The Best of Anime September, Day 16
What's the easiest way to introduce conflict into a story? Create a rival. And while that seems a lazy way of advancing a plot (and in some anime it is), it often creates memorable storylines, enhancing our favorite characters (and some of our favorite anti-heroes and villains as well). Here are some of your favorites:
graphicnostalgia, Spike v. Andy (Cowboy Bebop)
I really enjoyed Andy’s episode, especially given that someone in the episode has figured out that Spike hates him because they’re too similar. It’s just kinda fun to see people compete and just get on each other’s nerves.
unnecessaryfundamentals, Ooji v. Kitashirakawa (Tamako Market)
It was hilarious how they each owned a mochii shop directly across from each other and kept getting on the other’s nerves. It got better when you realized that their two children hang out all the time, and sometimes Mochizou calls Tamako’s father “dad”...
gogocandoh, Hikaru v Akira (Hikaru no Go)
As far as rivals go, they encouraged each other to step up their game, they pissed each other off, disappointed each other, teased each other, amazed each other. the relationship between rivals always feels kinda like an… extreme friendship. perhaps slightly unhealthy, yet not consider too weird.
f***-yesanime, Goku v. Vegeta (Dragonball Z)
They met as enemies, teamed up over a common enemy, became civil with each other and then Vegeta married Goku’s childhood friend XD. They have a love(goku)/hate(vegeta) relationship that I can appreciate. I know that Vegeta will pull through in the end when Goku’s in trouble, even if it’s only because he wants the pleasure of killing the Saiyan himself.
shingekinoneko, Gray v. Natsu (Fairy Tail)
Gray and Natsu from Fairy Tail would have to be my favorite anime rivals. Their constant bickering is hilarious, and the fact that they can still work together despite it shows just how strong of a love/hate relationship they have. Plus, the whole ice vs. fire thing just cracks me up. I chose these two because, quite honestly, I find their antics amusing and it helps display their character development in an interesting way.
themagicrobshow, Heero Yuy v. Zechs Marquise (Gundam Wing)
Every time I watch this series, it always amazes me how each and every time these two fight it out, it’s always fun to watch, especially once they’re on even footing Mobile Suit wise. Though the Tallgeese is one of my favorite mobile suit designs of the franchise, simple yet sleek and memorable, when Milliardo pilots the Gundam Epyon into battle, it’s amazing to watch. It’s another design I love to this day and it shines throughout the latter half of the series, on even par with Wing Zero.
thekittycatcar, Lelouch v. Suzaku (Code Geass)
What is rivalry? What splits rivalry and enemies? Well let me give you my 2 cent on it. For me, rivalry is just another form of friendship. In fact rivalry I say is a step above friendship, it is for me something like a best friend. Is it weird to put it that way? After all a rival is someone that strives to make you strong, someone you admit you aren’t better then but is willing to work hard to one day overcome them. The difference between a rival and an enemy is that your rival is also your friend!