Smile Precure! – Mid-series Review
So colorful, it hurts.
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Well, I promised a mid-series review and here it is! …Yeah, I’m still here after 14 episodes of Precure. I’m nowhere near tired of this yet. Even if it is aimed at children half my age, it’s still waaaaay more fun then it should be~. |
The story:
So the whole story behind the Precure thing is because Marchenland was attacked by the evil Pierrot and the queen of Marchenland had to sacrifice herself to seal the evil away since the evil side stole the Cure Decor (which is the source of the Queen’s power). …Yeah, apparently the Cure Decor have more functions then just creating giant fruit or becoming interior decor. So on the evil side, they’re collecting bad energy to revive Queen Beryl Pierrot and on the good side, it’s Cure Decor. Now the Precure were ahead of the bad guys for a bit since they have less to collect, but ever since the bad guys have switched to the blue nosed Akanbe, which aren’t created from Cure Decor, there have been no Decor to collect. The blue nosed ones are immune to regular Precure attacks. To defeat these new monsters, the Precure have a power up that involves tiaras and rainbows. Bitches love tiaras.
Developments:
So, uh, it’s been a while and all of the Precure of this series have been introduced now, as well as other characters. So we still have the energetic heroine, Miyuki and the obligatory mascot, Candy. Miyuki hasn’t had that deep of character development yet (…not that I expect her to go through any), but we’ve learned a bit about Candy. While she’s a crybaby, she tries her best at everything and really is trying to help the Precure. …Which admittedly, makes her slightly less annoying. Only slightly though. … She also transformed into a Precure in an episode, (but in reality that was actually Miyuki, so I don’t think it counts).
On to the new Precure, there’s Cure Sunny (the mahou shoujo with explosions), Cure Peace (mahou shoujo Pikachu), Cure March (that one mahou shoujo voiced by Inoue Marina) and Cure Beauty (okay, you’ve got me. I can’t think of anything to call her). Each of the Precure have had at least one character-oriented episode to themselves thus far. …Minus Reika/Cure Beauty. Now I don’t think they’ll have any crazy character development for any of the other Precure either, but we have learned a bit about each of them. For instance, Akane/Sunny’s family named their shop after her (while her poor, neglected little brother gets nothing xD). Also, Nao/March is afraid of bugs. Though other besides the small character perks , the team is your stereotypical group of cheerful middle schoolers in mahou shoujo anime. There’s also been the introduction of Candy’s older brother, Pop. Since Candy has the attention span of a toddler around shiny things that make noise, he was the one to tell the Precure about this series’ backstory.
Now for the bad guy’s side. These guys come from a place called the Bad End Kingdom and their appearances range from old to weird. So to name them we have Wolfrun, Akaoni, Majorina and Joker (I bet you can’t guess which one is which). Now I’m sure you can tell from the names that a LOT of time and effort was put into coming up with them and the people behind this should get awards for their creativity. At this point too, I think we can safely assume that all of them are fairly stupid (minus maybe Joker. His fabulousness knows no end). The Precure aren’t exactly the brightest around either, but they’re at least a couple steps above them. Pierrot might be more of a threat, but I guess we’ll find out more about that in 8 or so episodes assuming that they keep up their bad energy collecting rate. Now, these characters are pretty stereotypical bad guys as well (they’re all selfish, etc.) and while they all have a few individual perks, nothing really makes any of them stand out. However, Joker seems to have a different agenda then the rest of them. He was the one who came up with the blue noses and he has yet to fight the Precure. Will he be important? Most likely. Will the Precure still be able to kick his ass (give or take a few power ups)? Duh.
So far, this season of Precure has followed the real life dorama/ bad guy of the week pretty consistently. It doesn’t matter where either of the sides go, they just happen to bump into each other. It’s pretty damn convenient that the bad guys just happen to attack Kyoto when the Precure are there. They could have easily gone to the usual city, had a bad energy spree and revived their master already (I will never understand the level of dedication these mahou shoujo baddies have for their fallen/ sealed/ mildly incapacitated leader). Hell, if the bad guys just kept up their hit and run strategy for an entire day all over the city, even with the Precure there, they could have their bad energy in no time. Though on that hand, I don’t think any of them are smart enough to plan that far ahead and Joker looks like his interests lie elsewhere. … As much as I’d love to see something outrageously new and innovative in this series, this hit and run MotW formula has gotten Precure 9 seasons already, so I guess the people in charge of this are scared to change it up too drastically.
