About the book
Anchihiiroo – Origin of an Antihero (Toonopolis Shorts, #1), Jeremy Rodden
Source: I received a copy in exchange for my fair and honest review
In Toonopolis: Gemini, Anchihiiroo (aka Han’Eiyuu) is the former hero of Animetown who turns Rogue after meeting the devious Shadowy Figure, forcing his creator to change him into a villain instead of the anti-hero he once was. Yuki, the albino inventor of Wan-Wan, described Anchihiiroo’s background:
“He had a terrible childhood. He was orphaned at an early age when his parents were killed in a war. Then his orphanage burned down, and then a flood wiped out the town his orphanage was in. He was the only survivor.”
Learn the full origin of Anchihiiroo, from his tragic childhood as Yoshi of Higeki to the warrior training that allowed him to put a stop to the Ninja-Pirate War that plagued Animetown. Witness his relationship with the phoenix Suzaku and his inevitable Rogue turn after meeting the mysterious Shadowy Figure. It is a story about destiny and a young man’s desire to make his own path in the world.
Review
In Toonopolis: Gemini we were introduced to many characters fleetingly and in such circumstances the hope is often – with a good character at least – that you will get to know a little much. Here is an ideal opportunity with Anchihiiroo – Origin of an Antihero (Toonopolis Shorts, #1).
In this long story/short novella cross, we encounter Yoshi, a child whose family is tragically struck down in the war between the pirates and the ninjas. He is saved and begins training to become a great hero, with the guidance of the sarcastic but caring phoenix, Suzaku.
The tale charts Yoshi’s training and rise to heroic stance and then looks beyond to the choices that lead him to become the ultimate anti-hero.
Despite being a tie-in to Toonopolis: Gemini, you could easily read and enjoy this either before or after that book, with neither tale being spoilt for it. And, as with Toonopolis: Gemini, Rodden has weaved a wonderful tale with interesting references, flawed but hilarious characters and dramatic events.
