The appeal and evaluation of The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages of the Past and Future

The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages of the Past and Future - Review and Recommendation

"The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages of the Past and Future" is the second installment in the OVA spin-off series based on the popular manga "The Prince of Tennis" by Takeshi Konomi. Released in 2009 with four episodes in two volumes, it follows the new adventures and growth of the Seishun Gakuen Junior High School tennis club members. The series offers fans a new perspective by depicting their innermost thoughts and new challenges after the national tournament.

story

The Seishun Gakuen Junior High School tennis club members visit Osaka for joint practice with Shitennoji Junior High School. They are welcomed with the usual comedic vibe, and an unexpected matchup immediately follows in the mixed doubles match. When they arrive at their accommodation, they find members of Okinawa's Higa Junior High School waiting for them. This encounter provides the Seishun Gakuen members with a new challenge and an opportunity for growth.

This OVA explores the growth and friendship of the Seishun Academy members by depicting their emotional state after the national tournament. It especially highlights Ryoma and Tezuka's passion for tennis and their bond with their teammates. It also shows how new friendships and rivalries emerge through their interactions with Shitennoji and Higa.

character

Each member of Seishun Gakuen Junior High School is depicted as a unique and attractive character. Echizen Ryoma is a first-year student with a genius tennis sense and overwhelming technique, and is depicted as challenging strong opponents no matter what the adversity. Tezuka Kunimitsu is a third-year student who leads the tennis club as its captain with rational behavior and solid ability. Oishi Shuichiro is the vice-captain, and supports the cool Tezuka with his gentle personality, and shows high perfection in doubles with Kikumaru. Fuji Shusuke is a genius who hides a demon behind his elegant smile, and is characterized by his outstanding technique and brilliant return technique. Inui Sadaharu is a data-oriented theorist who has earned the trust of the club members as an information-gathering demon. Kikumaru Eiji is an emotional player who excels in acrobatic play and moves freely around the court. Kawamura Takashi is usually gentle, but the moment he holds a racket in his hand, he switches to combat mode and his power play is his weapon. Takeshi Momoshiro is a regular player with his super shot that makes use of his strong springs, and is in a rival relationship with Kaoru Kaido. Kaoru Kaido is a hard worker who uses the "Snake" return shot, which is hit at an acute angle, and is in a rival relationship with Momoshiro. Satoshi Horio is a playful and humorous first-year student who is asked by Ryoma to deliver a mysterious package to the training camp.

Other unique characters from each school, such as Keigo Atobe and Yuji Oshitari from Hyoutei Academy Junior High School, Seiichi Yukimura and Genichiro Sanada from Rikkaidai Junior High School, Eishiro Kite and Yujiro Kai from Higa Junior High School, appear and support the growth of the Seishun Academy members. The individuality and growth of these characters enrich the story.

Production

This OVA is directed by Shunsuke Tada and character designed by Meiji Ishii. Animation is handled by MSC, with Production IG participating as a production partner. Music is by Cher Watanabe, and sound direction is by Takuya Hiramitsu. This team of staff has succeeded in bringing out the best in the original work.

In particular, the quality of the character designs and animation is high, faithfully recreating the image of the original while adding a new charm that is unique to OVAs. Additionally, the music and sound also play an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, evoking the emotions of the viewer.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme, "Brand-New Heaven," is a refreshing song sung by Seishun Soda, symbolizing the new challenges of the Seigaku members. There are three ending themes: "To That Sky That Never Fades" is a moving song sung by STONES, depicting the growth and friendship of the Seigaku members; "To the End of the Slope" is a powerful song sung by Hyoutei Eternity, expressing the charisma of the Hyoutei members; "Owaranai Ai" is a passionate song sung by Rikkai Young Han, depicting the passion and bond of the Rikkai members. These songs play an important role in livening up the atmosphere of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

"The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages of the Past and Future" is a must-see for fans of the original work. It further deepens the worldview of the original work by depicting the emotions of the Seishun Academy members and their new challenges after the national tournament. It also depicts the growth and friendships of the unique characters from each school, providing viewers with excitement and emotion.

In particular, the growth and friendship of the Seishun Academy members, centered around Ryoma and Tezuka, will touch the hearts of viewers. Also, don't miss the new friendships and rivalries that emerge through interactions with Shitennoji and Higa. The quality of the character designs and animation is also high, faithfully recreating the image of the original while adding a new charm that is unique to OVAs. The music and sound also function as important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like tennis and youth stories. This OVA, which depicts the growth and friendship of the Seigaku members, as well as their new challenges, will provide viewers with excitement and emotion. Please give it a watch.

Related Titles

"The Prince of Tennis: Another Story ~Messages of the Past and Future~" is closely related to the original "The Prince of Tennis" and other spin-off works. In particular, "The New Prince of Tennis", "The Prince of Tennis: Two Samurai The First Game", "A Gift from Atobe ~A Tenipuri Festival Dedicated to You~", "The Prince of Tennis Movie: Battle at the British Tennis Castle!", "The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc", "The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc Semifinal", "The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc Final", "The Prince of Tennis OVA National Tournament Arc FAN DISC The Time Comes Around Remix", "The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY II ~Ano Toki no Bokura 1", "The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY II ~Ano Toki no Bokura 2", and "The New Prince of Tennis OVA" are important works that depict the growth and friendship of the Seishun Academy members. By watching these works, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of "The Prince of Tennis ANOTHER STORY ~Message of the Past and Future~."

Conclusion

"The Prince of Tennis: Another Story - Messages of the Past and Future" is a must-watch for fans of the original work, and is also recommended for those who like tennis and youth stories. This OVA depicts the growth and friendship of the Seishun Academy members, as well as their new challenges, and will provide viewers with excitement and emotion. The quality of the character design, animation, music, and sound is also high, further deepening the worldview of the original work. Please give it a watch.