2013.
