Christmas is the best setting for summer anime
Even wonder what X-Men would look like if it were turned into an anime? I know I haven’t, but for those that have wondered that, Tokyo ESP might be the closest comparison. This anime adaptation of a manga puts its best foot forward in this debut, offering great art and a story that’s seems easily accessible at first glance. At the end of the first episode, Tokyo ESP found a way to get me actually excited to see more of the show! Imagine that.
The plot focuses around espers who have taken control of the Japanese parliament. Not only that, they’ve physically lifted the parliament building, hovering it over Tokyo and while holding the inhabitants hostage. They plan to take over the city as nobody can stop them because of their amazing powers. However, there are certain other espers who hide their identities and fight for good. Now that the city is being attacked, they have to come out of hiding and offer their assistance to help mankind.
Just like X-Men, from what I can gather, each esper in this show possesses their own unique power. Although as of now, we haven’t had any of the powers explained to us, I can still gather what some of the espers can do. We have one who can create barriers, one who can teleport, and one who can use mental abilities to hack technology. There are also agents who have the task of eradicating all of the hostile espers, so we’re bound to see more of them. I’m most interested at this point for an explanation for why these espers possess these powers, although I suspect the show will just go in the direction of them being born with the powers. That’s fine, though.
With supernatural shows, it’s pretty standard for the first episode to be confusing. This is no different. The main gist I get here is that this is a world where espers are known to exist, and most use their powers for wanton destruction. Only some espers defend the human race from these hostile espers.
One aspect that troubles me is how the espers who have taken over the parliament are extremely condescending towards the human race. Yeah, like I haven’t seen that in every single supernatural show ever made. It’s an annoying trope that sadly is becoming standard in shows like this. I only hope that as the series progresses, we don’t get any long-winded speeches by the espers about how “humans are the real monsters”, or how “humans lack the knowledge to comprehend anything that’s going on”. Come on, that’s so annoying, and we’ve seen it thousand times before. Again, if this series doesn’t continue down that route, then my only complaint as of now will be moot.
Condescending supernatural beings aside, Tokyo ESP looks stunningly beautiful. The art and animation are absolutely gorgeous. If anything, this show is complete eye candy.
No, don’t do that! We won’t have a show if you kill them all!
I’m not one to get lost in the hype, so I’ll remain skeptical until the plot becomes more solidified. As of now, though, Tokyo ESP has sold me on giving it a chance. If it retains this serious attitude and creates a universe full of likable characters with unique powers, then I’ll stay on this anime faithfully.
If it’s not obvious, I’ll just come out and say it; go watch this episode.
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Ben
20 year old university student studying economics by day, snooty anime blogger by night! I have high standards for anime, but I also keep an open mind when it comes to shows outside my comfort area, which usually includes dialogue-heavy drama. Always happy to have a discussion.Latest posts by Ben (see all)
- Summer Anime 2014: Tokyo ESP Impressions - July 14, 2014
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- Summer Anime 2014: Sabagebu! Impressions - July 8, 2014
- Notes of The File of Young Kindaichi Returns Episodes 10-14 - July 7, 2014