Thoughts On Bakuten
On Changes and Transformations
This article contains spoilers.
INTRODUCTION
Dorky, warm, and relatable. That’s how I would describe our folks from Bakuten. The story starts with a random guy who develops an interest in gymnastics after seeing a group perform it very well. While this plot is no longer new, I still enjoyed watching it.
The Ao High cast is endearing, each with different personalities and quirks. We have the passionate and enthusiastic team captain, Shichigahama. The gentle and level-headed vice-captain, Tsukidate. The bubbly Onagawa, the intense Watari (who always shouts for no reason), and their two new freshmen teammates, Shotaro and Misato.
Episode one instantly got me. Ao High’s gymnastics performance was pure visual pleasure. The animation is top tier, and I was mesmerized by the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) as the switch from 2D to 3D was seamless.
PLOT
Shotaro Futaba has never been more than a benchwarmer on his baseball team. After noticing a group of gymnasts practicing in the park, he decides to watch a rhythmic gymnastics…
