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Perhaps one of this season’s craziest and best animated shows,YAIBA: Samurai Legendhas fallen under the radar in online discussions so far. This seems unfair given the pedigree of the staff involved with its creation and the quality put on display so far.
The series is based on the manga by Gosho Aoyama, best known for his popular, long-runningDetective Conanseries. This newest adaptation has also been described as a star-studded affair with industry titans like Yoshimichi Kameda ofMob Psycho 100fame as the chief animation director and Yutaka Yama fromVinland Sagaresponsible for the music. Although only two episodes have been released so far, there is plenty for anime fans to soak up in this highly polished series remake.
A Crazy Fun Show
Classic 90s Anime Meets Modern Animation
YAIBA: Samurai Legendtakes audiences backto one of the golden eras of anime while showcasing flawless animation worthy of a remake. The world in which the protagonist Yaiba finds himself in is vibrant and colorful, and he does the best he can to make everyone around him attempt to match that energy. Yaiba is a single-minded protagonist who is focused on challenging opponents and getting stronger, a classic trope. However, what makes Yaiba such a fun version of this character is the insane and comedic lengths he will go to to get what he wants. Unlike a character like Goku, Yaiba will plan intricate traps and elaborate plans to get his powerful rival Onimaru to give him the time of day.
“Onimaru! It’s time for you and me to duel!” -Yaiba
Yaiba is such an annoying punkthat he makes you root for the other characters in their attempts to be rational and not put up with Yaiba’s nonsense. However, frustratingly for the other characters and the audience, Yaiba often gets his way. The first two episodes cover Yaiba’s journey from the jungle to Japan and the start of his rivalry with Onimaru. Fights in the earlier episodes are gorgeous so far, with every attack feeling weighty as the creators decide to turn the spectacle dial all the way up and never let it falter.
“Give it another decade then you might be ready…” -Onimaru after kicking Yaiba away.
A Strong Rivalry
Yaiba and Onimaru Make Great Contrasting Characters
Much of the second episode focuses onsetting up the rivalry between Onimaru and Yaiba. A lot of these kinds of classic shows have this dynamic, but it feels particularly nostalgic in this remake ofYaiba: Samurai Legend. The characters express themselves fully at each other, with Yaiba and Onimaru both taking every opportunity to mock the other. Yaiba represents a natural, untamed strength, while Onimaru’s technique is refined and proper. The show sets up how each has something to learn from the other, but in classic form, neither wants to admit it.
Unfortunately, at the end of episode 2, Onimaru happens upon an ancient sword sealed underneath his family’s dojo. After hearing a sinister voice calling to him, he takes hold of the sword and transforms into a worthy demonic match for his oni name, sprouting two small horns on his forehead. The show does a great job with setup, packing so much characterization and fun moments into the first few episodes while allowing the audience to look forward to a radical change in the dynamic. How will Yaiba react to Onimaru’s possession? Will this supernatural dynamic be played for laughs at first? How serious will the threat be handled? All these questions leave new series fans excited to see how things will play out.
“With this sword in my hands, I can finally make Yaiba Kurogane pay!” -Onimaru
TheYaiba: Samurai Legendanimeis currently being criminally under-watched. With some other highly anticipated adaptations possibly missing the mark this season, it’s comforting to have a reliable show like this one to fall back on.
