Friday, April 8, 2011

Ushio and Tora Anime Review

Ushio and Tora
ADV Films
Complete Collection - 10 episodes
275 minutes
$29.98 (2003)
ISBN 702727038525
English/Japanese Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Kunihiko Yuyama
Studio - TOHO/ Shogakukan

Synopsis: Ushio's grandfather runs a shrine with a secret purpose.  500 years ago Ushio's ancestor captured a fierce monster utilizing the mystical Beast Spear and the shrine was built to maintain the monster's imprisonment.  Accidentally discovering the monster Ushio is forced to free it to defeat other monsters attracted to its evil aura.  He becomes transformed by the Beast Spear into a powerful warrior and holds the monster in check naming it Tora. 

Pros: Comically-deformed theater is the best part of the show with cute antics of super-deformed main characters (especially when Tora adopts a kitten), opening/ending theme songs switch to awesome hard rock/metal near end of series

Cons: Animation is dated and a bit crude, series abruptly ends with no conclusion

Mike Tells It Straight: Ushio and Tora is a monster/buddy show with supernatural menaces the two must grudgingly join forces to fight in each episode (or sometimes over two episodes).  I picked up a copy for about $5 and it was worth it considering the price.

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

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What do you think about this show? I'd love to hear your feedback!