Anime: Abarenbou Rikishi!! Matsutarou 53h41

I don't understand the low ratings - maybe people are mad that it's a slapstick comedy and not a typical action-focused Jump shounen with a sports theme? Whatever viewers think the problem is, they are wrong; this show is awesome! Iconic designs, punchy character driven comedy, grounded (and therefore highly effective) action with a focus on human movement rather than flashiness, and stellar voice acting elevate this beyond seasonal sports stuff, no less than the source material by legendary mangaka Chiba Tetsuya deserved. Also had the best OP of 2014!

You’ll enjoy this anime more if you just start watching it without knowing what it’s about. The first episode is blah, but if you give it a chance, I think you’ll start to like it. It’s well-made and funny and would do well if all it was was an easy, delightful watch.

I don’t understand the low ratings.

Matsutarou is a refreshing Old School break from the Hal Fast Gonzo factory. The economical drawing is expressive, with highly individualized characters. It gives me hope for the industry.

This masterpiece blew me away.

While entirely acceptable as pure entertainment, you can interpret it as a parable about the Matsutarou in all of us. In full view, from the start, with neurosurgical precision and subtlety, the creators develop the groundwork for a powerful conclusion,

really old fashioned design and animation but interesting story and funny :)