A lot of you’ll already be conversant in Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura, both by way of the unique manga or the 1981 TV adaptation. Right now, I’m right here to evaluate the newer 2022 adaptation of the collection, which involves the UK because of MVM. As I used to be fully unfamiliar with Urusei Yatsura till now, let’s see if I discovered it to be an excellent introduction.
Our story revolves round Ataru Moroboshi, who’s chosen to avoid wasting planet Earth when it’s invaded by aliens from planet Oni. To guard the world, Ataru performs a recreation of tag towards the Oni princess, Lum. Whereas Ataru does handle to win the sport, he additionally by chance will get engaged to Lum as a consequence of a misunderstanding! Now, Lum intends to remain and revel in her new life with Ataru, however our protagonist is lower than thrilled by this, since he’s already in love together with his classmate Shinobu Miyake.
From there, Urusei Yatsura turns into a romantic comedy stuffed with the random occasions and unusual individuals Ataru encounters in his day-to-day life, together with different aliens from Planet Oni and the good-looking inheritor to a big company, Shutaro Mendo, who believes Lum can be higher off with him. The tales are usually episodic, which fits this adaptation particularly. They are often merely tales of Ataru entering into bother for flirting with different ladies, or crossing the cosmos as they get wrapped up in drama involving the opposite alien guests. Life isn’t boring for Ataru, that’s for positive!
Fairly than inform the story of Urusei Yatsura from starting to finish, the staff at David Manufacturing envisioned the 46 episodes as a ‘Finest Of’ assortment (as compared, the Eighties collection was 194 episodes!). I believe even the episodic nature of a lot of the collection signifies that this alternative has labored out nicely. It by no means looks like we’re lacking something, and it appears that evidently an important storylines for progressing Ataru and Lum’s relationship are nonetheless current, so whereas most episodes are merely enjoyable, you continue to have these emotional beats to carry your funding in the long run.
I used to be shocked however happy by how nicely this labored for somebody like me, who has by no means learn the manga or watched the unique anime. All through the primary 23 episodes included on this set, I grew very connected to the flirtatious and troublesome Ataru in addition to Lum and the opposite members of the solid. You’ll be able to inform that David Manufacturing labored onerous to maintain what made the unique work so participating, proper right down to preserving the unique model of the character designs and setting whereas making some changes for the present period.
The collection can also be graced with a terrific set of voice actors on the Japanese aspect. Hiroshi Kamiya (Levi Ackerman in Assault on Titan, Ranpo Edogawa in Bungo Stray Canine) takes on the position of Ataru, whereas Lum is performed by Sumire Uesake (Suzuna in Princess Join!, Mia Luna Tearmoon in Tearmoon Empire), and each do a wonderful job within the lead roles. They specific a variety of feelings, with nice comedian timing for the comedic scenes and loads of emotion for these which are extra heartfelt and essential to the narrative.
There’s additionally Maaya Uchida (Hiyori Iki in Noragami, Catarina Claes in My Subsequent Life as a Villainess) taking part in Shinobu Miyake and Mamoru Miyano (Osamu Dazai in Bungo Stray Canine, Kei Kaname in Oblivion Battery), each of whom distinction nicely with Kamiya and Uesake. I used to be particularly proud of Miyano’s efficiency as Mendo is the type of overly dramatic character that Miyano is ideal for, particularly in a comedic collection like this one. For this launch, there may be additionally an English dub, led by Nathan Wilson as Ataru and Jade Kelly as Lum. From what I sampled, this sounds tremendous, however as a Kamiya and Miyano fan, I selected to look at it in Japanese as an alternative.
Music for the collection is dealt with by Masaru Yokoyama (Your Lie in April, Horimiya), and whereas I used to be initially not sure that Yokoyama’s work would swimsuit one thing much less emotionally pushed than different tasks he’s labored on, the soundtrack turned out nice! Every cour of the season additionally has completely different opening and ending themes, with the primary 11 episodes that includes “Aiue” by Minami and Sakuramoti, whereas the ending theme is “Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous” by Kaf and Tsumiki. Episodes 12-23 function “Love Lure Muchu” by Asmi and Surii, whereas the ending theme is “Not Sufficient” by Yama and Nito. Typically, these are all catchy songs that visually and musically match the collection nicely.
As talked about, Urusei Yatsura Seasons 1 & 2 Assortment involves the UK because of MVM, who’ve launched the gathering on Blu-ray. This launch contains the primary 23 episodes with each the Japanese audio and an English dub. Extras embody trailers and clear opening/ending movies. The corporate has just lately introduced that they’ll be opening pre-orders for the Urusei Yatsura Seasons 3 & 4 assortment, however the launch date hasn’t been confirmed on the time of writing. Nonetheless, figuring out MVM, it received’t be that distant!
General, this primary assortment of the 2022 Urusei Yatsura anime proves a delight because it introduces us to the world of Ataru and Lum’s adventures. It’s chaotic, charming and typically fairly heartfelt whereas being an apparent love letter to the manga that began all of it. Definitely, it leaves me desperate to see extra when the second assortment is launched!
Our evaluate copy was provided by MVM.
