Detailed review and evaluation of "Ushio and Tora" OVA Season 1

The appeal and evaluation of the first season of "Ushio and Tora" OVA

■Overview of the work

"Ushio and Tora" is an OVA series based on the popular manga by Kazuhiro Fujita, with a total of six episodes released starting on September 11, 1992. The story follows Ushio Aotsuki, a boy who lives in a temple, who frees the demon "Tora" impaled on a spear in the storehouse of his home, and then they fight various demons together. The first OVA season focuses on the early episodes of the original work, and follows the adventure and growth story that begins with the meeting of Ushio and Tora.

■ Story

One day, Ushio Aotsuki, a second-year middle school student who lives in a temple, discovers a monster impaled on a spear in the storehouse of his home. The monster is named "Tora," and is a great monster that once terrorized the surrounding area. The spear that had held Tora in place for 500 years is the "Beast Spear," made in China over 2,000 years ago for the sole purpose of destroying monsters, and Ushio becomes its heir. The story depicts Ushio and Tora as they deepen their bond and grow through their battles with various monsters.

■Explanation

"Ushio and Tora" is an OVA series based on the manga by Kazuhiro Fujita that was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) from 1990 to 1996. The first season of the OVA is from episodes 1 to 6, while the second season is from episodes 7 to 10. The theme song and some of the staff have been changed in the second season. The first season faithfully reproduces the early episodes of the original work, while making full use of the visual beauty and music unique to OVAs to liven up the story.

■Cast

The cast of this work is Sasaki Nozomu as Ushio Aotsuki, Otsuka Norio as Tora, Amano Yuri as Asako Nakamura, Touma Yumi as Mayuko Inoue, and Aono Takeshi as Shigure Aotsuki. In particular, Sasaki Nozomu as Ushio and Otsuka Norio as Tora captivated viewers with their performances that brought out the best in their characters.

■ Main staff

The first season of the "Ushio and Tora" OVA was produced by a team of many talented people, including the original author, Kazuhiro Fujita, director Kunihiko Yuyama, screenwriter Norifumi Terada, and character designer and animation director Norihiro Matsubara. The music was composed by Shiro Sagisu, the opening theme "Fighter of Courage" was sung by YASU, and the ending theme "Dear My Best Friend" was sung by Nozomu Sasaki. The cooperation of these staff members has allowed us to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of an OVA.

■ Main Characters

・Aotsuki Ushio <br> A second-year junior high school student with a strong sense of justice and straightforward personality. After meeting Tora and the Beast Spear, he becomes embroiled in a battle with demons. Ushio's growth and fighting style are at the heart of this work.

・Tora
A great demon that was sealed in the Beast Spear for 500 years. It has the ability to release powerful lightning and fire, and is quite powerful. He acts together with Ushio in order to consume him, but gradually deepens his bond with him.

・Nakamura Asako <br> Ushio's childhood friend. She has a strong and cheerful personality, and also likes to take care of others. Although she likes Ushio, she always says mean things to him. Her presence is a source of emotional support for Ushio.

・Inoue Mayuko <br> Asako's best friend and Ushio's childhood friend. A gentle and kind-hearted girl. She has feelings for Ushio, but hides them for Asako's sake. Her kindness adds depth to the story.

■ Main robot items

・Beast Spear <br> In China during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, a brother and sister whose parents were killed by the White-Faced One risked their lives to create this weapon in order to defeat him. Ushio inherits the weapon and uses it in battles against monsters. This spear is an important key item in the story, and its power is drawn out as Ushio grows.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Ushio and Tora's fate (1992/09/11)
Episode 2: Stone Eater, Centipede Transformation Episode 3: Talisman Mō Episode 4: Wheel-Turning Run Episode 5: Gamin-sama: Going to Toramachi (Part 1)
Episode 6: Hungry Mind: Going to Toragai (Part 2)

■ Related works

OVA "Ushio and Tora" (2nd season)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Period: 1 to 6
・"Courageous Fighter"
Lyrics: Nemiko Oikawa; Composition: Takeshi Hayama; Arrangement: Takeshi Hayama; Singer: YASU
・ED1
・Period: 1 to 6
・"Dear My Best Friend"
Lyrics: Nemiko Oikawa; Composition: Tatsuya Nishiwaki; Arrangement: Tatsuya Nishiwaki; Singer: Nozomu Sasaki

■ Evaluation and impressions

The first OVA of "Ushio and Tora" draws in viewers with the visual beauty and music that only an OVA can offer, while maximizing the appeal of the original work. In particular, the story of adventure and growth that begins with Ushio and Tora's first meeting moves and excites viewers. The acting by the cast is also superb, with Sasaki Nozomu as Ushio and Otsuka Norio as Tora bringing out the best in their characters. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the staff, the worldview of the original work is faithfully reproduced, while the appeal that only an OVA can offer is brought out.

■ Recommendation points

The first season of the "Ushio and Tora" OVA is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who are experiencing this work for the first time. It is especially perfect for fans of shounen manga and those who want to enjoy action and adventure. In addition, the story depicting the bond and growth of Ushio and Tora will surely give you emotion and excitement. Furthermore, the visual beauty and music that are unique to OVAs are not to be missed. Please watch this work and enjoy the story of Ushio and Tora's adventure and growth.

■ Detailed information and supplementary information

The first season of the "Ushio and Tora" OVA was released on September 11, 1992, and consists of six episodes. The subtitles of each episode are based on early episodes from the original work, and tell the story of Ushio and Tora's adventure and growth, starting with their first meeting. The second season of the OVA also has a new theme song and some of the staff, giving the story an even deeper meaning. Be sure to watch both seasons, and enjoy the story of Ushio and Tora's adventure and growth.

Conclusion

The first OVA of "Ushio and Tora" draws in viewers with the visual beauty and music that only OVAs can offer, while maximizing the appeal of the original work. In particular, the story of adventure and growth that begins with Ushio and Tora's first meeting will move and excite viewers. The acting by the cast is also superb, with Sasaki Nozomu as Ushio and Otsuka Norio as Tora bringing out the best in their characters. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the staff, the worldview of the original work has been faithfully reproduced, while the unique appeal of OVAs has been brought out. Please watch this work and enjoy the story of Ushio and Tora's adventure and growth.