- Titles: Number 24, number24
- Genre: Sports!, drama, comedy,
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: PRA
Natsusa is in the prime of his life. He’s attending a pretty nice catholic university, he’s got a bunch of great friends and most of all, he gets to play on his college league Rugby team. That’s really all that matters. Natsusa absolutely loves Rugby. Everything was really going great, that is until a random motorcycle accident left him too injured to ever play the sport again. This might have depressed other guys but not that number24. Let’s face it, he’s always been the annoying type that doesn’t know how to quit. So instead, he’s going to be the team manager and part-time coach. One way or another, Natsusa is going to lead his team to victory…kicking and screaming if he has to.
As some of you know, I watch Sports! anime. I watch like all Sports! anime. I’m not too picky. And that’s really why I picked up number24. I knew nothing!
Production
I have never heard of studio PRA before. They did a decent job. Number24 isn’t an exceptional production in any way but I’ve definitely seen much worse. I enjoyed the colours and the bafflingly shiny hair and eyes the boys had.
Also, I don,t know why, but it seems Rugby boys have the best hair out of all the sports characters. I have seen a number of sports anime, starring both boys and girls but only one other Rugby anime. Pretty much all the sports anime that come to mind have down-to-earth hairstyles. Some of them have more outlandish hair colours but that’s as far as it goes.
Rugby boys look like they spend hours each morning getting their styles just right. From fluffy but generally normal dos to multicoloured strands, wild dreadlocks and whatever was going on with this guy. I’m not sure why but it makes me happy.
Story & Characters
If you read the synopsis, you know that number24 stats off a lot more intensely than most Sports anime. And it’s actually a pretty great hook for the premise. They don’t get too melodramatic about it. Arguably, the show isn’t dramatic enough when it comes to a crippling accident that will have life-long repercussions and ruined a young man’s career. But it does explore the fallout decently.
Natsusa is occasionally bitter about the loss of his physical abilities and is earnest about finding a way to continue participating in his favourite sport even if he can longer play. Ibuki, who was also a player ad the one driving, has an important arc dealing with his “survivor’s guilt”. Both are treated lightly but respectfully and given time to grow. Sports anime doesn’t often touch on such serious dramatic subject matter so that was a surprise.
Moreover, as I said, number24 remains rather comedic throughout so it doesn’t get bogged down by the themes.
This said number24 is an average show at best. The characters are fun enough but lack development and some are barely established. I find rugby generally fun to watch which made the show more interesting to me, but it’s not like the matches are written in such a way as to suck you in even if you don’t like the sport.
Basically, number24 has a few great elements, like interesting and unique plot points, fun character designs, a slightly different perspective on sports shows (i.e. from the point of view of a manager instead of a player) but it also has a few obvious weaknesses. In the end everything sort of balances out to an average show.
I enjoyed it well enough but I’m the ideal demographic for the series. Not only is it a Sports! anime but the main character is something of a troll. And we all know my unhealthy appreciation for anime trolls. So if you’re like me, then go for it. You’ll have fun. I would not recommend it otherwise.
You might like this anime if:
You like rugby a lot or you are digging the character designs!
My favourite character:
Yuu Mashiro – he’s a precious angel!
Suggested drink:
- Every time Sei worries – take a sip
- Every time there’s a hospital flashback – oh noes
- Every time Natsu tricks someone – raise your glass
- Every time we see Natsu’s scar – take a sip
- Every time the captain says something – take a sip
- Every time anyone has cool hair – take a sip
- Every time Yasunari gets mad – take a sip
- Every time we see Natsu playing rugby – take a sip
- Every time Ibuki and Natsu bicker – take a sip
- Every time anyone gets a pep talk – cheer
- Every time anyone is shirtless – cheer louder
- Every time we see a keychain – take a sip
- Every time Madoka shows up – uh oho
- Every time Sei smiles – take a sip
I save all my screencaps on my Pinterest and you can find more there if you are interested. But I still like to show you a few in the post. If you’re like me, screencaps are something that really helps you decide to watch an anime or not.
I must say I didn’t think much of this series and thought that “All Out!” was a vastly superior product. It’s been a while since I watched this series so I’m a bit fuzzy on the details, but I do remember that there seemed to be something distinctly unpleasant about some of the main characters – something manipulative and controlling that I found a little bit….I dunno, chilling, maybe? Or perhaps sinister is the word I’m looking for? Anyhoo, I did finish watching it, but I know I won’t be going back…
I also thought All Out! was much better.
I was planning yesterday to watch this anime next and today you posted the review!! Thank you Irina!!
Great minds think alike!
I’ve very nearly forgotten this. I saw the header and the title and drew a blank, as if I’d never heard of it. Then I saw the poster, and knew I dropped this, but I had to read the summary to remember what it was. I dropped it fairly early on, I think, but I don’t remember why. I don’t remember disliking it; actually, I remember liking the set-up at the very least. Ultimately, though, it was qite forgettable as reading this post proved.
That sums it up pretty well