In fiction, it is very common to sugarcoat what is intended to be criticized. Sometimes, to avoid sensationalizing or creating excessive controversy, or to appear less exaggerated or unbelievable, the portrayal of certain things is softened more than what reality truly represents. Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time. There are works that dare to break taboos, explore subjects that are typically untouched, and do so without succumbing to the sensationalism that some may avoid but others actively seek. Such is the case with the best anime of the year so far: Oshi no Ko.
.webp){kind=icon}
The synopsis of the anime, to be fair, is quite perplexing. The protagonist is Gorou Amamiya, a gynecologist and fan of a singer named Ai Hoshino, due to his relationship with a young woman in his hospital who suffers from a terminal illness and with whom he has a fraternal bond. One day, Hoshino appears in his clinic because she is pregnant with twins and asks him to secretly handle her pregnancy, as no one can know about it, or her career as an idol could be jeopardized. As a fan and a doctor, he accepts, forming a close relationship with Hoshino, only to be murdered on the day of the delivery.
The major twist in all of this is that Gorou is reincarnated as one of Ai’s children, Aqua Hoshino. Similarly, the terminally ill patient he befriended is also reincarnated as his twin sister, Ruby Hoshino, without his knowledge. In this way, both fans of Ai become her children and, when she is killed, they both come to the conclusion that they will enter the world of entertainment when they grow up to discover who was responsible for their mother’s murder and seek vengeance upon them.
Although it may seem riddled with spoilers, this synopsis literally covers the first chapter of the anime. Not even the first volume of the manga. The story actually begins with Ruby and Aqua as teenagers, entering the world of entertainment. First Aqua, becoming an actor, then Ruby, following in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an idol. Something that at all times is treated with a tone close to that of a horror play.
The anime’s portrayal of the world of show business is that of a stark, cruel world, and on many occasions, directly built on abuse. Although with touches of comedy here and there, everything in anime is built on this concept. The important thing is to fulfill one’s own purposes and using others is the norm in an industry that is not afraid to use sex, money, power and people as it pleases, regardless of their age, gender or circumstances. Something that the main characters themselves end up getting involved in to a great extent, especially the much less innocent, and much more pragmatic, Aqua.
In addition, in the anime, with respect to the manga, they have reinforced some of the murkier aspects. Creating more contrast between the dark of its themes and the light of its aesthetics, giving it a particular approach with the use of music created especially for the series, everything serves to give it an even more raw approach.
All of this has also led to the series being viewed from a more critical perspective than the manga. While the manga has sold tremendously well, it hasn’t generated any particular controversy, unlike the anime. The resemblance of a bullying subplot that culminates in an attempted suicide and its similarities to a real-life bullying case that ended in suicide have led to the series facing harsh criticism, which remains unanswered by the studio or the creators. This also tarnishes the overall impression, as it makes them appear less sensitive to the issues they critically address in their own anime.
Nevertheless, Oshi no Ko remains an excellent anime with interesting animation, superb designs, and an outstanding script. It is the kind of series that is worth watching and undoubtedly ranks among the best, if not the best, anime we have seen so far this year. Rarely do we come across stories that dare to address such controversial topics with such evident commitment, without falling into sensationalism or falling short in their treatment of these subjects. And for that, we celebrate it.
Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.
