Megalo Box

 Megalo Box was created as a commemoration for the 50th Anniversary of Ashito No Joe. One of the most influential Manga in Japan. The show came out in 2018 with 13 episodes. A second season called Nomad is coming out in 2021.

Meglomania; a tournament for the best Megalo Boxers. These Boxers are equipped with robotic frames around their shoulders and arms. These enhancements allow them to fight harder and faster. In this world the Champion wins prestige and money. But from the underground scene comes a Junkyard Dog. 

Due to debt and the pursuit of Glory, Nanbu and Joe attempt to enter the tournament. But without money they can't afford any good gear, so Joe goes to the fight gearless.  "Gearless Joe" takes the professional scene by storm. From his underground and illegal fights he learned how to take a hit better than any of the other fighters. And he doesn't stay down. 

Just like Ashito No Joe this story is about perseverance and determination. But the futuristic setting and incredible animation brings this incredible story back. I am not Japanese and do not fully understand their culture. All I know about the influential Average Joe is what I read. But I believe this show does proper homage to the original. 

I enjoyed it greatly and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys anime and manga. I give it a 9 out of 11. The animation is well done and the boxing matches are impressive.

Kyoukai no Kanata/Beyond the Boundary

Beyond the Boundary came out in 2013 with 12 episodes and a movie.

This is one of the most beautiful anime I have ever watched. I was gripping my chest in awe at some of the beauty, and especially the story line. When it came to the first movie I was just so in love with it. The whole dynamic of memory and what we are without them. Can we actually achieve a sense of happiness if we know some of them are gone. Looming in the background unable to reach them. Knowing there is something hidden away but you just cant reach it. Knowing someone means something to you, but you can't remember why or what has happened between the two of you. It hits home deeply for me. I know the pain of lost memories.

The story follows Akihito Kanbara and Mirai Kuriyama. Kanbara is an immortal half-human half-Youmu. Youmu are a type of spirit creature that feeds off humans. Because of his half-monster side to him, he is constantly monitored and controlled by spirit warriors. Kuriyama is a new spirit warrior in town with the intention to kill Kanbara. But because Kanbara is immortal she is unable to complete her mission. Despite repeatedly being stabbed by Kuryima's blood sword, Kanbara attempts to befriend the bespeckled beauty. Oh and he has a fetish for glasses...

The true beauty of the show comes after The Hollow Shadow shows up. It is a Youmu that is Beyond the Boundary; a creature so old and powerful they created disease, famine, and war. Kuriyama has a personal vendetta with the being and sets out to destroy it alone. She always feels alone. Her family was killed off due to their cursed blood. She feels like she is a monster incapable of being human and having a normal life. Its then that she sees Kanbara for what he really is. She witnesses his Youmu-side; a true monster more powerful that she ever imagined. Its only after he is calmed down that he looks at her and says "Do I look normal to you?" 

Later in the story another Beyond the Boundary shows up. It consumes Kuriyama leaving Kanbara to find a way to save her. Only through love are they able to stop the Youmu and return to the world. 

The movie "I Will Be Here" continues the story only for us to find that Kuriyama has lost all her memory of the last few months. Completely forgetting Kanbara and her other friends. Kanbara tries to stay away to protect her from the painful memories from coming back. But the bond between them is not so easily broken. In the end, he will be there for her.

Beyond the Boundary absolutely falls within my top 5 anime of all time. It is a unique love story involving amazing fight scenes, depression, amnesia, and odd fetishes. Not every episode is great, but the overall story is incredible. This is an anime I think all anime lovers should watch. And a show to be watched by anyone who feels isolated or depressed. I gladly give Beyond the Boundary an 11 out of 11.