If Tiger and Bunny has one huge problem it's the title. Worse than an untranslated Japanese name for American viewers, it conjures specific images in the potential viewer's mind. Use of the word bunny creates an initial impression of a light and silly tone suitable for kindergarten girls similar to shows such as My Little Pony and Rainbow Brite. Don't succumb to the book-cover misdirection; this is not unicorn and rainbows fare. That isn't to say the title is wholly inappropriate.
When taken in context the title slightly mirrors the differences between the two main characters, Kotetsu (aka Wild Tiger) and Barnaby (no alias). While Kotetsu understands and works within the NASCAR-like sponsored hero system, he isn't driven by ratings, points, or corporate sponsorships - he is an old-fashioned cowl-and-cape wearing hero whose priority is protecting the citizens of his city. Barnaby, on the other hand, clearly sees helping people as secondary to wealth and fame. This relationship between the title and the main characters will only ever be completely apparent to the viewer until completion of the first episode or two, which they may never see after dismissing the show out of hand which would be a shame.
Mildly disappointing at times is the over reliance on CGI to render characters in their hero suits. The Iron Man style armor of the main characters are of course the most obtrusive, and offend some modern sensibilities by employing slow and unnatural movements reminiscent of early work in the medium. It's possible that what I name flaws are in fact stylistic choices, but I can't find merit in the choice if that's the case. All that said, there's lots of fun action on a very large scale. Giant robots, enormous moving statues on a rampage, and chase scenes crossing the city over sky-scrapers and monorail trains. There's nothing to really hate here so far and I look forward to seeing where this partnership between Wild Tiger and Barnaby goes.
No comments:
Post a Comment