3 Episode Impression: Megalo Box

Synopsis

Boxing has reached a new evolution with Megalo Boxing, a new form of boxing that utilizes mechanical limbs known as Gear to enhance the speed and power of its users. Junk Dog is an underground fighter of the sport who due to the illegal nature of his participation, is forced to throw matches as dictated by his boss Gansaku Nanbu. That is until one night after a match, he meets the overseer and former champion of the Megalonia tournament, Yukiko Shirato and Yuuri.

Following his meeting with the two, Junk Dog finds himself facing against Yuuri in his next match. Though the two come at blows, Yuuri expectedly comes on top. While he may have lost however, Junk Dog finds a fire sparking within him as he is challenged by Yuuri to rise and face him on his ring. Thus, this begins Junk Dog’s journey to the top in Megalovania.

The Good

The first thing to note with the series outside of the action and the plot is the style. More than having a classic design that works with the overall tone, the way that it has a sort of street style to it brings a unique look to the series. From the looks of the area to the designs of the characters, it just has this gritty feel to it that matches well with the music and the hip hop style it brings.

As a boxing anime that was created in commemoration of “Ashita no Joe’s” 50th anniversary, it’s only expected that the boxing would have quality work done. Just the way that the punches are struck and how smooth the movements of the fighters look make for one adrenaline pumping watch, especially with the beat to match along with it. Added with how much thought was clearly placed into the technicalities and movements, there’s just so many fun layers to be found with the series so far.

Then there are the characters of the series. Joe makes for an interesting protagonist given how unconventional he is but with reason. And the secondary characters were given some interesting notes to them as well. Just the way that the series subtly develops them and establishes their roles and establishes their relationships leaves a lot of interesting points to crop up in the future.

The Bad

The only issue that can be found from the three episodes is a lot of moments and characters have shown to be rather predictable. Characters like Nanbu and what actions he’ll take is the most prominent so far. And given how the third episode had ended with Junk Dog beating his opponent without gear, it’s rather obvious on what route that the series will be taking with the protagonist’s following fights.

On a more minor note, it was a little convenient on how the events leading up to Yuuri and Junk Dog’s fight. The three of them just happen to meet on a supposed abandoned road? That’s a little too coincidental for the plot.

Conclusion

In just three episodes, the series has shown itself to be something for those who are looking for some good action, a twist to a sport or just something with a grittier style from the usual. Whether it be the overall design, the action or even the music, this is one adrenalin pumping, head bobbing work this is one series that brings all kinds of interesting and exciting points. True, there are a lot of predictable moments to be found with the characters and story, but with the classic style, the catchy music and more, this is truly worth a watch.

Rating: 8.5/10