Chris Beveridge
03-23-2011, 05:56 AM
http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000006/60/64/01308875ece3708b_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/hero-tales-part-1-limited-edition_article_126509.html)
Mania Grade: C
In Summary:
Hero Tales is an odd show at times because you go into it feeling like there should be more to it but it never fully capitalizes on it. It has a straightforward enough story to it, but it doesn't really define itself and it comes across more as an awkward comedy with some dashes of seriousness. The story itself isn't bad, but the characters are so basic and shallow, and largely unappealing, that it's hard to get into. Taito is a simple guy who just uses his fists and has others trying to get him to learn more and be more while making small amounts of progress. With its heavy Chinese elements, there's things to it that just aren't appealing and it feels like it wants to spend more time on travels stories and less than interesting subplots as it moves forward. This is a show I tried hard to get into because I like the people behind the manga, but there's not enough good meat here to sink your teeth into as it feels more like fluff than anything else, even when it tries to be serious.
Mania Grade: C
In Summary:
Hero Tales is an odd show at times because you go into it feeling like there should be more to it but it never fully capitalizes on it. It has a straightforward enough story to it, but it doesn't really define itself and it comes across more as an awkward comedy with some dashes of seriousness. The story itself isn't bad, but the characters are so basic and shallow, and largely unappealing, that it's hard to get into. Taito is a simple guy who just uses his fists and has others trying to get him to learn more and be more while making small amounts of progress. With its heavy Chinese elements, there's things to it that just aren't appealing and it feels like it wants to spend more time on travels stories and less than interesting subplots as it moves forward. This is a show I tried hard to get into because I like the people behind the manga, but there's not enough good meat here to sink your teeth into as it feels more like fluff than anything else, even when it tries to be serious.