Tiger & Bunny, 2011 - anime

Title: Tiger & Bunny
Genre: action, comedy, mystery, (b)romance
Length: 25 episodes
Format: anime

Oh boy. Where do I start? It was the title that got me. I was wondering what sort of show could have a name that cheesy and initially thought it would be full of tiny characters with overly cute features, or something having to do with animals and life lessons. Instead, I got the brain child of the Power Rangers, Marvel and DC, and every other western superhero/mutant-based comic or show that's out there.

T&B is littered with western comic book superhero influences, including but not limited to The Avengers, TMNT, X-Men, and Batman. But unlike our normal western superhero drama, T&B puts a twist on the classic by giving it a sports-like atmosphere. We don't just have superheros or people with superpowers, they're contracted to major multimillionaire companies, sponsored by popular consumer products like Pepsi and Bandai. They compete with each other to earn the most points by capturing criminals and saving citizens.

I must say, the game spin caught me off guard, as well as the full blown CG that's used on the characters' costumes. More often than not I shy away from such obvious shows of CG because I don't like how it meshes well with the 2D art that's notorious in anime/cartoons. I prefer to have CG being used as cinematography aids rather than key factors in the show.

However, I managed to put my prejudice aside for this show. After getting past my initial shock and discomfort, I found I didn't really mind it because of the type of action scenes the characters engage in. For those who share the same discomfort as me, I think you'll be able to enjoy this show anyway.

Of course, to enjoy this show, you have to first be familiar with western superheros. Not just Superman and Batman, but even the other branches as well. The organizations and the affiliations. You don't have to be a major geek to understand it all, but it helps to be familiar with the main trademarks and characters of each series.

It is this knowledge that will help you pick up the cues that are peppered all throughout the show. Characters in T&B have been designed with one or more western super' in mind. To give you a hint, one of Wild Tiger's handy gadgets is reminiscent of Spiderman's web. I could tell you more, but some key factors are spoilers. I'm sure if you watch you'll see what I mean.

Now, apart from the homage to western comic book heroes, the show if very lively and dramatic, touching on almost every major genre. You've got a bit of action, a bit of adventure, a bit of family drama, friendship drama, mystery, and romance -- though that one takes a backseat to the action and drama.

I added bromance to the genre because this show deals heavily on the partnership of Wild Tiger and Barnaby/Bunny. They have a partnership that begins in adversity and grows into something powerful and indestructible at the end. Their teamwork and trust helps them to overcome obstacles both in the crime fighting world and on a personal level. They are a dynamic duo.

If you want to have a few laughs and indulge in something that brings you back to your childhood days of fantasizing about Superman and Wonderwoman and whatnot, I think this series is right for you. It's fun and suitable for various types of audiences.

Overall: 4 out of 5