Saving distressed residents of Sternbild City and earning points as part of the show Hero TV has become a routine for most of its heroes. It seems like saving people is just a means to earning points to become the King of Heroes and please the sponsors. These heroes are endowed with super powers and are called Next. However the heroes "Wild Tiger" Kaburagi Koutetsu, "Blue Rose" Karina Lyle, "Sky High" Keith Goodman, "Fire Emblem" Nathan Seymour, "Dragon Kid" Huang Pao-Lin, "Rock Bison" Antonio Lopez, and "Origami Cyclone" Ivan Karelin are about to face tougher opponents that will make them question their motivation in becoming heroes.
The veteran Koutetsu is having troubles getting points, add to that his tendency to destroy buildings and property while saving people. That cost him and he now has to work with a new employer. He becomes a sidekick of the new hero, Barnaby Brooks Jr. Unlike Barnaby however, Koutetsu does not care much about pleasing the sponsors and viewers. It's no wonder they can't get along. It takes a while for them to trust each other but it soon becomes clear that Tiger and Bunny make up a great team.
As the eight heroes face formidable foes, they start to question their real intention for saving people especially when Lunatic, a vigilante with his own brand of justice, appears to challenge the heroes. Meanwhile Koutetsu tests the limits of his ability and determination and Barnaby is set to find clues to the death of his parents. As they look into the mystery of Barnaby's parents' murderer they realize that they are up against something more sinister than troublesome Next and ordinary criminals.
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| From left: Origami Cyclone, Rock Bison, Dragon Kid, Barnaby Brooks Jr., Wild Tiger, Blue Rose, Fire Emblem, and Sky High |
Tiger and Bunny is one of those few series that gets you hooked after a few episodes. Although at first look it seems like a typical superhero series full of cliche, its memorable characters and surprising twists makes it stand out. There are scenes that give clues related to later episodes leaving just enough information to make the viewer want to keep watching. The supporting cast is already established in the preceding episodes before the story delves deeper into the into the dilemma of Koutetsu and Barnaby. Sure, there are plenty of funny scenes but overall the series does not deviate from the point of the story. What's more, Tiger and Bunny make up an interesting tandem. Koutetsu is a caring, sensitive guy. He is bit reckless but he always has everyone's best interests in mind. He complements Barnaby's stubborn and sometimes emotional character. Barnaby however has better self-control which makes up for Koutetsu's easygoing pace.
Passing up this 25-episode series would be a bad idea. My first impression of it was definitely wrong.
Rating: 10 out of 10
