That one anime I wrote off as overhyped actually blew my mind

I kept seeing Vinland Saga everywhere and figured it was just another edgy action show getting too much praise. But my coworker at the restaurant wouldn't stop talking about the character writing, so I gave it a shot during a slow Sunday. By episode 6, I was hooked on how the story shifted from revenge to something way deeper about finding purpose. The farm arc completely reversed my opinion and made me rethink what a battle shonen could be. Has anyone else had a show totally flip your expectations after you finally sat down with it?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_diana1mo ago

Got caught off guard by Mob Psycho 100 the SAME way. I saw the goofy art style and assumed it was just another comedic gag show for kids. Then I actually watched it and the emotional depth hit me like a TRUCK. Mob's whole struggle with his powers and wanting to be a better person felt so real. It got me thinking about how some shows with really polished visuals actually have way LESS substance than this weird looking gem. Now I tell everyone don't judge a show by its poster or hype.

spencer9811mo ago

Mob Psycho 100 is actually one season longer than most people think. The emotional stuff really hits but I gotta say the art style is actually super intentional. ONE the guy who made it also made One Punch Man and he's a terrible artist on purpose. The whole point is that the weird simple drawings let the story and characters shine instead of the visuals getting in the way. Once you realize the art is a choice not a limitation it makes the show even better. The animation in season 2 especially goes absolutely crazy when it needs to.

laura_schmidt821mo ago

Huh, weird, I actually feel the opposite about Mob Psycho. I gave it a real shot because everyone raves about it but the whole "emotions make powers go wild" thing felt too on the nose for me. I get why people like the character growth but the art style honestly took me out of it every time, I couldn't get past the look of it. Vinland Saga clicked for me way faster than Mob ever did. What other shows have you bounced off of after giving them a fair chance?