Review of Baby Steps

In short: Go watch it now, even if it's your first sports anime! Overall: Oh my gosh! Sports anime genre, you must forgive me for giving you the cold shoulder for so many years! This anime is quite simple, mostly straightforward with a clean premise - have fun and go pro at playing tennis, obviously. What it does differently is that it gives the viewer a very personal journey by explaining the game itself, by showing the multiple frustrations a person dedicated to a sport has to go through and by giving motive and fullness to most characters in the show. And, the way each episodebuilds anticipation, suspense and hooks you up to the next episode is incredible. This definitely opened my eyes to the genre and I hope it is not the only anime that gives this type of magnificent thrill.

Some details: The art is a bit wobbly at times, but I find it pretty enjoyable. The OP & ED songs were nothing too great, but they were okay. As I said the story is simple, but played in a very original way with quite some twists and turns and keeping the viewer at an edge. I think even most of the extras are very well-built. I love how believable, even though a bit stiff at times, the MC is. Also, he recurringly breaks anime stereotypes in a very humanly way by not being too weak, whimpy or shy in certain key situations which made me feel really connected to him and his hurdles. I am not sure how interesting it would be for a person who knows a lot about tennis as this was my only touch with the game in my life, I believe it is very well put in comparison to other animes. There is not too much flashiness, but it's definitely a good thrill.