FAIRY
TAIL 2014: Small changes make big differences -- for the better
I
stated in my anime review of Fairy Tail the reasons why I think Fairy Tail
falls behind other big Shounen anime titles. Since Fairy Tail is back in the
anime scene this Spring 2014, I checked it out so I could decide whether I
should continue to subscribe or just drop the anime completely.
Fairy
Tail 2014 opens up in medias res style, to capture the interest of the
audience. I think the style is pulled off perfectly, unlike Magi: The Kingdom
of Magic’s attempt in its pilot episode back in Fall 2013. Fairy Tail’s attempt
is successful because it doesn’t reveal too much. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic’s
take has some major spoilers that somehow ruins the magic of the in medias res
style.
Another
thing I like is the subtle change in the art style, particularly in the
character designs of the female characters like Lucy, Erza, Wendy, and
Mirajane. The designs have a more mature tone compared to last season’s.
 |
| Lucy, Erza, and Wendy |
There
is also a subtle change in atmosphere. It doesn’t appear too cheesy and
Shounen-ish compared to the last season. We all know that practically everyone
hated the last season’s uninspiring declarations of friendship and whatnots,
but I’m glad that Fairy Tail 2014 is giving me the impression that these plot
elements wouldn’t be shown as blatantly.
But
the atmosphere didn’t completely change. It still has a Shounen feel to it, but
it is not as prevalent as that of the previous season. The usual light-hearted
encounters and jokes are there. It’s good that the creators retained those. We
don’t want Fairy Tail to turn into something very serious. It’s still Shounen
after all.
But
I have a little problem with the comedy. Like last season, the comedy is
sometimes out of place. Even in the explanation of very important plot points,
very serious plot points, the comedy is still excessively used, giving an impression
that may be too childish for some viewers.
The
good part is, these explanations of plot points really expand the story. The
plot becomes thicker, as more and more mysteries are formed, and more and more
revelations appear. Fairy Tail is starting to have a solid story, which I fail
to see in the last season.
Overall,
I think Fairy Tail 2014 is off to a good start. The in medias res style is used
effectively. The subtle little changes in every department, no matter how
little they may be, have transformed Fairy Tail 2014 into something almost
entirely different from the original Fairy Tail series. If this keeps up, I
might subscribe to Fairy Tail again and review the series in the blog.
I watched the first few episodes of Fairy Tail a while back when I was just trying out some Shounens for the first time, and even though I loved the music, the series was too cheesy for me considering the length.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review, I watched a couple of clips of the new series to see the animation, and I definitely agree that it is a big improvement. From what I have seen, I am really liking the animation style.
Something that is confusing me about this Fairy Tail is that I cannot find a definitive answer on whether or not this is a reboot of the story or a continuation. Even if it is a continuation, is it necessary to have watched the previous seasons? I am actually kind of interested in watching the series.
Another excellent reaction post!
-James
Yes, the original Fairy Tail was too cheesy for me too, and that's one of the main reasons why I'm thinking of dropping the anime completely. I think the cheesiness is also the main reason why it falls behind other big Shounen names like One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Hunter x Hunter. But Fairy Tail certainly has some amazing stories to tell, that could be on par with the other long-running Shounens. I think the change in animation is a big step to reduce the cheesiness.
DeleteFairy Tail 2014 is a direct continuation of the original series, so watching it without seeing the original can be confusing because of certain plot elements and plot points. If you really are interested in Fairy Tail, I think it would be better if you watch the original first, and yes, it takes time. It has like 175 episodes or so.
Fairy tail is by far one of the best anime along with Bleach and Naruto oh and SAILORMOON i will be honest and i dont even care about the style changes i still dont notice them, i just love the plot and characters are so lovable I have been into anime for well over 20 years and i would rank fairy tail in my top 2 over the last 20 years in anime. of course Studio Gibly is number 1
ReplyDeletestudio ghibli sorry miss spelled it
DeleteFairy Tail does have some interesting aspects that boost its potential. But I think there are certain aspects too that drags it behind other Shounen. Personally, Fairy Tail isn't even close in the title 'best anime'. But I guess it's just a matter of preference.
Deletefairy tail wiki
ReplyDelete