The Reflection review: A new take on supernatural powers and heroes

"The Reflection": The appeal of superhero anime brought to you by Stan Lee and Hiroshi Nagahama

"The Reflection" is a TV anime series that was broadcast on NHK General TV in 2017. This original anime was created by a collaboration between Stan Lee, a master of American comics, and Hiroshi Nagahama, a well-known figure in the Japanese animation world. The series aired from July 22 to October 7, 2017, with a total of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Animation was produced by Studio Deen, and copyright belongs to Stan Lee, Hiroshi Nagahama, and the THE REFLECTION Production Committee.

story

The story of "The Reflection" begins with a mysterious energy called "Reflection" that suddenly appears on Earth. This energy gives some people supernatural powers, and they come to be called "Reflectors." Using their respective abilities, the Reflectors fight to protect world peace. However, at the same time, the power of Reflection is being misused, and some people have appeared who are plunging the world into chaos. The protagonist Eleven and her friends throw themselves into the fight to save the world while searching for the truth about Reflection.

character

There are many unique characters in "The Reflection." Below are the main characters.

Eleven

The protagonist. He wakes up with no memory and has the power of reflection. Using his powers as a reflector, he sets off on a journey to discover the truth about his past and reflection.

Electra

A friend of Eleven and one of the Reflectors. She has the ability to control electricity and uses that power in battle. She has a bright and positive personality and is someone who supports Eleven.

Extreme

One of the Reflectors, he has superhuman physical abilities. He has a calm and strategic mindset, but he has a past trauma. He is also the leader of the team.

Emily

One of the Reflectors, with telepathic abilities. A kind-hearted person, she plays a role in healing the hearts of her companions. She was once separated from her family due to the influence of Reflection.

Ex

One of the Reflectors, he has the ability to transform matter. Although he has a cool and silent personality, he cares deeply for his friends. He aims to save those who suffer from the power of reflection.

Background

"The Reflection" is the work of two great masters, Stan Lee and Hiroshi Nagahama. Stan Lee is the founder of Marvel Comics and is known for creating famous characters such as Spider-Man and Iron Man. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Nagahama is the director of popular anime such as "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" and "Macross F," and has captivated many fans with his unique visuals and storytelling. This collaboration between the two was a new attempt at fusing American comics and anime, and was met with much anticipation.

The production combined Stan Lee's deep understanding of superheroes with Hiroshi Nagahama's animation production know-how to create a work that is visually and narratively fascinating. In particular, the abilities of the Reflectors and the battle scenes strongly show the influence of Stan Lee's superhero works. Furthermore, Hiroshi Nagahama's skill as a director allows the characters' feelings and relationships to be carefully portrayed, deeply moving the viewers.

Animation and visuals

The animation for "The Reflection" was produced by Studio Deen, the studio behind popular anime such as "Fate/stay night" and "Haikyu!!", and is highly regarded for its technical and expressive abilities. "The Reflection" also beautifully depicts the battle scenes that make use of the Reflectors' psychic powers, as well as the phenomena caused by the energy of reflection.

In particular, the battle scenes using the Reflectors' abilities feature dynamic direction that is reminiscent of Stan Lee's superhero works. Each character's ability, such as Elektra's electric attacks and Extreme's superhuman movements, is visually expressed, drawing the viewer in. In addition, the phenomena caused by the energy of the Reflections are depicted with beautiful visuals that make full use of CG, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film.

Music and Sound

The music for "The Reflection" was composed by composer Yasuharu Takanashi. Yasuharu Takanashi has experience working on the music for popular anime such as "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" and "Macross F", and his music deeply expresses the worldview of the work. The music of "The Reflection" also plays an important role in depicting the battles and feelings of the Reflectors.

In particular, the opening theme "The Reflection" has a powerful melody and lyrics that symbolize the Reflectors' battles, leaving a strong impression on viewers. The ending theme "The Reflection -Wasurenagusa-" has a melody that gently wraps around the Reflectors' feelings, deeply moving viewers. The background music is also used effectively to liven up the battle scenes and dramatic scenes, enhancing the atmosphere of the entire work.

Evaluation and response

"The Reflection" was a work created by two masters, Stan Lee and Nagahama Hiroshi, and there were high expectations for it. The work that was actually broadcast received high praise and lived up to those expectations. In particular, the unique abilities of the Reflectors and the dynamic battle scenes reminiscent of Stan Lee's superhero works were highly praised by viewers. Furthermore, thanks to Nagahama Hiroshi's skill as a director, the characters' feelings and relationships were carefully portrayed, deeply moving viewers.

However, the short broadcast period of only 12 episodes and the somewhat rushed development of the story led to mixed opinions from viewers. In particular, there were opinions that the truth behind the reflection and Eleven's past were not fully explained. However, overall, the value of the work, created by two masters, Stan Lee and Hiroshi Nagahama, is fully recognized.

Recommendations and related works

"The Reflection" is a work created by two masters, Stan Lee and Hiroshi Nagahama, and its unique worldview and attractive characters have attracted many viewers. It is a must-see for fans of superheroes and anime in particular. The Reflectors' abilities and battle scenes are characterized by dynamic direction reminiscent of Stan Lee's superhero works, making it enjoyable in that respect as well.

If you enjoyed The Reflection, we also recommend the following related works:

• Marvel Cinematic Universe: A film series featuring superheroes created by Stan Lee. Many works have been produced, including The Avengers and Spider-Man.
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: A popular anime series directed by Hiroshi Nagahama. It tells a grand story about war and peace, and carefully depicts the emotions of the characters.
• "Macross F": A popular anime series directed by Hiroshi Nagahama. It depicts a unique worldview that combines music and battles, and character growth.
• "Fate/stay night": A popular anime series produced by Studio Deen. It features an epic story of historical heroes battling each other and beautiful visuals.
• Haikyu!!: A popular anime series produced by Studio Deen. It tells a touching story about youth and sports, and depicts the growth of its characters.

"The Reflection" is a work created by two masters, Stan Lee and Hiroshi Nagahama, and its unique worldview and attractive characters have attracted many viewers. It is a must-see, especially for fans of superheroes and anime. The Reflectors' abilities and battle scenes are characterized by dynamic direction reminiscent of Stan Lee's superhero works, making it enjoyable for that reason as well. By watching the related works as well, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding and be moved by the story.