Megalo Box

[Munsu]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjsMFv9K60Y

In the not too distant future, boxing has become a sport enhanced by “Gear,” machine exoskeletons worn over the shoulders and arms to allow boxers to punch farther and harder than before. Known as “Megalobox,” the sport is popular as both a regular sporting event and as one during which underground bets are laid, with dramatic differences between the fanbases. Junk Dog, a young Megaloboxer, is struggling both to make a name for himself in the underground fights as well as with whether he's really happy with his current situation. When he hears that the upscale Shirato Group is sponsoring a worldwide Megaloboxing tournament in a special arena, he's largely ambivalent, seeing it as both not worth it and beyond his grasp. But he's getting tired of the rigged fights he's forced to participate in. Then he encounters Yuri, the reigning champ of the sport, and might change his mind.

https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=20565

Looks like Megalo Box it's using a dated art kinda in honor of Ashita no Joe, not much to say at the moment, but hope to see some well animated fighting

Cliffhanger at the end of the first episode, so we'll see where this goes. I now it's being billed as an Ashita no Joe spin-off, but wondering what's the real connection besides the assumed setting, if any. Not that I've watched the predecessor as it is.

[David75]

Well, there's a line stating :50th anniversary project in the intro.
I liked the art. Feels like a good older shonen.
I was a little doubtful with the gears and the naming of the show/sport.
But it feels like the dynamics and rythm of fights might be enjoyable.
We'll see how that first fight plays out. Surprised as it feels like an end of season cliffhanger right off the bat.

[MFauli]

This was good. Fanastic art, proves that studios are still capable of non-moe blob stuff. The music was great, too.

Do we know if it's 12 or 24 episodes? MAL won't say.

[shinta|hikari]

Isn't boxing lethal enough as it is? Won't this sport lead to killing people in 1 blow?

[Munsu]

Isn't boxing lethal enough as it is? Won't this sport lead to killing people in 1 blow?

I thought exactly the same, but not going to overthink it. SUSPEND DISBELIEF!

[MFauli]

Isn't boxing lethal enough as it is? Won't this sport lead to killing people in 1 blow?

That waas the one thing that irked me. Even now, a boxing punch can kill you. Why do we need more power? And these fighters weren't wearing any armor to compensate for it.

[David75]

Same thoughts here.
And it isn't even a way to level the power of punches.
But I guess it will be impossible to watch that show with rational/scientific/technical neurons on.
My guess is:Enjoy the story, characters and interactions, art/animation, action and suspens. And I hope it delivers :D

[Munsu]

In this universe, boxers are special beings. They have unusually hard heads and ribs.

[David75]

In this universe, boxers are special beings. They have unusually hard heads and ribs.
Nice way of putting it: Extremely tough bodies, so tough that their arms aren't strong enough to have results in a timely manner with conventional boxing.
Hence the need for amplification and gear.

[shinta|hikari]

Is that really what they said? Haven't watched the episode yet. I mean, even if their ribs are hard, they will still die if punched in the gut.

[David75]

Nope, they didn't.
Just a way of aprehending the show to accept the gear and the fact they do not die at the first ungarded jab...

[KrayZ33]

Wouldn't that just mean more people will watch it and pay more to get a first row seat?

The only exciting thing about Nascar racing and Formula one racing are the crashes, no one gives a fuck about it when nothing happens.
Same applies to boxing.

The harder they hit and the closer they are to death, the better.

[shinta|hikari]

Only it wouldn't be exciting or worth paying tickets for if all matches ended in 1 round/punch.

[Buffalobiian]

Episode 04

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Oooooooooooooh, the whole thing was a set-up for "Gearless" Joe, to bring back good old boxing and shit like that.

It's still entertaining for what it's worth. Also, gear does away with the whole weight limit now so it's it's a bit free-for-all.

[Munsu]

I'm not sure how long he can go as "Gearless" particularly once he goes against the top contenders. Cool series so far though, but at the same time there's something in the back of my mind nagging at me of how this could be even better. But one of the favorites of the season so far.

[MFauli]

Funny thing is that there's no real difference being 'gearless' lol.

The opponent's punches wouldn be any less dangerous with gear, because gear doesnt provide armor. And 'normal' punches are devastating enough to decide a battle with one blow. Unless these are genetically toughened human beings, 'gearless' actually gives you a weight advantage, if anything.

