We get it. There's tons of anime out there, and it's hard to get yourself started on the ones that have been running for a while -- even if they're super popular. But if you need a little push, we're here to help!
In honor of Crunchyroll's Hero Week, "The Hook" is getting you started on two heroic anime that are already underway. But it's not too late for you to catch up! If you're looking for reasons to jump on, look no further:
My Hero Academia
This superhero story has been big news all over the world, both in manga and anime form. And in true shonen style, it's got a massive cast of characters to get to know. Fortunately, the first episode keeps it simple -- with world lore and two introductions.
Our hero is Izuku (nicknamed "Deku"), a Quirkless boy in an alternate universe. In this world, humanity has evolved so that the vast majority of the population has a "Quirk," or super power. Because of this, and due to the monstrous criminals that arose, "superhero" has now become a valid job description.
More than anything Izuku wants to go to U.A., the top superhero school, and become a hero like his idol, All Might. He's an expert on existing superheroes, but his boundless enthusiasm seems unlikely to carry him forward as long as he's Quirkless.
The Hook: Ever wanted to meet your idol? Izuku does (albeit under horrible circumstances). And for a brief moment, he gets to ask All Might the big question: can a Quirkless kid like him ever become a superhero? His whole life changes after that chance meeting.
Who Is It For: Shonen anime fans will dig the style and pacing, and superhero fans will enjoy this alternate take on the concept of super powers in a world where (almost) everyone is super. Izuku is earnest and motivated, and while a character with his level of enthusiasm could usually be annoying, he's introduced in such a way that you end up taking to him really quickly.
My Hero Academia airs Saturdays at 2:30 am PDT.
Tiger Mask W
These heroes wear masks and capes, but their feats of strength are in the wrestling ring. This sequel to the vintage manga/anime Tiger Mask brings a new generation to the mat.
When Takuma's father is brutally injured in the ring by the wrestler Yellow Devil, Takuma and his friend Naoto go down drastically different paths in retaliation. Takuma joins the villainous Tiger's Den, chosen by Miss X to become "Tiger the Dark" and work with an international wrestling conglomerate. Naoto, meanwhile, hangs upside-down in the forest and punches bears. Oh, and he also becomes the new "Tiger Mask" and crashes a fight.
The Hook: Has Takuma genuinely turned heel after his father's defeat, or is there more to this than meets the eye? It seems as though no one's heard from him for three years. His appearance as Tiger the Dark doesn't seem to bode well, but anything is possible in the world of wrestling. After all, the original Tiger Mask was a heel-face turn.
Who Is It For: Do you like crazy action? Good, because the action in this is crazy. The thing about punching a bear happens not long into the first episode, and the very first scene of the episode is pretty dang graphic. If you're a wrestling fan in general, you'll probably get a kick out of this. And even if you don't know the original Tiger Mask, you can come in pretty easily. The extra knowledge makes for some fun Easter eggs, but the plot is followable regardless.
Tiger Mask W airs Saturdays at 12:45 pm PDT.
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Kara Dennison is responsible for multiple webcomics, blogs and runs interviews for (Re)Generation Who and PotterVerse, and is half the creative team behind the OEL light novel series Owl's Flower. She blogs at karadennison.com and tweets @RubyCosmos.
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