Even with the freedom to showcase any genre or story ideas, there are many cliches or common plot lines in anime, which you will notice if you watch a lot of it.
One of these common anime plot line usually involve an otherwise regular individual who is suddenly transported to another world, where he will learn how to fight or wield magic and take on the mantle of a hero. Any anime viewer will be able to give you more than a few titles that feature this kind of storytelling.
Which is why I was particularly intrigued at the concept of Hagure Yuusha no Estetica or The Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero. Instead of showcasing the usual hero origin story, the fantasy series instead featured the story of what happens after the hero saves the day.
Hagure Yuusha no Estetica begins after Osawa Akatsuki defeated the Demon King in the world of Alayzard. Despite the pleas of Princess Listy, Akatsuki leaves to return to his own world. Unbeknownst to Listy, Akatsuki returns with Miu, the Demon King's daughter who he promised to take care of at the behest of the defeated Demon King. Pretending that Miu is his long lost sister, the two are enrolled in Babel, an organization that rehabilitates and trains those who have returned after traveling to other worlds. Since the students of Babel have retained the skills and powers that they have obtained in their journeys, they are considered valuable commodities to help with the various struggles around the world. Akatsuki immediately catches the attention of mysterious organization COCOON and clashes with the other students of Babel, particularly with the members of the Student Council.
By turning the tables on the usual hero story, Hagure Yuusha no Estetica turned out to be interesting in many ways. Instead of having to watch episodes that showcased the hero going through experiences that will help him level or power up, the series begins with Akatsuki already well in control of his power and fighting skills. Considering that he's unable to wield magic, his proficiency in Renkankei-kikou, which allows him to control the chi in himself and in others, is more than formidable enough for him to confidently challenge the strongest in Babel. Miu is also proficient with her magic, as are their classmates and friends Domoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage. The already skilled characters make way for an uninterrupted build up to the various conflicts they experience throughout the series, whether it's fighting a strong enemy, finding truths about oneself or even discovering the right bra size for Miu (it is an ecchi anime, after all).
Also, Akatsuki makes for a very interesting lead character. Instead of following the recent trends that showcase male leads as clueless and hesitant, Akatsuki is confident and capable. He also comes off as arrogant and aggressive, which is the reason why people are always surprised every time he does something nice for them. I don't think I've seen a character as adept at immediately understanding the truth in others and knowing exactly how to help them in any of the anime series that I've watched recently, if not for a long while now. It gets to a certain point where his shenanigans involving removing girls' underwear and groping are regarded less as a malicious act, but more as a mischievous quirk.
There are a few faults in Hagure Yuusha no Estetica. Some of which are the series's leanings towards indulging in a LOT of fan service scenes, and tendency to lapse into lulls in the storytelling process, with episodes that could have been more used to build up the conflicts or the enemies, whoever they really are. The organization COCOON is wrapped in so much mystery and darkness (literal, as in they're sitting in the shadows) that I fail to feel the potential troubles their existence may bring. And the final enemy at the end of the series, Phil Barnett, was less compelling than I would have hoped. Although, I do have to admit that he was annoying enough that I cheered fervently for Akatsuki (or anybody, for that matter) to finish him off.
Yet, these faults are also tempered with well-placed humor and great action. And the series does build up to more compelling mysteries or plot lines towards the end, with COCOON making their move to prove if Akatsuki is indeed a real hero and with the kingdoms of Alayzard already privy to the fact that the Demon King's daughter still lives. If the series does get a second season, which the end of the credits implied, Hagure Yuusha no Estetica is primed to showcase a better setting for Akatsuki's skills and great action for the audiences to enjoy.
Now, if only they can avoid devoting too much screen time to scenes of Akatsuki groping Miu or leaving Student Council Vice President Nanase Haruka in various states of undress, the second season (if it ever happens) should be fine.
Although, I think the ecchi fan boys will beg to disagree with that notion.
Happy viewing!!Labels: Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Anime, Ecchi, Fantasy, Hagure Yuusha no Estetica, Harem, Must-Watch, Romance, TV
