Yowamushi Pedal Episode 2 | TFP Review
EmperorBrandon: Onoda is really reluctant about the race thing as could be expected, but Imaizumi knows just how the draw him in. Even if he still has to get three more members afterwards, just one member seems like such an exciting prospect for Onoda. I like how Imaizumi had to struggle to come up with the name of a favorite anime, only to have Onoda impressed about him naming off an apparent kids show (sounding like Pokemon) and thinking its deep…
Was neat seeing Onoda realize all the biking he’s done in his otaku pursuits has actually given him an ability he’s never really stopped to notice.
stardf29: Lots of great humor, especially with Imaizumi’s attempted seriousness getting broken at the worst moments for him. The bike racing was good, too. (So maximizing the saddle height increases your biking power? I really should try that.)
GingaDaiuchuu: … I’m a little curious to see how this turns out. Onoda will probably just barely lose, since the anime club can’t very well work out for this plot. I kinda wish it would, though. I still love that kind of humor from Onoda.
EmperorBrandon: Well, I don’t expect Onoda will completely give up being an otaku as he becomes more interesting in cycling, but I guess we shall see… There may be a noticeable decrease in that kind of humor, or it may still end up being present.
I’m really liking Miki’s role this episode. She really knows how to boost Onoda’s confidence and is so adorably enthusiastic about all things biking. Rather than the usual single token girl with a sports team, though, I like she has Aya with her to balance things out as I enjoy her attitude and reactions as well. Then, of course, there’s the very notable contrast between the two lead guys as well, and it will be very interesting to see how things progress with them with the end of the race and afterwards.
stardf29: Yeah, Miki is a great character. She’s rather like Gou from Free!, just with a deep love of bicycles instead of muscles. Having Aya as a foil to her is great, too.
bctaris: The balance and counterpointing of the pairs of characters is a nice touch, preventing the generic qualities of one alone to spoil any of the fun. Aya’s cynicism is a perfect foil for Miki’s unchecked enthusiasm, just like Imaizumi’s competitiveness is good for expanding Onoda’s view of what he’s capable of in his life. Standard sports manga/anime stuff, but it’s done with a sure hand–and the easy humor to all of it makes it a really pleasant experience so far.
Gildor: The blending together of all those ingredients is done masterfully and really makes this show enjoyable. I do wonder if all the story arcs get the same detailed treatment that this first one is getting, then there won’t be many story arcs! Unless this is a more than one cour series…
EmperorBrandon: This is a three cour series, actually.
Hitusgi Amachi: It’s interesting how sports shows will often get greater length, though they need it more often, especially for the slow build ups and the never-ending sports tournaments the teams often participate in.
bctaris: Oh, right. Can’t wait for the rival-stoked bike race at some point where we spend three episodes just getting over one hill.
Hitsugi Amachi: What? You don’t want to see the slow-motion montage of the racers changing into the climbing gear for the initial ascent that takes 5 minutes?
Actually…I don’t either
