Continuing the Spring 2009 Anime Roundup, this article looks at the Syngergy SP (Major, Zettai Karen Children) adaptation of Mitsuru Adachi’s eight-volume manga series Cross Game. Comments in this article are based on viewing episodes one to five.
Cross Game: Story
Mitsuru Adachi is often overlooked by English-speaking fans. Though the majority of his manga is available translated in French, a mere two books of short stories have been released in English by Viz (Short Program and Short Program 2) and are long out of print. Such an attitude is an absolute shame, as Adachi is the master of simple, emotional storytelling as demonstrated by his epics Touch and H2 as well as shorter works such as Slow Step (which inspired a four episode OVA, subsequently released subtitled on VHS in the UK.)
Cross Game is no exception to Adachi’s overall standard of excellence. Kitamura Kou and Tsukishima Wakaba are the closest of elementary school friends, with Kou being the gentle if uninspired half and Wakaba the domineering wife to be. When tragedy strikes at the end of the first episode, their entire circle of friends and family are changed and Kou still lacks the motivation to excel, the remaining survivors do their best to persuade him otherwise.
From the description, Cross Game sounds like a generic series of any form, and fans familiar with the Adachi formula (sports, death, and realisations) will see it in full force here. The truth, however, is that it doesn’t matter: Adachi does it so well that it’s always a joy to watch him pull heartstrings and give the audience clear cut heroes and villains while even managing to explore the darker side of the so-called glory years of Japanese youth.
Cross Game: Sound
Adachi anime are known for their soundtracks and again, Cross Game is happy to provide. While Kobukuro’s opening is by no means as iconic as that from Touch, its Copacabana-like beat and tight vocal melody is appealing as is Ayaka’s mournful ending which is similar to that from, say, Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventures or Blue Gender.
While Kotaro Nakagawa’s score for 07-Ghost was generic and lacking, his simultaneous work on Cross Game is pitch perfect, with pleasant and engaging melodies that shower the series with the warmth of spring and genuinely enhance the animation.
Cross Game: Vision
Despite having a sports bent, Cross Game is closer to a slice of series and the animation is reflective of the genre’s demands. Adachi’s art is faithfully represented, with clean, smooth curves and the soft character faces which were typified in 80’s manga. Yutaka Mukumoto’s artistic direction also extends to the lovely, soft colour palette making Cross Game a restful, pleasing experience.
Summary
While there will undoubtedly be those who pass over Cross Game due to its 80’s-esque character designs and lack of fanservice elements, Adachi’s storytelling magic is so well cast that it’s impossible not to unequivocally recommend the series as the best thing to happen this Spring.
Jonathon Collis - Author is based in London, England.
