Image: Studio Bones
Sports anime can be exciting, endearing, optimistic, emotional, and in some respects, way better than actual sports. But many shows fall into a tired trope: having a protagonist who is really good at their respective sport from the very beginning. Which makes
has a sports prodigy, but Reki, the
protagonist of
SK8 the Infinity, isn’t the prodigy himself and it makes all the difference
When studio Bones and creator Hiroko Utsumi first introduce Reki, he’s narrating to the audience how some people define happiness as being rich, famous, or respected. Though he doesn’t offer an answer for what he believes happiness is, his actions speak for themselves. The next thing we see him do is participate in the high-thrill, highly illegal, and highly dangerous skateboard racing track called “S.” Though Reki doesn’t have remarkable skills or a signature trick or fantastic persona going for him, he finds happiness through the thrill and challenge that comes
Like most, we spent a good portion of this year in lockdown, self-isolating away from the rest of the world. So it’s a relief that we could count on streaming giants like Netflix and cable networks to keep us entertained with their banks of endless shows.
Live-action adaptations, sequels and a sprinkle of anime make our year-end list of the best television series from East and Southeast Asia. As we binged on sci-fi adventures, zombie thrillers and wholesome sports dramas, these shows have miraculously turned this strange and forsaken past 12 months into something memorable.
10. Alice In Borderland (Japan)
Season: one (limited series)