Forum - View topicONE OUTS - Nobody wins, but I!
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Jedi General
 Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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One Outs
Anyone else watching this terrific baseball series? No? Then shame on you. 
It's my third favorite of this fall season (behind Kurozuka and Toradora! respectively). It's a home run of badass baseball glory; incredibly crazy fun to watch. This is especially evident in episode 8, which is probably the best episode to date. I love Yuzo Sato's directorial style, and I'm now watching (and very much enjoying) Kaiji and Akagi--both of which were directed by Mr. Sato--thanks to One Outs. That being said, the animation isn't Madhouse's best visual effort (lots of panning, still frames, etc.), but Sato is great at utilizing shortcuts under the guise of style. Speaking of style, the music and sound production are both excellent. For give a couple examples: I love the jazzy music used to backdrop the "previews," and the Engrish opening song--"Bury" by Pay money To my pain--is growing on me. In addition to great baseball sounds, the usage of ominous sounds (like "DOOM," for instance) works well to enhance the experience. Female characters are considerably lacking in this show (save for the only aurally present PA announcer in the Lycaons' stadium, and that unattractive black lady at the beginning), but that's not entirely a bad thing. This show exudes such a badass aura that even a small number regular female characters would serve only to ruin said aura. Unless, of course, they were present for mostly sensual purposes (i.e. Golgo 13), which I doubt will happen. Given the way the series has progressed thus far, adding such an element would be painfully out of place. Although--as if to make up for the series' lack of a female presence--there is that cheesy (but unsubtitled) live-action segment at the end of some episodes that features a relatively eye-pleasing Japanese girl. Go figure. Another thing I love is how the original creator is so knowledgeable regarding baseball and its rules. Again, a prime example of this is episode 8. My love for baseball in general has been growing lately (thanks in part to Ookiku Furikabutte), and yet I learned quite a few things from episode 8 that I didn't know even existed in the rules of baseball. Of course, this is because you almost never see such crazy things like those seen in episode 8 happen while watching major league baseball, and that's precisely why I love this show. It's isn't conventional baseball in the slightest. Thanks to Toua's unbelievable contract, there's a lot more in play than you might think and it sets the stage for some ... interesting baseball scenarios. I know it's early to be saying this, but based upon 8 episodes I'm willing to go out on a limb and call this the best sports anime I have ever seen. Now, before all you fanboys/girls proceed to tear down that that statement; let me explain myself. Short explanation: When it comes to the fun factor, this series can't be beat. Long-winded explanation: It's a given that One Outs doesn't have the character depth of a series like Hajime no Ippo or Oofuri, but it is a heckuva lot more fun to watch than those two series combined as there's never a dull moment. It's ridiculously fun and enjoyable--the most fun I've ever had while watching a sports anime--however, in terms of overall quality, it doesn't hold a Louisville Slugger to the aforementioned sports gems. They just simply fail to be better than One Outs in my eyes because they just aren't nearly as fun. When it comes to sports anime, fun the defining element as far as I'm concerned. Finally, having said all that (kudos if you trudged your way through it all), I hope I've convinced folks to give this series a whirl. Your batting average will vary, of course. To those who have seen this series: I'd very much like to hear your thoughts. |
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Ryuk1138
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One Outs blows my mind each and every week. When watching this show it is nearly impossible to predict what will happen next; this show makes you think outside the box. It is so exciting watching Toua run circles around his opponents. The way he is able judge exactly what people are thinking, how they will react, and plan his attack accordingly is simply amazing. His boldness and presence on the baseball field is terrifying at times. He is a very cocky character, maybe, to much for his own good, however, he backs up his words with results and finds ways to win time and time again. I love how he can't do it all by himself. It is amazing how he is able to get his teammates to go along with him in his crazy gambles and play their part; he makes his teammates better. Toua always seems to be looking 4 or 5 moves ahead and see little things that would usually be overlooked; he is brilliant. Toua has outsmarted, outwitted, and outplayed every opponent so far. This shows keeps me on the edge of my seat and I have not come across a bad episode yet. I hope everyone will watch this show, I have a blast watching it and I know you will too.
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Unit 03.5-ish
Posts: 1540 Location: This space for rent |
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I haven't seen the show, but if what you two have said is any indication, then it seems Japan managed to make an INTERESTING show about a pretty ho-hum sport that's about as thrilling as watching paint dry.
...HOW? How do they do it? |
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Ryuk1138
Posts: 7 |
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One Outs is a blast to watch, it is far more thrilling than watching paint dry. It is not so much about baseball than it is about watching Toua, who is not a professional baseball player, outsmart seasoned vets with tricks, gambles, and mind games. Toua is a gifted pitcher, however, his real strengths are his mind, his observation skills, and guts. One Outs has redefined what can be done in a sports anime for me.
