Director: Keiichi Sato
Starring: Hiroaki Hirata, Wally Wingert, Masakazu Morita, Yuri Lowenthal, Minako Kotobuki, Kari Wahlgren, Kenjiro Tsuda, John Eric Bentley, Mariya Ise, Laura Bailey, Go Inoue, Patrick Seitz, Taiten Kusunoki, Travis Willingham,
Running Time: 175 minutes
Certificate: 12
This final set of TIGER & BUNNY episodes has a lot to live up to. First of all it needs to bring closure to a number of plot strands, as well as testing our heroes with new dangers. But it also has to keep up the brilliant focus on character and constant challenging of the superhero formula. Thankfully it does all this and more by way of some unique twists that speed us along to an epic finale, without seeming rushed or contrived.
At the end of the last series Bunny had his memory wiped after discovering the real assailant behind his parents’ death. This leaves Wild Tiger doing some incompetent detective work which reminds us of how heartfelt, but ultimately clueless Tiger can be at times. Before long we discover that everyone’s memories of Wild Tiger and his true identity have been erased. It becomes a superhero twist on the Hitchcockian “wrong man” scenario and it plays out with excitement and style.
The fight sequences continue to meld the 3D and traditional animation together, as well as being filled with even more emotion and frustration than usual. As Tiger tries to avoid beatings from his friends it all looks hopeless at times, but we’re treated to a series of incredible visuals. Being the end of a season, TIGER & BUNNY also has the gonads to challenge our expectations of characters and events. There comes a particularly difficult decision for the gang of heroes, where it looks as though only one will survive. Instead of standing strong from the outset, we are shown their temptation to save themselves, and the show does feel as though it’s brave enough to go for broke.
TIGER & BUNNY has been an amazing series overall, and one that should attract the anime elite, casual viewers, and those never exposed to the genre. With the perfect mix of eastern and western styles, it effortlessly pleases everyone without having to compromise its identity. The ending wraps up the major plot points, but also leaves some open for exploration at a later date. It’s been a wild ride, but with a complex universe and lovable characters, let’s hope this isn’t the definitive end.
TIGER & BUNNY Part 4 is released on DVD and Blu-ray combi on 26th August via Manga Entertainment.
Check out more Anime news and reviews here!