[Buffalobiian]

The opponent's punches wouldn be any less dangerous with gear, because gear doesnt provide armor. And 'normal' punches are devastating enough to decide a battle with one blow. Unless these are genetically toughened human beings, 'gearless' actually gives you a weight advantage, if anything.

Being gearless gives you a speed advantage. Having gear gives you a weight advantage. The gear would slow your reaction down I imagine, until you get to the top-shelf neural link stuff. That should give you the power advantage without the lag. The real advantage of any gear is to maintain your guard with reduced fatigue.

@Bud: They planned on giving him gear after round 3 apparently, but to give up that Gearless title would be disappointing to fans.

[Mizuchi]

I enjoyed my girlfriend's megalo box last night

[Buffalobiian]

But did you go 'Gearless'?

[David75]

Last episode was quite good in pacing, rythm, music. I like the new guy gear/style, very old school anime hero like.
He plays a vilain for now, but I wonder if he truly is.
My guess is that if he wants to shake Megalonia/Megalobox, Gearless Joe can be a great weapon.

[DarthEnderX]

He's finally getting the recognition he deserves...

https://i.imgur.com/JqBYvw7.png

[MFauli]

Season 2 - Episode 1:

Man, I dunno. I ended up enjoying the episode, BUT it feels like they're way too hard trying to present this in the way of some Oscar-bait fancy story now. Like chasing after Breaking Bad-style. I dunno. Give me less artsyfartsy music scenes and more story.

Also, I don't like stories that make a jump and then spend the new season slowly revealing what happened during these past 5 years. Just tell us why Joe isn't a rich, successful guy now after becoming champion at the end of season 1 ;>

[neflight86]

This suited me just fine. Not all people are 'equipped' to deal with success, and someone as used to fighting in the mud may just not have been cut out for the high life. It seems like he lost it when he lost an exhibition match after becoming champion, and without his drive to fight Yuri (or the guidance of his presumably dead trainer), fell into a bad place.

I enjoyed the big chinned fight fixer- he's not as naive nor proud as Joe, and it works in his favor.

I don't expect it to, but it would be neat if this second season focused on Joe giving up the fight and mentoring another upcoming talent to take the championship in his place. But lets get real- this will be a twice-cooked underdog story, and that ain't bad.

[MFauli]

Season 2 - Episode 2:

Wow, that was a cool end there. Joe as a trainer? On one hand it's a bummer he won't fight himself, on the other hand, I like the dynamic between him and the buff guy. And unlike Joe, he really got something to fight for.

I wonder how Joe's old trainer died. And that kid he hallucinated about, died, too?

Totally hope that Joe hooks up with the hot chick, though. Come on, dat booty <3

Dio is an idiot.

[neflight86]

Season 2 - Episode 2:

Wow, that was a cool end there. Joe as a trainer? On one hand it's a bummer he won't fight himself, on the other hand, I like the dynamic between him and the buff guy. And unlike Joe, he really got something to fight for.


Something tells me he will train him a bit, and that guy will get injured, 'accidented', or something else that makes Joe the only one fit to actually participate in the tournament now that there's something on the line.

I like the 'underdog fighter is an inspiration to the little guy' angle. Giving hope. It gives sports a appreciable utility to society, since I don't really get them otherwise.

I like how the dead trainer in his head is full on blaming him for his death- will that eventually be resolved on Joe's terms (telling the illusion off like old times), or as his mental image of the old trainer softening up into forgiveness?

[neflight86]

3

And there it is. Sorry to see those people getting beaten down and blamed for local ails... But now that Joe's got some skin in the game, he'll no doubt get dragged back into the ring.

I like coach being definitively portrayed as a side effect of the shifty pain meds given form by Joe's conscience. A bit cliché, but it worked really well when none of the old crew is around to fill us in to how Joe dug his hole so deep during the time skip. I didn't know that there was an honest to goodness falling out with the urchin kid. I wonder if he'll show up again to rub some salt in those wounds?

[MFauli]

Is Sachio supposed to be dead, too? Not sure I understood that whole story.

Marla's son is super annoying. "Hey, we hate immigrants, but help us make your family feel miserable, because OUR RESPECT!!1" :/ This season's Gabi!

You still expect Joe himself to enter the box ring, netfight? I guess ... maybe if the finale ends in tragedy and the new guy dies, then Joe swears revenge and takes over the fight. Would give him a real reason to fight again, too, revenge AND protecting these people that were nice to him.

