Detailed review and evaluation of the second season of "Ushio and Tora" OVA

The appeal and evaluation of the second 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 second season released in 1993. The second season is made up of four episodes, titled "Umi no Ayashiki (Part 1 and Part 2)" and "Kaze no Kurui (Part 1 and Part 2)". It was produced by PASTEL, directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, with character design and animation direction by Norihiro Matsubara. Music was composed by Sagisu Shiro, and sound direction was by Masafumi Mima.

■ Story

The story of the second season begins with the protagonist Ushio Aotsuki going to the sea with his childhood friend Asako Nakamura. There, they meet a sea thief called "Chohimaru" and defeat a giant sea serpent-like monster. However, Ushio struggles against the powerful monster, which is ineffective against Tora's attacks and the beast's spear. A tense turn of events follows, with Asako being swallowed by the monster. This episode delves deeply into the bond and friendship between Ushio and Tora, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

■ Characters

The appeal of "Ushio and Tora" lies above all in its characters. The main character, Ushio Aotsuki, is a second-year junior high school student with a strong sense of justice who hates crooked things. When he encounters Tora and the Beast Spear, he becomes embroiled in a battle with monsters. Tora is a great monster who has been sealed in the Beast Spear for 500 years. He has a golden tiger-like body with sharp claws and fangs, and Ushio names him "Tora." The setting is unique, with the two of them acting together to eat Ushio, and the relationship between the two is at the heart of the story. Asako Nakamura is Ushio's childhood friend, and while she has a strong and cheerful personality, she also has complicated feelings for Ushio. The growth and relationships of these characters are a major factor in drawing in the viewers.

■ Main robot items

The Beast Spear is an important item that appears in Ushio and Tora. This weapon was created by a brother and sister in the Spring and Autumn/Warring States period of China, whose parents were killed by the White-Faced One, and who risked their lives to create it in order to defeat him. In the story, the Beast Spear is portrayed as a central presence in the battle between Ushio and Tora, and its power and history are explored in depth. The presence of this item adds depth and tension to the story.

■ Production staff

The production staff for the second OVA of "Ushio and Tora" is an extremely impressive lineup. The original author is Fujita Kazuhiro, the director is Yuyama Kunihiko, the character designer and animation director is Matsubara Norihiro, the music is Sagisu Shiro, and the sound director is Mima Masafumi, bringing together professionals from various fields. The work that this staff created as a team brings out the best in the original work while providing entertainment that makes full use of the visual beauty and music that only an OVA can offer.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme for the second season is "Beast Spear," with lyrics by Taguchi Shun, music and arrangement by Nishiwaki Tatsuya, and vocals by Iguchi Shinya. The ending theme is "Someone's Targeting You," with lyrics by Taguchi Shun, music and arrangement by Inoue Nitoku, and vocals by Sasaki Nozomu. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story, and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

■ Evaluation and impressions

The second OVA of "Ushio and Tora" has been highly praised for faithfully recreating the appeal of the original work while making full use of the visual expression and music that are unique to OVAs. In particular, the relationship between Ushio and Tora, the growth of their characters, and the presence of the Beast Spear have left a strong impression on viewers. Other highlights include the epic storyline set on the sea and wind, and the tense battle scenes. Furthermore, the high quality of the production by the stellar production staff has been praised, making this a highly polished OVA.

■ Related works

Works related to the second season of the "Ushio and Tora" OVA include the first season of the OVA, the movie "Ushio and Tora: Wind Crazy," and the OVA "Ushio and Tora CD (Comical Deformation) Theater." By watching these works together, you can enjoy the world of "Ushio and Tora" even more deeply.

■Reasons for recommendation

The second season of the "Ushio and Tora" OVA is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but to everyone who loves action and fantasy. It is a must-see, especially for those who are fascinated by the character growth and relationships, and the grand story development. You can also enjoy the visual beauty and music that are unique to OVAs, making it an entertaining work that satisfies both visually and aurally. Please watch this work and experience the adventure and friendship of Ushio and Tora.