That being said though, this formula isn’t boring me at all. Sure there’s little to no character development and problems are only contained within the individual episode with little to no continuity, but it’s nice not having a character angst for weeks on end. Sure the real life problems seem a little superficial sometimes, but at least they’re 100% solved by the end. There’s something satisfying in that. Also, they have the weekly reminder in that bad energy collecting clock thing that the storyline IS moving forward. Even if it looks like nothing is going on now, at least it looks like Pierrot will come back in 8 or so episodes from now. I can’t really talk since I’ve only seen the really old Precure stuff, but this series seems to be using a lot of gimmicks and comedy for it’s episodes. I mean, we’ve had a body swapping episode AND a shrinking episode already. It’s magical dorama as opposed to something realistic like having internal conflicts between the team. Also, it’s cute how some of the events of the episode correspond with the air dates. There was an April Fool’s Day episode on April 1st and next week it looks like they’re having a Mother’s Day episode. Do all of the Precure series do that? In any case, it’s a nice touch.
The animation also is REALLY nice as well when compared to the last season of this I saw (Yes! Precure 5: the season that is apparently notorious for lacklustre animation). The colours in this are SO FREAKING BRIGHT and it’s even worse now that I watch this on a Mac. It’s great. Sure, there are still some spots that are really obvious bad animation (the characters’ fingers look like they could cut through paper) and I’m probably going to go blind before this season is over, but the atmosphere to this show is great.
So yeah, it’s still extremely traditional, but Smile Precure still manages to stay interesting. The character interaction has been great for both team Precure and team Bad End. Hell, even between the good and bad characters there’s been some great interaction. …Though some might be a little too great. I’ve seen a ton of Miyuki and Wolfrun shipping and even after 14 weeks, I’m still not sold on the idea of those two as a couple (why internet? Why would you do that???). But yeah, fan craze aside, this is a great addition to the Precure franchise and I’m still excited to watch this week after week.
Extra sparkles:
Okay, I’m done scarring you guys for life. See you again in a few episodes!
About Karakuri
University student and the one at Metanorn who's known for wearing glasses. Likes blood, insanity and plot twists, but also plays otome games and adores cute romance anime. It balances out... somehow.
POWUH: iLurker with 7 comments
Pretty good series so far. Just wanted to point out a few things in the post. Firstly, the mascot’s name is Candy, not Happy. Happy is what Miyuki transforms into when she becomes a PreCure. Secondly, the witch villain’s name in the show is Majorina, not Witchilina, although Majo literally translates into English as Witch. Thirdly, your guess is correct that a lot of episodes in the PreCure franchise coincide with the episode’s air date. There’s always a Christmas episode during Christmas time, and since this takes place at the end of the year and towards the end of the series in general, the Christmas episode almost always transitions into the final arc of the series.
But as you said, the formula isn’t boring. Toei doesn’t stray away from it because they’re remarkably familiar with it, and are pretty good at inserting new characters into familiar situations. This year’s crop of PreCure have their own distinct personalities, and are extremely likeable. Not since Yes 5! Pretty Cure has the group been made up of five Cures, but they maintain a group balance better than other franchise series that only sport 4 or less.
The show could use a bit lot more fighting though. That’s the hallmark of Pretty Cure and what sets it apart from other magical girl series. However, Smile took a chance in emphasizing character interaction and personalities over action, which is what they’ve succeeded at doing, but the choice might not sit well with fans of the franchise. It’s an interesting take, but seeing fights like the one with Cure Candy, it seems like Toei is probably just saving their money for a more opportune moment.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Hooray Krizzly! Kara you should hit up Mr. Krizz here for your precure needs because I really haven’t found anyone so in the know as Krizz, but yeah anyway I always look forward to those epic smile posts.
OH YAAAA the action is lacking I can agree there and they are doing a knockout job of showcasing the girls personalities versus their powers and what not, but I really am looking forward to the later episodes when they crank up the battles.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Fixed.
guess who wrote this while under the influence of sleep deprivationThanks for the heads up. Oh so they do match up? good to know. It’s a nice touch to the series since none of the events last longer than an episode anyways.I can’t speak much about the other series since I’m not familiar with them, but this team of Precure has a pretty good balance from what I’ve seen.
Again, I can’t talk much for the other series, but the fights in this do seem a little on the short side with all of the focus being on the characters. Hopefully they’re holding back for something bigger…
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I applaud you for sticking around with this! xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
It’s more fun then it looks… Plus I’m easily entertained. ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 67 comments
Haha well at least you will go blind watching something you enjoy.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
It’s the best way to go blind.
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 67 comments
SO have you watched all of the previous series?
I started watching the first one and I’m on hold around episode 6… But I feel like I would like one of the newer series more….
Guess I’m not sure where to start…
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’ve seen the very first one yeaaaaars ago and I watched Yes and it’s sequel a while back, but that’s it.
