Initial Thoughts - Ya Boy Konming (aka Paripi Kōmei) Episode 1

There's normally an anime every season that feels like it drifts from your standard action, romance, sports, or slice of life and surprises the anime watching community. A few seasons ago it was OddTaxi, which had an interesting art style and a little bit of a who done it style. I think that Ya Boy Konming is going to be that anime for the Spring of 2022 season. The quick synopsis is: after dying in China around 234AD, genius strategist Konming was resurrected in modern day Japan (I'm just going to shrug that it's Japan because "reasons"). He is entranced by aspiring singer Eiko and decides to use his stratagem to help Eiko succeed. 

I'm a little behind, but I just watched the first episode and I'm intrigued. It's captured my attention wholeheartedly. Firstly, as a show that's focused on music, I really like the three songs that were presented in the first episode. I'm just hoping that the music continues being strong. As a singer/musician myself, there's a tone to this anime that pulls at my heartstrings. I had a similar tug coming from My Dress-up Doll last season with my burgeoning cosplay. Eiko feels likable. She's already been given several rejections and has shown that she had a lot of pain in her high school years; she's bounced back but she's still unsure of herself. Konming is also really likable; he's smart and dedicated. As long as the two don't fall in love, I'll accept this show.

Along with the music, the art style is really great. The first episode started on Halloween, which allowed everyone to be dressing up and have Konming show up in such an outlandish outfit and still be accepted. I'm kinda obsessed with Konming's fan. I may work on it as a random prop even if i never cosplay as him. The bar scenes had wonderfully bright party lights. Eiko's apartment felt really personal; lots of musicians' items ranging from her guitar and keyboard, to all the posters on the wall.

The first episode felt like the right kind of pilot episode, it introduced all the characters quickly and succinctly, and the momentum felt really well paced. I'm really excited for this show. On the gay note, I don't think any of the characters they introduced (Konming, Eiko, or Eiko's boss Kobayashi) were gay. This isn't really one of those anime that have any queer undertones. Maybe we'll meet other musicians that may be, but again I'm not here doing something like the Gay Bechdel Test, I'm just here to watch a good show. And this feels like a good show already. It kinda sucks that this show is only available on HiDive for the US. 

Episode 1 Grade: A

Season Verdict: Watch full season

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Initial Thoughts - Dance Dance Danseur Episode 1

 It's the beginning of the Spring 2022 Anime Season and the first anime that's caught my attention is Dance Dance Danseur. I was intrigued because it was a MAPPA production; they have produced some pretty visually stunning anime hits (Jujutsu Kaisen, Banana Fish, Yuri On Ice all come to mind) and while their track record isn't perfect (The Yuri On Ice Movie is in some weird limbo - completely missed the Winter Olympics potential crossover), I generally am pleased with their shows.

As a gay man, DDD's first episode really drives the idea of "what is manliness?" Junpei is the main character and he was inspired to do ballet at a young age, but then the pressures of society (his fellow students calling ballet "only for girls") and his father's legacy forced him to stop and instead pick up martial arts, which his father enjoyed and did for a living (he was a stunt...coordinator?). He does a spin for his friends at class to showboat and passes it off as a Jeet Kune Do move, his one classmate Miyako knows better and invites him to her mother's new ballet studio.

Junpei is at an impasse, does he continue this course of manly-man martial arts, or does he go where his heart wants, the sparkles of joy in dance?

I'm pretty invested after the first episode. I'm reminded of two different anime, firstly, the I'm sure there will be direct comparisons to Welcome to the Ballroom, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Just because both shows falls under the "other sports anime" category, doesn't mean they are the same. But I can see the similarities. The other anime I'm reminded of is My Dress-up Doll. Gojou, in that anime was ridiculed for liking (and designing) traditional Japanese dolls but continued his craft and his grandfather's legacy. It was only his classmate who brought him out of his shell to experience the world.

Clearly, there's a what if where Junpei could have gone Gojou's route, but his father's legacy kind of forced him at a young age to pivot. Now he's 13 or 14 and again at that life pivot point.

I'm definitely intrigued by this show, not only with the premise, but I think MAPPA did a good job on episode 1. I hope the quality level stays high the rest of the season.

Episode 1 Grade: A-

Season Verdict: Watch full season

Remember, you can keep an eye out on what I'm watching by following my MyAnimeList profile. I don't really read manga, but I pick up the odd issue here and there at the library.