[DarthEnderX]

Well we're only 1 fight away from the end of this tournament, and we're only on episode 3. Obvious shits gonna pop off at some point.

I think even if he wins the tournament, Chief is fucking dead. Cause it's obvious at this point that even if he gets murdered to avoid paying him the prize money, none of the locals are going to give a shit.

[neflight86]

My guess is he gets seriously injured in the fire he ran into and Joe has to take his place... I think he'll get to live. As for it ending after this tournament, no- I expect Joe's gonna do a full comeback tour for the rest of the season to earn some real money since they will likely get cheated out of this tourney money somehow.

So I know I have it straight, he ran back in for the money he has squirreled away in that trailer (the future of those refugees), right?

[MFauli]

Episode 4:

So ... why? Was it delayed trauma from the punches against the back of his head?

[DarthEnderX]

I'm assuming complications from a concussion. Hence, not wanting to fall asleep.

He should have seen a doctor.

Was surprised that this story just ended.

[neflight86]

I'm sorta surprised that the roundhouse backhand was even called as a foul by the ref. I thought the entire thing would be rigged.

At least one punk kid seems to have the beginnings of grasping the nobility of resisting the culture of hatred.

It was abrupt, and I guess it amounts to the fuel Joe needed to face his other demons. I also kinda figured he'd be around the trailer park a bit longer. Back to the city, I guess.

[MFauli]

I'd assume that whatever he's about to do now, he'll return in the last episode and settle in with Marla and keep an eye on everything. I'll even predict the ending shot: Him sitting in a chair in front of chief's grave.

[DarthEnderX]

Something something hummingbirds.

[neflight86]

5,6

Two part review of how Joe got o be so hated by the people he called friends/family.

So the old trainer had cancer, and Joe desperately tried to win a prize fight for the money to extend his life (dubious experimental treatment), and ended up training/focusing too hard on the match to be with him as he withered away and lost the fight. The show does a lot with this death, and I commend it.

What rubs me the wrong way about this arc is how everyone is dumping on Joe because he... was hurt by the passing of a friend? Everyone accuses him of 'abandoning' his family after the trauma of losing someone he knew for waaaaaay longer than any of them, and he just takes it. The guilt is too strong. Those kids started to hang around, if I recall correctly, because Joe was winning fights above ground. He was a meal ticket. What he did made sense in its own way: never give up, never stop struggling- even against cancer, and the trainer was on board (as much as he was for anything).

But none of that matters, apparently, because those (random) kids felt entitled to his emotional journey. Even the adults who should have known better (mechanic and other trainer) acted like Joe caused the gym to flood and actively ruined their lives. There is some nuance to the resentment, and that is what makes this compelling, even if I don't agree to it. Sachio apparently is the gatekeeper for their 'family', and can eject people at will... some family. But my frustration stems from feeling like this is exactly what people do- rationalize their emotions into reasons for resentment, and act upon them. It feels real. It hurt to watch, but don't for a second regret watching it.

I like how they weaved the flashback to match the timing of both fights... and both losses. I was very disappointed until they revealed the underground fight was fixed, and then it made too much sense. How else would he get that deed back without making it worthwhile to the gangster?

[MFauli]

Yeah, I also don't get what Joe did so evil. At worst he missed the coaches death because he was trying to help. And then left everyone, so the streetkids were streetkids again, I guess? Not saying packing and leaving is nice, but their reaction makes it seem like Joe *caused* the coach's death.

Anyway, still a very good anime. Despite some good action, it's really laid-back, so I enjoy watching it late at night when it's dark outside and I'm tired and ready for bed.

[DarthEnderX]

At worst he missed the coaches death because he was trying to help. It pretty goddamn obvious to everyone that, even if he'd won, it was still to late.

He was clearly using the fight as an excuse to avoid being at the hospital and facing his friend's death.

[MFauli]

It pretty goddamn obvious to everyone that, even if he'd won, it was still to late.

He was clearly using the fight as an excuse to avoid being at the hospital and facing his friend's death.

Then that doesnt make him a bad person, either. Basically he didnt want to face the reality of someone he loved dying.

[DarthEnderX]

Sure. I'm just saying what he was doing was worse than your "at worst".

[neflight86]

7

Take your time Megalo Box, this is good. Slowly re-introduce characters and show us how things change as time passes. I like that even the champ knows he was fighting a potato and is struggling to find his own identity as a fighter, and is not as proud as Yuri was when it comes to challenging Joe.

