"Duel Masters Cross Shock" Review: What's the appeal of the seventh installment in the series?

"Duel Masters Cross Shock": A story of adventure and friendship of a passionate duelist

■Overview of the work

"Duel Masters Cross Shock" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from April 3, 2010 to March 26, 2011. It consisted of 51 episodes and was broadcast every Saturday morning from 9:00 to 9:15 in the morning as part of "Oha Koro". The series is based on the card game "Duel Masters" by Wizards of the Coast and Shigenobu Matsumoto, with animation produced by Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment and production by Shogakukan Shueisha Productions.

■ Story

The main character, Katsumi Kirifuda, is a passionate boy who aims to become the world's best duelist. He is known as the poster child of Duel Masters, who believes in his teammates at all times and never gives up no matter how difficult the situation. When Katsumi learns that the Duel Masters World Championship will be held by Duel Masters Master Yaesaru, he decides to participate in the tournament with his best friend, Rekuta Kakuko, the genius duelist Byakuou who has never lost in official matches, Mimi, a female duelist who admires Byakuou, Ryuga Tenchi who considers Mimi to be his eternal rival, and George, a baby duelist. However, the evil hand of their former enemy Zakira approaches them, and Katsumi and his friends take on the challenge to see if they can become the world's best duelist.

■ Characters

This work features many unique characters. The main character, Katsumi Kirifuda, is a passionate and energetic boy in the fifth grade of elementary school, and a duelist who loves Duel Masters. His childhood friend and classmate, Rekuta Kakuko, is a loyal friend who always supports Katsumi, even though he has no dueling skills. The beautiful duelist Mimi Tasogare is also a master of karate, and challenges the world duel tournament with Katsumi. The genius boy duelist, Byakuou, is undefeated in official matches and is Katsumi's fateful rival. Kyoshiro Kuroshiro, who uses a dark deck, overwhelms his opponents with his nefarious dueling style. Wandering Dandy Baby George Kamamoto is still a baby, but he is a powerful duelist. Mimi's childhood friend and self-proclaimed "Mimi's fateful rival," Ryuga Tenchi, is a super rich boy. The story woven by these characters is full of charm that draws in the viewer.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of Duel Masters Cross Shock. The director was Suzuki Riryuu, the series composition was Fujita Shinzo, the character designer was Hiraoka Masayuki, the prop designer was Yamazaki Takeshi, the art director was Watanabe Keito, the color designer was Nagao Akemi, the director of photography was Hagiwara Ken, the 3DCG director was Shozan Kairi, the sound director was Yamada Tomoaki, and the music was Igarashi "IGAO" Junichi. Together, these staff members created a work that is both visually and aurally captivating.

■Broadcast information

"Duel Masters Cross Shock" was broadcast on TV Tokyo every Saturday morning from 9:00 to 9:15. It consists of 51 episodes, each of which is only 10 minutes long, but it has a dense storyline and character growth. During the broadcast period, it received a lot of support from viewers and succeeded in further increasing the popularity of the Duel Masters series.

■Theme song

The opening theme for episodes 1 to 26 is "The Power of Courage" (lyrics by sora, music and arrangement by Igarashi "IGAO" Junichi, sung by everset), and for episodes 27 to 50 is "My Only Dream" (lyrics and music by KYOHEI, arrangement by Motoki Matsuoka, KYOHEI, Takahiro Ito, sung by Honey L Days). These theme songs play an important role in livening up the atmosphere of the work.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Duel Masters Cross Shock" is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the Duel Masters series. The story of the protagonist, Katsumi Kirifuda's growth and friendship touched viewers. The exploits of the unique characters and the advanced CG technology that produced the complex creatures also attracted attention. In particular, the rivalry between Katsumi and Byakuou and the episodes in which the bonds between friends deepen were loved by many viewers.

■ Related works

"Duel Masters Cross Shock" is one of the Duel Masters series and is an important work that enhances the appeal of the entire series. Other titles in the series include Duel Masters, Duel Masters Charge, Shinsei Kagayaki Duel Masters Flash, Zero Duel Masters, Duel Masters Zero Special Edition, Duel Masters Zero, Duel Masters Cross, Duel Masters Cross Special Edition Summon Special!, Duel Masters Cross Special Edition Summon! Our Creatures!, Duel Masters Victory, Duel Masters Victory V, Duel Masters Victory V3, Duel Masters VS, Duel Masters VSR, Duel Masters VSRF, Duel Masters 2017 Edition, Duel Masters!, Duel Masters!!, Duel Masters King, as well as the theatrical versions Duel Masters: The Movie - Demon Dragon Phoenix of the Dark Castle and Duel Masters: The Movie. "Duel Masters: The Movie - Bonds of Fire XX!! Double Cross" and others. By enjoying these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of Duel Masters.

■Reasons for recommendation

"Duel Masters Cross Shock" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the Duel Masters series, but also to those who are experiencing the series for the first time. The story of the growth and friendship of the hot-blooded boy Katsumi will move the viewer. In addition, the exploits of the unique characters and the depiction of creatures using advanced CG technology are not to be missed. In particular, the episode in which the bonds with friends are deepened through duels will provide a touching impression. Furthermore, as an important work that enhances the appeal of the entire series, you can gain a deeper understanding and be moved by enjoying it together with other Duel Masters works. Please watch this work and experience the world of Duel Masters.