Hey...!

So about time for some reflecting on a show I've been into recently.

How about that new anime everyone's been talking about, Yuri on Ice? The anime everyone won't shut up about, so, getting annoyed, I decided to check it out?

Yeah, good plan!

Cue the opening music!

https://youtu.be/5u3RGhznctE

One of my favorite openings of all time...I love how with each episode, they add more and more color and it just looks prettier and prettier.... Also, writing out the lyrics on paper is actually pretty motivating! 

Yuri on Ice is an original sports anime (it is tagged as only Sports...nothing else). It's about guys ice-skating. It has seven episodes so far, released every Wednesday. (EDIT: hello, episode 10. Where have you been all my life.)

You: Oh here we go again, another queer baiting anime, I think I'll pass. 

HOLD UP don't walk out on me yet! *blocks exit door* 

This anime is really something unique, and I highly recommend you not skip out on it.

It's about three dudes named Yuri Plisetsky, Yuuri Katsuki (also spelled Yuri, but just to clear up confusion I'm using this spelling), and Victor Nikiforov. That explains the title of Yuri on Ice. Let me tell you now, they are all amazing characters. Each are really rather complex. Shame we don't see enough of Yurio (Yuri's nickname).

That doesn't mean the other characters aren't complex, oh no no no. Even side characters that are introduced for two episodes have really intriguing personalities. We see each skater's own style and beliefs, which is great. Everyone is likable. Even this dude named JJ...

The animation is breathtaking and impressive, considering the skating, when animation is very demanding during those scenes. The music is stunning. The story is solid and rather fast-paced. 

The message this show sends is a big one, and others may see it differently. The theme of love is used again and again, and as you watch the episodes, you'll notice how the characters' relationships seems to mature and develop in a very healthy, natural and emotional way.

 Specifically, Yuuri's and Victor's. 

So Victor's like this super famous ice skater, yeah? And he comes to Japan to coach Yuuri, for, really, no reason to be honest. He says it's for inspiration. (EDIT: Scratch that. Episode 10 explains EVERYTHING). He's hard to read, unpredictable, graceful, very charming for the girls (and the boys *cough cough*), and overall pretty much how an ice skating super star should be. 

But in episodes 6 and 7, we're shown more of his...humane side. We saw he can get confused, he can get stressed. We saw Victor, who usually has everything under control, panic, and actually become unsure of what to do. 

And Yuuri gets more confident in himself with each episode, because Victor's by his side. He's determined to please him; after all, he is his coach. They spend a lot of time together, hanging out and talking and supporting each other. Each other...

And Yurio is such an ambitious and complicated teen that loves animal-print and is just absolutely adorable when he thinks about his agape and...I'm getting off track here.

Please don't be turned off by the many romantic undertones this show implies. Yes, it is heavily implied they love each other—it gets heavier every episode, and the writers, by episode 10, were just like, (Spoilers ahead:) "Screw it! Make them kiss! Make them get engaged!" 

You won't regret it. Just trust me on this, please.

If you aren't a fan of gay relationships, that's fine. Don't watch it for that. It's not about that. But I really do recommend you give at least the first...three episodes a shot. It breaks and avoids so many anime tropes, and to be honest, who could complain about that?

One tiny, minuscule complaint about the show, however, is that during the first few episodes, the little bits of comedy thrown in there kind of seemed forced. It got more natural as time went on, but yeah. And the skating could use a little touching up, but overall is still awesome. 

And if you're wondering about that age old question, sub or dub? 

As I feel, as a reviewer, it's my duty to watch both versions at its best, I have. Some say the dub sucks, some say it's amazing. Personally, I think it's better than average. True, the accents are obviously fake, and although Viktor's voice is rather...strange to hear for the first time, for one word, I think they did a fine job with the dub! However, I would suggest watching the sub first. I feel as if the dub focuses more on the comedy, and the sub has more emotion. But hey, whatever you're comfortable with.

Let me get this off my chest really quickly, and give you all what I think (so far).

This anime...is phenomenal.

It's original.

Beautiful.

Meaningful.

Inspirational.

...Realistic. *looks suspiciously at other romance anime*

Yuri on Ice has told one of the best love stories in ages, while also giving us well-rounded and enjoyable characters and a pretty solid story. My pick for anime of the season.

10/10.

They really did make history with this one.

If you've watched the show, let me know what you think! It's lonely here...

~~~~~

(A/N: Next Wednesday can not come fast enough. And now here's a bonus picture of a pretty seventeen-year old Victor)