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Jedi General
Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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"Ho-hum sport"? "As thrilling as watching paint dry"? I don't think were talking about the same sport here. Besides, this isn't the first time Japan's managed to make an "interesting show" about baseball. Major and Big Windup! (Ookiku Furikabutte) are wonderfully engaging baseball series. Then again, if you're not into baseball you probably won't enjoy either of those two series ... Even so, One Outs isn't really about baseball, per se. At least not as much as series like the aforementioned Major and Big Windup! anyway. One Outs is basically a psychological/mind games type of series, just in a baseball shell. Toua isn't one who has a passion for baseball. His mind is his greatest asset, and he's one who takes pride in outsmarting and essentially humiliating his opponents, whatever the game may be. He just so happens to be pretty good at baseball and was really just discovered by chance by the Lycaons' star player. There's also the subplot of Toua's ridiculous "contract." The team's owner is the epitome of the word "greedy." He'll do anything he can to try and get Toua to give up a run. Seeing that bastard get utterly beaten by Toua is one of the best aspects of this series. EDITS: Fixed some typos and rephrased some things. Last edited by Jedi General on Sat Dec 27, 2008 8:10 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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v1cious
 Posts: 6241 Location: Houston, TX |
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i've been watching it on and off. it's pretty good so far, but why must it be so damn melodramatic? it's almost impossible to take it seriously at times, cause it feels like some kind of parody.
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Jedi General
Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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I can agree with that to some degree. It's not a parody in the slightest, but it isn't entirely realistic either so of course you can't take it completely seriously. Just go along for the ride. It being very melodramatic and somewhat over-the-top at times is what makes it so awesome though. It wouldn't be nearly as fun to watch otherwise. This show exists mostly to entertain, although you can't entirely turn your brain off either and I like that. |
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Ryuk1138
Posts: 7 |
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I guess that is true when it comes to the outrageous terms of his one outs contract, however, I don't really feel that it is melodramatic. I mean, the emotions of the characters feel very true and natural. The expressions of shock and disbelief when the overconfidence of Toua's opponents comes back to bite them are exactly what I would feel in that situation. The schemes Toua pulls could seriously happen in a real game of baseball if everything went according to plan. It doesn't feel overblown or over the top; the show feel very real in that respect. |
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Jedi General
Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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Even the "rain delay" situation? 
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Ryuk1138
Posts: 7 |
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Of course, I mean, in that case no one would be thinking that far ahead. No one would risk everything on the fact that the game could be erased because of rain, but that could truly happen. |
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Jedi General
Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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You've got me there, but you can't deny that it really was ridiculous (but fun all the more) how they spoiler[kept breaking rules on purpose]. THAT doesn't happen in professional baseball. EDIT: Well, they don't knowingly break rules in plain view anyway. Last edited by Jedi General on Sat Dec 27, 2008 8:26 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Ryuk1138
Posts: 7 |
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Then how do you explain steroids? Ok, I guess that was a little silly of them to break the rules on purpose just to end the game, and yes, no one would ever do that. |
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Jedi General
Posts: 2485 Location: Tucson, AZ |
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Heh. I thought of that not long after I made my previous post, hence the edit. Anyways, I'm glad to see some life in this thread. Even if it's mostly Ryuk1138 and myself posting in here. I really NEED to get this show's excellent soundtrack. Thankfully I don't have much longer to wait, as it's out in Japan in January. As a side note: Anyone who enjoys One Outs should give Shinobu Kaitani's other manga Liar Game a look. Like One Outs, Liar Game is a highly enjoyable series. Well, if you can get past how impossibly naive the lead character is. |
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frentymon
Forums Superstar
 Posts: 2362 Location: San Francisco |
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Why is it that everyone else just seems like they're lifeless puppets who are just excuses for Toua to give his explanations? Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying this show, but it feels like everyone besides Toua and his opponents and *maybe* Kojima has an IQ of like 10. Always asking the same questions, always surprised about the same things, always going HOW DID THAT HAPPEN
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HMMcKamikaze
 Posts: 189 |
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I noticed the same thing in the episodes with the manager of the Bugaboos. Whoever that guy's assistant is: he's a complete idiot. It is annoying that there are a few people who actually know what they're doing and everyone else doesn't have an iota of intelligence to share amongst themselves.
Otherwise I've liked this show pretty good so far. Although, I thought it was going to be a lot more original after watching the first two episodes. |
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