200th G-View: RWBY Season 1

I was initially thinking of reviewing something special to commemorate my 200th anime review and I figured that since this show’s first season ended recently it would be the perfect show. Besides, what’s more special than an anime that was both not made in Japan and isn’t Avatar or Korra? This is RWBY (Season 1).

Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural

Themes: School Life, Superheroes, Weapons, Magic.

Number of episodes 16. The length of each episode depends on the significance of the episode.

G-Rating: 8/10

Plot Summary:

The story takes place in the world of Remnant, which is filled with supernatural forces and shadowy creatures known as “the creatures of Grimm”. Prior to the events of the series, mankind waged a battle of survival against the Grimm before discovering the power of a mysterious element called Dust, which allowed them to fight back against the monsters. In the present day, Dust is used to power magical abilities and weapons. Those who use these abilities to battle the Grimm are known as Huntsmen or Huntresses.The series focuses on four girls, each with her own unique weapon and powers. Together, they form a team at Beacon Academy in the city of Vale, where they are trained to become Huntresses alongside other similar teams.

Courtesy of: http://reef1600.deviantart.com/art/RWBY-If-team-RWBY-are-Pokemon-402555041

The first season was meant to introduce everything to the viewers rather than get into the meat of the plot right away. This is the most important fact newcomers need to know before approaching this web show. Yes there are several awesome battles and an evil organization to fight against but this season is more about getting to know the main characters and their personalities, how they came together to form a kickass team and what both they and the viewers need to know about the new world they had become a part of. I’m sure that by the time the new season eventually airs (I highly doubt it won’t. I guess it may depend on the DVD sales), the real games will begin. After all, the trailers of the characters clearly revealed more epic stuff is being planned.

Courtesy of: http://blackstarhunter.deviantart.com/art/RWBY-Motivational-3-388301458

The show’s humor is heavily influenced from anime. The facial expressions, the stereotype jokes, occasional moe and other fun stuff. Of course like any other comedy in existence, some jokes are gold while others fall flat. It’s the norm with every comedy in existence.

The CG animation is very noticeable. There are times the show lags, some facial expressions could use some work and it’s kinda jagged…WHO AM I KIDDING!? The animation quality didn’t bother me at all and complaining about it is, as with most animation portions of reviews, nitpicking. It’s not bad enough to send me into a frenzy, unlike “onii-chan sucks”.

The fight scenes on the other hand, they are really good. One could say the majority of the budget went into making the fight scenes as crisp and spectacular as possible and for a show like this one, they succeeded.

The soundtrack fits the series. Viewers won’t be humming tunes from the show but they get the job done.

The funny thing is that all four girls, including their personalities, remind me of a certain other quartet of cute, badass ladies:

Ruby, like Neptune, is the shortest member of the team, jolly, goofy, has a strong sense of justice, is super friendly and has a witty and oddball way of expressing herself. Ruby’s weapon is a scythe. She draws influence from Red Riding Hood.

Weiss, like Noire, is a proud, noble, stubborn, and grouchy tsundere with a kind heart hidden behind her cold exterior. Weiss’ weapon is a rapier. She draws influence from Snow White.

Yang, like Vert, is the sexiest on the team, is the most mature (most of the time), almost as friendly as Ruby, is supportive, looks good beating people up and is my favorite character. Yang’s weapon are twin shotgun gauntlets that kinda look like ELIE (Rave Master)’s dual machine gun tonfas. She draws influence from Goldilocks.

Blake, like Blanc, is the most quiet member of the team, likes reading books, goes with flow and before joining the team, liked handling fights on her own (Similar to Noire and Weiss). However, unlike Blanc, she doesn’t release her frustration by swearing. Blake’s weapon is a gunblade-ish katana. She draws influence from Beauty and the Beast’s Belle.

Character development does indeed take place. It’s how the girls learn to understand each other and become stronger. The same goes for the secondary team. Unfortunately not all the characters get fleshed out in the first season. For example, other than my short description, I know little else about my dearest Yang. Her trailer gives some clues but I’d rather it be revealed on the show. I still like her best regardless.

I don’t think the main characters drawing influence from fairy tale and mythical characters has great significance. The other hero team on the other hand, definitely draws inspiration from their mythical counterparts.

Overall, the first season of RWBY is a pretty good start on what promises to be a most amusing series. It made viewers who enjoyed it want more and hopefully more will be given in good time. I would recommend this to viewers who would like to understand why anime is popular for some people in the West…without having to watch an actual anime. Like I said, this is the introductory season. Keep this in mind while watching the show. Things will hopefully kick up a notch next season.

P.S. The key to growth is bovine extract.

All season 1 episodes can be watched on the Roosterteeth RWBY page:

http://roosterteeth.com/archive/?sid=rwby&v=more