NOMAD Megalobox 2: A thorough review of the improved story and character depth

NOMAD Megalobox 2: A story of ultimate fighting and the human spirit

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

April 4, 2021 - June 27, 2021

■Broadcasting station

TOKYO MX, BS11

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

Original story: "Ashita no Joe" (original story: Asao Takamori, Tetsuya Chiba / published by Kodansha)

■ Director

Hiroshi Moriyama

■ Production

Animation Production: TMS Entertainment

■Works

© Asao Takamori, Tetsuya Chiba / Kodansha / Megalobox 2 Project

■ Story

"Megalobox" is the ultimate fighting sport that combines the human body with gear technology. "Gearless Joe" challenges the tournament to decide the top, Megalonia, without any gear. He rises from the lowest underground ring to the top in just three months, miraculously winning the championship, and people go wild for his performance... But seven years later, Gearless Joe stands in the underground ring again. He puts on gear on his wounded body and changes his name to "Nomad".

■Cast

Joe, Nomad: Yoshimasa Hosoya / Nanbu Fakesaku: Shiro Saito / Sachio: Michiyo Murase / Yuri: Hiroki Yasumoto / Mac: Atsushi Miyauchi / Sakuma: Chikahiro Kobayashi / Shirato Yukiko: Nanako Mori / Shirato Itsuki: Tatsuhisa Suzuki / Aragaki: Makoto Tamura / Bonjiri: Fukutsugu Ochiai (in flashback: Reimi) / Santa: Tomoaki Kanze (in flashback: Momoko Taneichi) / Oicho: Mitsuho Kobe (in flashback: Yumi Naito) / Chief: Mio Tanaka / Mara: Nikerai Faranase / Mio: Yumi Hino / Ryu: Katsuya Fukunishi and others

■ Main staff

Planning: Shinohara Hiroyasu, Hamada Kenji, Kakuta Masatoshi / Executive Producers: Iwasaki Kazuyoshi, Okawara Ken, Kaneko Yoshio / Concept Design: Moriyama Hiroshi / Screenplay: Manabe Katsuhiko, Kojima Kensaku / Character Design: Kurashima Ayumi / Sub-Character Design: Kaneda Naomi / Chief Animation Director: Kaneda Naomi, Yazaki Kenji / Gear Design: Gyoube Ippei / Art Director: Kono Jiro / Assistant Art Director: Koga Toru / Art: Studio Uni / Color Design: Utagawa Ritsuko / Director of Photography: Akao Hidemi / Photography: T2studio / Offline Editing: Imai Daisuke / Sound Director: Miyoshi Keiichiro / Sound Effects: Kurahashi Hiromune / Sound Production: Tohokushinsha / Music: mabanua / Animation Production: TMS Entertainment / Producers: Fujiyoshi Minako, Abe Kengo, Tsuchiya Junichiro

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: The theme of the NOMAD / Composer: mabanua
[ED1] Song title: El Canto del Colibrí (#1-12) / Singer: mabanua / Lyrics: Makoto Sasaki / Composer: mabanua
[ED2] Song title: Rise Up/Diamond in the Sky feat. Inaizumi Rin (#13) / Singer: Inaizumi Rin / Lyrics: Michael Kaneko / Composition: mabanua, Bessho Kazuhiro

■ Review

"NOMAD Megalobox 2" is a story about a battle of the souls set in the ultimate fighting sport, "Megalobox." The original story is based on the legendary boxing manga "Ashita no Joe," and while inheriting its spirit, it depicts a new world of fighting sports fused with modern technology. In particular, Joe's gearless fighting is a story that questions the possibilities and limitations of human beings.

The protagonist of this film, Joe (Nomad), steps into the ring again after seven years. The film depicts what he has experienced and how he has grown during that time. The sight of him putting on his gear on his wounded body and resolving to fight again deeply moves viewers. In particular, the story becomes even deeper as the reason why Joe calls himself "Nomad" and why he fights again becomes clear.

Don't miss the character growth and changes in relationships. The master-disciple relationship between Joe and Sachio, his rivalry with Yuri, and the encounters with new characters enrich the story. In particular, the relationship between Joe and Sachio is heartwarming, as it depicts a mutual supportive friendship despite being a master and student. The fight with Yuri is also an important scene that tests Joe's growth and his beliefs.

The visuals of this work are also excellent. To express the worldview of Megalobox, the gear designs and the atmosphere of the ring are depicted realistically. The fighting scenes in particular are overwhelming and have the power to draw the viewer in. This is a work that highlights the technical capabilities of TMS Entertainment, the animation production company.

The music also adds to the appeal of this work. The theme songs and background music by mabanua effectively express Joe's battles and emotions. In particular, the opening theme "The Theme of the NOMAD" is a song that symbolizes Joe's loneliness and fighting spirit, and resonates strongly with viewers. Additionally, the ending themes "El Canto del Colibrí" and "Rise Up/Diamond in the Sky feat. Inaizumi Rin" are also important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

■Recommendation

"NOMAD Megalobox 2" is recommended for those who like martial arts-themed works and those who are interested in human drama. In particular, fans of "Ashita no Joe" will enjoy this work, which inherits the spirit of the original. It is also recommended for those who like works that depict the relationship between technology and humans. Watching Joe's growth and battles will make you think about your own life and beliefs.

Furthermore, this work is excellent both visually and aurally. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the power of the battle scenes and the beauty of the music. In particular, if you like mabanua's music, you should definitely check out this work. The story of Joe's fight and growth and the beautiful music will move you.

Finally, although this series is only 13 episodes long, it has a dense story and character growth. Even busy people can watch it easily, so please give it a watch. Joe's fights and growth will give you a new perspective and will move you in a new way.