Review of Ya Boy Kongming!

I'll be a bit biased about this anime. It is the most relatable series to me. I felt close to Eiko as we both are nobodies trying to be somebody. I've gone through so many hardships and victories with what I am trying to do, and can understand where she is coming from. Sure, her character development did not go the way I wanted it to, because they developed her singing more than her character, though I still appreciate what she stands for. I got pulled into this series because the opening exploded on the internet. Yes, it's great. Though to say it's the best,means one would have to explore anime openings, as there are many that I feel are significantly better (Texhnolyze and Steins;Gate comes to mind). It's a really catchy song. I would say that this anime had a strong beginning, weak middle, and strong end.

The beginning of Kongming and his stratagems seemed really unique. You have an ancient Chinese tactician that gets thrown into the underground clubs of modern Japan. He finds an aspiring singer, and uses his art of war to try and help her rise as a star. One would think this makes no sense, and yet this story makes sense of it. Previously, I had been disappointed with P.A. Works with The Aquatope On White Sand, though they really pulled through with this one.

With every fail, I felt that. Eiko really tried her best, and as I said, it was all too relatable to me. Kongming is a character too likeable to not like. Graceful, humble, intelligent, and so supportive, there isn't anything not to like about him. Sure, it seems odd he just clicked with everything. Still, it's because he mastered the skill of adaptation. Even the opening felt like one of his stratagems and a breaking of the fourth wall, as it pulled lots of viewers in.

In the middle, the series sort of betrays what it promised. The focus shifts to Kabe. I noticed that this really divided the viewers, though it's mostly because some people are too biased about rap to try to enjoy it. Looking closer, I did find Kabe's focus the weakest part of the series. Looking at his rap, trying to rhyme with "yeah," and nonsensical sounds put me off. He didn't feel like a strong enough character and arc to make up for the absence of Eiko and Kongming. There was a lot of outcry that Kongming was being pushed into the background, and that his stratagems that made the series where pushed away. The middle is the weakest part. Also, the animation is inconsistent, and often resorts to slideshows. Other times, the series skips important moments, and it's painfully overt when it does that.

The last 2 episodes had me in a rollercoaster of emotions. There is the rivalry between Eiko and the other singer. I think the way it was executed, fleshed out, and made to come full circle was really inspiring and touching. It's about being yourself as an artist. To not be so hollow and fake to just do what sells. Don't go by the book, write your own. As an aspiring content creator, Eiko really moved me. As cliche as "be yourself is," hardly anyone follows that advise. It will always bear repeating. The so called antagonists do take a while to appear. Still, I was in tears by the end.

The beauty of progress and success floored me. I won't lie I was cheering Eiko on. Her singing "Be Crazy For Me" in a small club to a small audience made me think. Someone with so much passion and talent can't be held down like this forever. Being sincere and daring to push forward has it's benefits. If someone has a gift in what they do, the potential is great, though don't let the corporate world of whatever you do take you over. This is her story.