Reviewing Summer 2014 : Haikyu!!

Well, I kept insisting that I was typing the anime's name right. But now it makes sense why people call it Haikyu!! instead of Haikyuu!! There's no repeating character in the logo (except the exclamation marks, of course).

Now on to less boring talk, I'd like to say the praise and fame this anime has gained is well-deserved.

 Sorry for the minor spoiler, but I couldn't help it. I tend to overlook sports anime when it's time for a new anime season, but this spring, I think I made an awesome decision! This is probably due to the fact that I had watched the first season of Free! previously, which is semi-sports anime, and also because the manga seemed really popular.

Haikyu!!is a fine adaptation of work. I love that you can distinguish the characters from each other, not just from their appearances but also their personality. The way the team interacts and converses with each other is believable and it adds to the exaggerated animation.

It is compelling and really fun to watch. I sometimes wish that I didn't need to wait a week for each episode. The Karasuno Volleyball Team fires me up, and I just get anxious rooting for this fictional yet plausible team! Haikyu!! also presents different kinds of perspectives and it doesn't just focus on the winners. There are teams that are much underdog than Karasuno is, and how their emotions and responses show is very moving, and it gives out thought-provoking ideas (not ones that are too deep, mind you).

The relationship between each of the opposing teams is portrayed without leaning on one side. What I mean is that, although Aoba Johsai is better than Karasuno, the coaches and players take each other seriously, and no signs of hostility was needed. Why? Doesn't it get old when the rival team is being always real cocky (exaggerated, too) to their opposing underdog theme? Uh-huh, me too.

This animated series is robust, and Production I.G.'s animation and direction is top-notch. The movement and fluidity of the characters rev up the in-series hype alone, and even though there are animation sequences that are re-used, it's not much of a problem. The great script and well-done story compensates, and it portrays ideas carefully. 
 
 A highly recommended series in my books, and it may change the way you see sports anime, too. I'm really hoping to see a second season come to works, and now I'm actually thinking of reading the manga.