Record of Ragnarok: An Absurdly Shonen Anime with Cult Potential
Discover the potential cult status of ‘Record of Ragnarok,’ an anime series that embraces the cliches and absurd premises of the shonen genre. Explore the exaggerated character designs, over-the-top battles, and lack of historical accuracy that define this entertaining show.
Record of Ragnarok: An Absurdly Shonen Anime with Cult Potential
Netflix recently released the second season of “Record of Ragnarok,” an anime series that shamelessly embraces the cliches and absurd premises of the shonen genre. This review delves into the continuation of the tournament that will determine the fate of mankind, as well as the exaggerated character designs, lack of historical accuracy, and over-the-top battles that define the show.
( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )
The Tournament Continues: Jack the Ripper vs. Hercules
The second season kicks off with a duel between Jack the Ripper, equipped with divine gloves, and Hercules. As the battle unfolds, the clash between Hercules’ godly powers and Jack’s deadly tricks becomes the focal point. While the series attempts to add drama through their backstories, it often veers into absurdity, deviating from any semblance of historical accuracy.
The unpredictability of each battle’s outcome keeps viewers engaged, especially as the humans begin to gain victories. This element adds an air of uncertainty and injects a sense of excitement into the show.
A Sumo Wrestler vs. Shiva: Raiden Tameemon’s Challenge
The second half of the season features a fight between Shiva, the four-handed deity, and Raiden Tameemon, a renowned Japanese sumo wrestler from the 19th century. However, Raiden’s appearance leans more towards a pro-wrestler than a sumo fighter, disregarding historical accuracy once again. The battles are interspersed with character backstories and reactions from the spectators, but the overall focus remains on the outlandish fights.
Despite its flaws, the intense gore and brutality of the fights inject a sense of “blasphemy” and provide an entertaining experience. The constant introduction of new characters and pairings creates a sense of anticipation for future battles, keeping viewers hooked.
Absurdity and Lack of Detail: Challenging Historical Accuracy
“Record of Ragnarok” showcases an evident disregard for historical accuracy and natural design. Masaki Sato’s character designs lack detail, with undetailed lines dominating the visuals. The animation by Graphinica and Yumeta Company abandons any sense of naturalness or physics, resulting in ludicrous character movements.
While the show’s lack of detail and historical accuracy may be off-putting to some viewers, it contributes to the unique viewing experience and adds to the show’s cult potential.
Redeeming Aspects: Unpredictable Outcomes and Intense Violence
Despite its shortcomings, “Record of Ragnarok” offers some redeeming qualities. One notable aspect is the unpredictability of each battle’s outcome, especially as the humans begin to gain victories. This element adds an air of uncertainty and keeps viewers engaged.
The intense gore and brutality of the fights defy the typical depiction of these mythical figures, injecting a sense of “blasphemy” and providing an entertaining experience. The constant introduction of new characters and pairings creates a sense of anticipation for future battles.
While the focus on battles and the lack of realism may not appeal to everyone, these aspects contribute to the show’s entertainment value and potential cult status.
Conclusion: An Absurdly Entertaining Anime with Cult Potential
Despite its flaws, “Record of Ragnarok” possesses the potential to become a cult title of the “so bad it’s good” variety. The series embraces its absurdity and lack of historical accuracy, offering a unique viewing experience.
The unpredictability of the outcomes and the intense violence add to the show’s entertainment value. Only time will tell if “Record of Ragnarok” will garner a dedicated fanbase and secure its place as a cult favorite in the future.