Are they setting up Max to be the actual rival this season? Seems like he is getting too much screen time to go down like a chump, and it would re-ignite the 'man versus machine' theme from season one. Also, the altruism of the CEO guy is a bit thick, but I believe him for now. CEO lady with the short hair is cute, and they even brought her brother back?

When is Yuri gonna get the implant that will let him walk (and fight) again?

[DarthEnderX]

It's kinda hard to know who to root for when it goes out of it's way to humanize everyone so much.

Do I root for Yuri's protégée, who isn't a conceited dick or anything. Or the crippled hero firefighter...

[neflight86]

Its a bit odd that people living in a sci-fi dystopian world don't have any concept (or imagination) of this microchip that is controlling Mac's body enhancing his performance somehow. It took CEO lady's brother to even posit the thought, but at least someone did. How did no one notice that this gimmick seems predictable and beyond someone entering the 'zone'? It is kind of a repeat of the first season's theme of man versus machine.

Animu Elon Musk's dance scene with his Zune at the end was a pretty sweet animation cut.

[neflight86]

10,11

Sachio's 'match' was very satisfying, as Joe is a bit of a pushover when it comes to those kids, and they get away with too much when it comes to passing judgement (as I've whined about before). He has no place in the ring, and Joe clearly does.

Elon is confirmed 'amoral scientist' archetype, though it is a bit sad we didn't get to see him put those tap soles to use. IAt first I thought he would turn on some hidden 'mind/body control' function in the chip when Mac confronted him, but he just talked him down with the reality of the deal his wife took. If I'm understanding this correctly, his mental state only is deteriorating due to the strain of boxing? If so, simply stopping should halt the progression, but it can't be that easy...

Yuri's awkward roll chair wheeling into the background '...don't mind me- enjoy your food...' was cute- I don't think they were going for that.

[MFauli]

episode 12:

They're building up to the fight really slowly, but it's ok. Wonder how the drama will go down. I just can't imagine Joe to lose again, he really should win a fight in this season at least once, lol. Yet, the science guy just threatened him not to lose, OR ELSE.

Oh, and we I finally got a better reading of the japanese "team nowhere" kanji, never could read the artsy writing on the building sign. To translate "bangaichi" to "nowhere" is quite the translation. And with that I mean that it's waaay to freely translated. "Team Nowhere" sounds cool, but was the intention to have a cool name that way`"Bangaichi" really means "location without address" or "unregistered address", so if I were to tasked with a translation that sounds good, but also carries the same spirit, I'd go for something like "Team Off-the-Grid" or "Team Not Found". Or something else that captures the more bureaucratical nature of "bangaichi". "Team Nowhere" would have been "Chiimu Dokonimo" or something like that. Whatever. Just a random rant, because I was waiting to get a better reading of the gym sign.

[DarthEnderX]

Yet, the science guy just threatened him not to lose, OR ELSE. Dude, that guy is going to fucking jail. His assistant is going to out him for fraud.

[neflight86]

It'll be a nice jail, though. Wonder if he'll get to bring his Zune and tap shoes?

Of all the ways to get out of the bottle, it was his old police partner that happened to find him? It's so sweet I can ignore the convenience. Great stuff.

[MFauli]

Season 2 - Episode 13:

Overall an enjoyable second season. But i have to say it before I forget: Goddamn, this atmosphere of "my life is over now" that Joe exudes in these epilogue scenes is insufferable. It's the typical Japanese "your life is over once you pass 30" bs. FFS, yeah, his boxer career is over - so what? You've got at least another half of your entire life ahead of you. Fina a new job, explore the world, have adventures, enjoy some women. So much still to do. No need for any melancholy here. Really grated on me here, lol.

The fight was rather disappointing. I didn't understand why Sachio threw the white flag. Like, I understand that everyone "thought" Joe would be hit badly soon, but ... why? As a watcher, nothing seemed to go agains Joe's favor. Kinda underwhelming. And basically saying "Mac is better than Joe, even without his cheating mac time". Was a bit too friendly at the end of that match. Ah well ...

I hope we'll get a 3rd season eventually. They kinda built up Sachio as a new hero. The world is interesting enough, a 3rd season wouldn't need to revolve around boxing.

[DarthEnderX]

Oh god, no. I have NO interest in this setting outside of the boxing.