Hmmm, yeah I like this newer one waaay better than any of the old ones to be honest… I hear the production quality gets a LOT better in Fresh though. I also have heard nothing but good things about Heartcatch as well. So maybe start there? I haven’t seen either of them though, so I don’t know how they actually are.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
AHHH!!! TOO BRIGHT! IT BURNS!! (hisses) Congratulations on blogging something like this. Though it doesn’t seem like something that would be in your territory since I know you like stuff where there is bloody violence and people dying.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Ahaha I like things full of misery and suffering, but happy so-sweet-it-hurts anime like this are fun too xD. …I’ve been a hardcore mahou shoujo fan since FOREVER.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Aha! So you’re, in a way, the embodiment of ying and yang. This is totally the opposite of misery and suffering. Mahou shoujo fan, huh? I guess that’s one of the reasons you’re into Kore wa Zombie Desu ka.
Maybe you didn’t catch on to the (hisses) part. LOL. Take a guess at what that sound meant.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Yin and yang? Never thought of it like that. AHAHA KoreZom is more comedy for me than mahou shoujo. ….But the crossdressing helps (on both levels) =D.
Ahaha nah, I caught the hissing. I guess this level of kawaii-uguu-sparkles is like the sun? xD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Bingo!!! Although it might be a lot brighter than the sun!! My eyes are going to burn out. Must turn away before it’s too late!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Haha brace yourself. This series isn’t even halfway done. ヽ(＾Д＾)ﾉ
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Woooo hooooo! Nice work on this post Kara! I am with you on still watching even though the colors are near blinding levels especially during the rainbow healing/transformation scenes…then again I LOVE TO BE BLINDED BY MAGIC! Just kidding.
My favorite character is an easy guess! Yayoi brings out the comedy for Smile and I can see myself in her aside from the obvious hair and hngggg side…
While Yayoi remains queen of comedy there are funny moments with Miyuki and Akane! Hell even Nao had her time to shine with the bug themed episode because she had some amazing reaction faces whenever she saw a bug it triggered several OH MY GOD!! Scenes.
Last thing! I Love the pic spam at the end all but the nurse wolf, but still lololl good stuff! The group tuxedo shot is my current wallpaper xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Oh yeah, that rainbow healing scene is absolutely blinding.
Ahaha I’ve noticed your Yayoi icons everywhere <3. She is surprisingly funny despite being the shy quiet one. I'd say Miyuki is a close second though xD. Reika kind of has that unexpected humour thing though where she's so serious sometimes, it's funny (though that hasn't really happened since that episode where they were finding their secret base).
B-but Fosh! The nurse wolf is the best part! xDDD
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah we all have our epic list of fan favorites <3
Ahahah nurse wolf! I would run the other way if I saw such a thing irl...yes...
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 109 comments
thanks for your review kara and for me the suite precure is the only season which was not interesting also we will have reika episode after the mother day.also will you do a review of pierrot episode when he will be awaken?
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
So Reika is getting her own episode? Yaay! Yep, I’ll probably have another one of these around the 24th episode mark.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Thanks for the review Kara!~ This is so much better than Suite so far, hated that one. I don’t like the villains all that much though, like you said they’re so … meh. I remember back is Heartcatch (which I still have to finish) the villains were human and got actual development beyond the obvious “we want to destroy the precure” scenario. Anyway, like you I’m enjoying the show even with the gimmicky formula. I know this is meant for a younger female audience … but it’s still fun to watch. DX
March is still my favorite, green haired characters need some love. <3
Btw, I really like the dark/edgy design in the third extra pic. Imagine if the show was actually like that? I think I'd like it even more ... >< The genderswap is awesome too, if only!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Really? Was Suite that bad? Whoa, that boosts Heartcatch on my list. Also, YAAAAAAAY for another team member watching this! You, Fosh and I should all watch this together or something sometime xD
As much as I love her character, March’s Precure hairs is a huge turnoff for me. Twintails AND a ponytail? Why did anyone ever think it was a good idea?
I’d love if Precure was darker, but then I think people would just bitch about how Madoka was better or something OTL. …HELL YES, A GENDERSWAP!
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
Holy- Joker is HOT. Yep, time to watch this
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
He’s fabulous max.
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
I’m really enjoying this series, makes me happy! I like much better than the suite precure.
My favorite bad guy I like that is the Akaoni, he is macho hunky and sexy to me! heehee.
also yayoi my favorite of the precures.
sorry for my bad english, i’m from Brazil.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Lol yeah, there’s something about Precure where you have to be happy, or they’ll MAKE you be happy. …Whether you like it or not. A lot of people like Yayoi it seems, but this is the first time I’ve heard someone claim Akaoni as their fav.
Ahaha your English isn’t that bad at all! Yay for your first post!
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 109 comments
when there is going to be the next review of smile precure?