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YAIBA: Samurai Legendcontinues to wow its fans every week with its combination of stellar animation and its nostalgic worldbuilding and characters. However, despite the quality of display, some fans are dismayed thatYAIBA: Samurai Legendis not being watched or talked about as much as one might expect.
Frame-for-frame, the show might become a contender for one of the best animated series of the year. Unfortunately,the excitement and hype for the showis nowhere yet to be seen in discussions on social media and forum posts. Just why is this show not more popular than it is?
Fans Are Impressed
Every Fight in YAIBA is Stunning
YAIBA: Samurai Legendfollows the story mold of many classic shōnen anime. The protagonist is an abnormally battle-hungry and strong upstart kid who only wants to continue getting stronger and test his strength.
This dynamic helps create lots of opportunities for intense action sequences, resulting invisually incredible fight scenes. In episode 3,the animation dialwas turned upeven further with the introduction of supernatural elements, such as wind and lightning powers, that filled the screen even more.
Viewers are treated to impressive zoom-ins and dynamic visuals showcasing quick-paced fights where the blows feel impactful. Despite being more of a light-hearted series, the action sequences carry an edge of danger, especially now that Onimaru is attacking people with a real sword.
“Once again the sword play is insane.” -Reddit user AAA_BATTcommentingon the show’s animation.
So many anime series get released that often end up looking very generic and one-dimensional in terms of animation. However,YAIBA:Samurai Legendreally stands outfrom the rest with its excellent art direction and modern take on nostalgic 90s era anime. This is no surprise, given Wit Studio is handling the show’s animation and features a collaboration of those who have worked on visually stunning shows likeMob Psycho 100. With all its strengths, it’s a shame that it doesn’t seem to be getting much exposure this season so far.
Not A Lot of Show Buzz
Why Is No One Showing Up To Watch?
Fans reacting to episode 3 were extremely impressed by the visuals as the stakes in the story increased, thanks to the demonic possession of Onimaru. However, a common sentiment among fans is that people just aren’t giving the show a chance.
“Someone call Michelin because WIT studio is cooking a 6 star meal over here.” - Reddit user zsmgcomplimentingYAIBA: Samurai Legend.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t showing up.” Reddit user South-Ear9767respondingto zsmg.
SomeYAIBAfans were flabbergasted at the idea that this show wasn’t more popular and couldn’t come up with reasons why it wasn’t being noticed. It seems like, for the third week in a row, the series is critically missing from many anime discussions.
“So sick of aoyama works being slept on in the west. Conan and yaiba. The animation is great! HOW ARE PEOPLE NOT WATCHING THIS!” -Reddit user Spolaceno42reactingto episode 3 of YAIBA: Samurai Legend.
One possible explanation for the lack of enthusiasm around the new adaptation may be that some prospective watchers might think it was meant for kids. Case Closed, also known as Conan the Detective, a show by the same author, is another that hasn’t received the same attention as other classic shows. It’s possible the art style doesn’t appeal to mainstream western audiences in ways other big shōnen or battle fantasy titles do.
“Why would people watch a kids manga from the 80s? [I] can’t believe wit wasted so much animation power on this.” -Reddit User South-Ear9767respondingto Spolaceno42.
Another potential reason is that the show has not released an English dub yet, so early adopters might have to wait until itbecomes accessible to more anime watchersbeforeYAIBA: Samurai Legendpicks up steam. Some series fans have tried to get their friends involved in the action, but for whatever reason, have struggled to convert them..
“Tried to put my friend on this anime and he dismissed it and still has yet to watch it. I gave up he’ll just miss out. Absolutely insane this anime is a 10/10 so far.” -Reddit user iReignSupremeereportingon their experience trying to get others to watch YAIBA.
