Maybe people were just blindsided by how good the first episode was.
Spoilers ahead!
Summary:
Oshi no Ko is incredibly popular nowadays, and that’s partly because of the production values and a great first episode.
A huge part of the success comes from the big names behind the manga and anime.
However, the anime often sidelines its main theme for less interesting subplots.
Oshi no Ko is one of the biggest recent hits out there. With an amazing first episode, consistent production values, bold approach to themes usually not explored in anime, and a developed cast of characters, it seems like it was destined to become a new favorite of the public, who consider Aka Akasaka one of the best mangaka out there. With Season 2 being on its way, however, it’s time to look back at the anime again — perhaps it is not as great as the fans remember.
Oshi no Ko is a well-made anime
Now, make no mistake: the show is solid. It is interesting to watch, easy to get into and it’s just great visually. The most stunning part about it is the first episode, which is like an incredible drama movie in itself (to be fair, it is as long as a full movie, too). However, most of the show’s hype may actually come from the premiere and the names behind the show. Akasaka’s name is known to many fans due to the popularity of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, and the artist, Mengo Yokoyari, is known for Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai) manga and anime. With studio Doga Kobo animating the show, the visuals are obviously appealing to many.
It could have been better
The premiere is great, baiting the viewers into thinking the show will be (at least partially) about Ai, only to have her suddenly killed at the end of Episode 1. A movie-like length in itself was a great decision, as otaku generally love movies, and would be invested in the show after a premiere like that. However, after that, the show is just… not as good. Yes, sure, the exploitativeness of the show business industry is still an important topic of the anime, but it often gets sidelined for the love triangle, which at times feels like it becomes the main point of the show. The edginess of Aqua, the protagonist, doesn’t exactly help, as he is often too focused on his revenge.
What could be done?
Overall, while it is definitely still a solid show, Oshi no Ko leaves a lot to be desired. It definitely deserves its popularity, but it doesn’t mean it is not without fault. Often sidelining its main theme for typical anime shenanigans and overdone tropes, it could have been much better if it fully dedicated itself to criticizing the entertainment industry. Some fans have even expressed the opinion that Kaguya-sama suffers from the same issue. The claim is dubious, however: Kaguya is more of a romantic comedy, which does not need a serious approach all the time.
Maybe people were just blindsided by how good the first episode was.
Spoilers ahead!
Summary:
Oshi no Ko is incredibly popular nowadays, and that’s partly because of the production values and a great first episode.
A huge part of the success comes from the big names behind the manga and anime.
However, the anime often sidelines its main theme for less interesting subplots.
Oshi no Ko is one of the biggest recent hits out there. With an amazing first episode, consistent production values, bold approach to themes usually not explored in anime, and a developed cast of characters, it seems like it was destined to become a new favorite of the public, who consider Aka Akasaka one of the best mangaka out there. With Season 2 being on its way, however, it’s time to look back at the anime again — perhaps it is not as great as the fans remember.
Oshi no Ko is a well-made anime
Now, make no mistake: the show is solid. It is interesting to watch, easy to get into and it’s just great visually. The most stunning part about it is the first episode, which is like an incredible drama movie in itself (to be fair, it is as long as a full movie, too). However, most of the show’s hype may actually come from the premiere and the names behind the show. Akasaka’s name is known to many fans due to the popularity of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, and the artist, Mengo Yokoyari, is known for Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai) manga and anime. With studio Doga Kobo animating the show, the visuals are obviously appealing to many.
It could have been better
The premiere is great, baiting the viewers into thinking the show will be (at least partially) about Ai, only to have her suddenly killed at the end of Episode 1. A movie-like length in itself was a great decision, as otaku generally love movies, and would be invested in the show after a premiere like that. However, after that, the show is just… not as good. Yes, sure, the exploitativeness of the show business industry is still an important topic of the anime, but it often gets sidelined for the love triangle, which at times feels like it becomes the main point of the show. The edginess of Aqua, the protagonist, doesn’t exactly help, as he is often too focused on his revenge.
What could be done?
Overall, while it is definitely still a solid show, Oshi no Ko leaves a lot to be desired. It definitely deserves its popularity, but it doesn’t mean it is not without fault. Often sidelining its main theme for typical anime shenanigans and overdone tropes, it could have been much better if it fully dedicated itself to criticizing the entertainment industry. Some fans have even expressed the opinion that Kaguya-sama suffers from the same issue. The claim is dubious, however: Kaguya is more of a romantic comedy, which does not need a serious approach all the time.
