Review of Ping Pong the Animation

[Spoiler Free Review] Ping Pong the Animation is what I would consider a perfect show. I don't like to call things perfect but PPTA checks all the boxes. The amount of emotion, character, and story fit into just 11 episodes is astounding. In these few short episodes lies the greatest coming of age story I have witnessed. The first thing I want to address, the elephant in the room, the art style. I can't argue for an art style and convince you that it is good but I can explain why I love it. I feel like PPTA's art style perfectly complements the emotions the show emits.These simple monotone drawings with light pastel backgrounds complement each other so well in this style of animation. You can truly feel the pulse of each character and each match through the vibrant animation. The art feels so meek and shy which is very fitting for PPTA, being a very intrinsic experience at times, despite this the animation will always breath life in to every scene better than any fancy art style could have done for this show.

There is no true "main character" in PPTA, each character gets developed like they are the focus, and if it weren't for screen time it would be impossible to tell. However, the 4 most important leads are defiantly Smile, Peco, Dragon, and Kong. Each character goes through a wildly different character arc despite them all playing the same game. Each character in this story works as a counteracting force to another, which leads to conflict and development. Characters are shot down for others to fly, but one man's failure will always lead to his eventual success. Even the most insignificant characters will get development, development that is unheard of in such a short time frame.

Themes in PPTA are the driving force behind its greatness. PPTA is written much like a book, using a plethora of symbolism, irony, and other rhetorical devices that create such dense themes. Each character represents another different theme; Loneliness, Overconfidence, Failure, Shame, Selfishness, Humility. This show will have you feel so much emotion for every character.

The plot is really captivating; Its crazy how invested I got in these tournaments. This plot feels realistic despite it centering around a sport. What's great about the conflict in this show is that you can't predict what will happen. Many times while watching I got fooled in to thinking there would be an obvious winner, which really adds to the realism. This is because all these characters are is just a group of kids. The plot's climax in tension is at episode 6 which is the start of a narrative shift in the show. Episode 6 is my favorite anime episode of all time but I digress. This is the point where each character faces their hardest struggles, each struggling with something specific to them. After this halfway point all of the character's finish their development and everything ends, beautifully.

There's not much more I can say without spoiling but do yourself a favor and watch Ping Pong the Animation.