Right before the volleyball club's training camp in Tokyo, both Shouyou Hinata and Tobio Kageyama fail a final exam. As the make-up exams and the trip overlap, the boys plead their desperate case to the vice principal to no avail. Since their indispensable teammates are forced to stay behind to study, the club's members find different ways to help them pass and join the camp in time.
Review: Haikyuu!! vs. “Akaten”
Before we dive into the review, let’s give a brief overview of the plot of Haikyuu!! vs. “Akaten”. The one-episode OVA (original video animation) is essentially an animated sports drama focusing on the spirit and exhilaration of volleyball. It is renowned for its perfect blend of intense athletic competition, personable character development and the grand theme of team spirit.
Haikyuu!! vs. “Akaten” revolves around a volleyball team from Karasuno High School, who have traditionally been the underdogs in their prefecture. The dynamic duo, Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama stand at the forefront, proving to be a potent force. This OVA focusses on a specific training set where teams train by only scoring off their opponent’s mistakes, popularly known as “Akaten”. The Karasuno team faces the challenge of mastering this set to stand a chance against their stronger regional foes at the upcoming Spring Tournament.
Storyline and Characters
The OVA sets the tone for an exciting upcoming season, perfectly capturing the journey and struggles of the Karasuno team members and their pursuit of excellence. You typically would expect a sports plot to revolve around a championship, but Haikyuu vs. “Akaten” shifts that dynamic, focusing on a thrilling training set that’s just as riveting!
The characters who were already well developed throughout the series show remarkable growth in this special installment. Hinata and Kageyama’s partnership shines brighter than ever, their dynamic chemistry resonating throughout the episode. While the entire team under Coach Ukai’s stringent tutelage prepares for the daunting challenge, the other characters like Tsukishima and Nishinoya approach the “Akaten” each in their unique style, adding an additional layer to their personalities.
Animation and Music
As always, Production I.G’s animation quality for Haikyuu is top-notch. Every action sequence in the Akaten matches is fluid and intense, successfully rendering the high stakes. The volleyball scenes skillfully interspersed with individual character moments and backstories provide an immersive viewing experience.
Besides, the music adds to the adrenaline of the sporting event. The standout tracks will undoubtedly get your heart pumping, aligning perfectly with the high-octane matches and emotionally charged narratives.
Final Thoughts
Haikyuu!! vs. “Akaten” successfully keeps the audience’s interest locked in by sticking to its roots. Even though it’s just an OVA, it feels like a complete saga of struggle, perseverance, and camaraderie. Rent, buy or stream, this is a must-watch for all Haikyuu fans waiting for the grand tournament experience – it adds value to the overall storyline and helps in a better understanding and appreciation of the series’ narrative continuation.
So, as “The Anime Critic,” I would highly recommend this OVA! Between the quality animation, memorable OST, well-written storyline, and the added character growth, it’s an absolute delight to watch.
Ratings
Storyline: 9.5/10
Animation: 10/10
Music: 9/10
Character Development: 9/10
Overall: 9.5/10
“Haikyuu!! vs. “Akaten” – a riveting display of sportsmanship, team strategy, and individual growth – truly a sports anime masterpiece!
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