The appeal and evaluation of "Hell Koshien": New possibilities for baseball anime

All-round evaluation and recommendation of Jigoku Koshien

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

February 13, 2009

■Release and sales

・Sales/Video maker

■Frequencies

40 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Original work: Man☆Gatarō ^{"Hell Koshien" published by Shueisha/Jump Comics}

■ Director

・Director: Haruki Kasuga

■ Production

Produced by Panda Factory, produced by Shueisha, Liverpool

■Works

©Man☆Gatarō/Shueisha ©2009 Gedo High School Baseball Club

■ Story

Asakura Nantaro, the principal and baseball team coach of Seido High School, was worried. The opponent in the first round of the Koshien qualifying round was decided to be the Gedo High School baseball team, a murderous group with no rules. Three years ago, in the qualifying round for the Koshien, Seido High School played against Gedo High School, but suffered five deaths, three serious injuries, and eight injuries. With no substitute players left, Seido High School was forced to abandon the game and lose.
This year, the Seido High School baseball team wants to play in Koshien. The principal and Megane, an enthusiastic freshman baseball team member, recruit Baseball Jubei, who is good at baseball and good at fighting, to the baseball team, and have him and the other "fighting baseball warriors" compete in the Gedo High School baseball team's games...!?
An outrageous baseball story full of youth, blood, and laughter!

■Explanation

What is "Hell Koshien"?
This explosive baseball story, which has been serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump since 1996, is packed with blood, sweat, and laughter. It was also made into a live-action movie in 2002.

■Cast

Principal, vice principal, narrator, announcer: Yorimitsu Sakamoto Glasses, punch: Mayor Sakurai (Nishiazabu Hills)
・Baseball Jubei/Study (Soft-shelled Turtle University)
・Director Gedo, Gorilla/Touhou Rikimaru・Houichi, Delinquent/Yokosuka Utamaro・Boss, Debuyama/Don・Kusai・Drunk, Gedo High School Club Member A/Hepurisgyon Iwatsuki・Sarushima, Uguisu-jo, Narration/Asa・Girl/Oriyama Miyu

■ Main staff

・Director, scriptwriter: Haruki Kasugamori ・Original story, supervision: Man☆Gatarō "Hell Koshien" (published by Shueisha/Jump Comics)
・Music Producer/BENTEN
・Music Production/1869 -iwarock-
・Produced by Panda Factory ・Produced by Shueisha ・Produced by Liverpool

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

"Hell Koshien" is an OVA based on the original manga by Man☆Gatarō, and is characterized by its unique worldview and radical storytelling. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and evaluation of this work, as well as the recommended points.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Hell Koshien" is characterized by its extreme and humorous developments, far removed from normal high school baseball. The match between Seido High School and Gedo High School is not just a sporting event, but a battle for life and death. This extremeness leaves a strong impression on viewers, setting it apart from other baseball anime. The story, which combines youth, blood, and laughter, has the power to draw viewers in. In particular, the character of Baseball Jubei breathes new life into the story as a character who not only has baseball skills but also fighting strength.

Character Appeal

The characters in this work are unique and leave a strong impression. In particular, Baseball Jubei is attractive for his strength and humorous side. Sub-characters such as Megane and Punch also play important roles in adding excitement to the story. The members of Gedo High School are not portrayed as villains, but rather as individual characters with their own humor and humanity, leaving a deep impression on the viewer.

Visuals and performance

The OVA version of "Hell Koshien" faithfully reproduces the radical worldview of the original work. The animation quality is high, and the movements in the battle and baseball scenes in particular are very realistic and powerful. Director Haruki Kasugamori's direction also succeeds in leaving a strong impact on the viewer without compromising the atmosphere of the original work. The music was also created by BENTEN and 1869 -iwarock-, and is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

evaluation

"Hell Koshien" has been praised for its radical storyline, unique characters, and high-quality animation and direction. It has been particularly well received by fans of the original work, and was also a success as an OVA. However, some viewers have said that the extreme depictions are unacceptable. Overall, it is a recommended work for viewers who enjoy a unique worldview and humor.

Recommended points

The reasons why we recommend "Hell Koshien" are as follows:

• Extreme storyline and humor : The extreme storyline and humor are far removed from the usual high school baseball. The storyline, which combines youth, blood, and laughter, has the power to draw viewers in.
• Unique characters : The story is made more exciting by unique characters such as Baseball Jubei. In particular, the members of the villainous Gedo High School are portrayed with humor and humanity, leaving a deep impression.
• High-quality animation and direction : The quality of the OVA is high, especially in the battle and baseball scenes, which are realistic and powerful. Director Haruki Kasugano's direction also leaves a strong impact on the viewer without compromising the atmosphere of the original work.
• Music : The music by BENTEN and 1869 -iwarock- is an important element in setting the atmosphere of the work.

Related works and recommendations

For viewers who enjoyed "Hell Koshien," we also recommend the following related works:

• "Crows" : A work depicting a fight between high school students, with its extreme scenes and unique characters. Like "Hell Koshien," you can enjoy the mix of humor and action.
• "Beelzebub" : Another work by Man☆Gatarō, this is the story of a high school student who raises demons. Its mix of humor and action has a similar appeal to "Hell Koshien."
• "Ace of Diamond" : A work depicting high school baseball, where you can enjoy the passionate development of youth and sports. It takes a different approach from "Hell Koshien", but is recommended for baseball fans.

summary

"Hell Koshien" is a work that is attractive for its radical story, unique characters, and high-quality animation and direction. It is especially recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers who enjoy radical humor and action. By enjoying related works as well, you will gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment.