Introduction to the Series
Sakamoto Days Episode 1, titled “The Legendary Hit Man,” marks the highly anticipated adaptation of one of Shonen Jump’s most beloved series. The narrative explores the intriguing concept of hitmen who choose to abandon their violent pasts for a more mundane existence. The story centers on Taro Sakamoto (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita/Matthew Mercer), a former hitman who now prefers the simplicity of working at a convenience store. As excitement builds around this adaptation, it inevitably faces significant pressure to meet fan expectations. So, does “The Legendary Hit Man” quell the anxiety of action anime enthusiasts? The answer is both yes and no.
Faithfulness to the Source Material
First and foremost, Sakamoto Days Episode 1 remains a faithful adaptation of the manga’s first chapter. The episode keeps every essential moment intact, primarily because the source material is well-structured and self-sufficient. Psychic hitman Shin (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki/Dallas Liu) discovers the life his idol now leads, and director Masaki Watanabe (Bartender) along with series composition writer Taku Kishimoto (Blue Lock, Haikyu!, Ranking of Kings) allow mangaka Yuto Suzuki’s straightforward introduction to shine. There is no attempt to cram in subsequent chapters, even though they continue to build on the story’s foundation.
While this approach results in a relatively light first episode in terms of action and lacks a significant inciting incident, it effectively focuses on the central relationship between Sakamoto and Shin. The slower pacing is a wise choice, especially since Sakamoto is more a man of action than words. The episode culminates in Sakamoto revealing his emotions and motivations, setting the stage for the series ahead.
Addressing Criticism
Despite the promise of action inherent in its premise, Sakamoto Days has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding its animation quality as seen in the trailers. Some moments in the episode utilize familiar animation shortcuts, which raises valid concerns. As an adaptation of a Shonen Jump manga, fans naturally expect a certain visual standard.
However, it’s crucial to understand the complexities of anime production. Each series has unique factors influencing its budget and resources. Although Sakamoto Days enjoys popularity, its sales figures are modest compared to recent hits like Jujutsu Kaisen. Consequently, the production committee likely had to manage expectations based on these realities. While this may be difficult for fans to accept, not all series receive the same level of investment.
That said, TMS Entertainment, the studio behind the adaptation, has a strong reputation within the anime industry, having produced numerous iconic series such as Lupin the 3rd, Detective Conan, and Fruits Basket. While not every project is a masterpiece, TMS is known for its reliability and consistency. The animation shortcuts may be noticeable in this episode, but they do not undermine the overall experience.
Action and Choreography
Interestingly, Episode 1 of Sakamoto Days actually enhances the action compared to the first chapter of the manga. The scene where Shin attempts to assassinate Sakamoto closely mirrors the source material, but the adaptation adds extra layers of detail. The slow-motion shattering of a cough drop as Sakamoto deflects the attack stands out as one of the episode’s highlights, showcasing a level of detail beyond what the manga offered. The climactic confrontation with Shin’s employer also expands on individual fight sequences, providing more action to satisfy viewers.
However, this climactic fight does not fully capitalize on Sakamoto Days’ potential for dynamic choreography. In contrast to the store fight between Sakamoto and Shin, the new sequence at the warehouse feels more generic than expected. Yuto Suzuki possesses a keen eye for utilizing 3D space effectively, and if the anime fails to leverage this talent, even the most polished animation will fall short of expectations. Time will tell how this aspect develops.
Conclusion
Overall, Sakamoto Days Episode 1 serves as a solid introduction to the series. While it may not be perfect, there is ample room for growth, and the potential for improvement is evident. Many criticisms stem from fans’ deep affection for the material. The first episode is designed to entertain newcomers, and with Netflix backing the series, it has the potential to attract a wider audience, similar to the success of Delicious in Dungeon last year. For now, “The Legendary Hit Man” fulfills its purpose, laying the groundwork for an engaging series ahead.