Exploring Studio Bones' Hidden Superhero Treasures Beyond My Hero Academia

The seventh season of My Hero Academia is just around the corner, with the fourth feature film in the franchise not far behind, increasing the anticipation for the premiere. Fortunately, Studio Bones has produced numerous shows and films that embody the beloved qualities of MHA, making them a worthwhile binge for fans.

Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia follows the journey of a boy without powers in a world where the majority possesses them, striving to become the greatest hero. The anime adaptation of this superhero tale is renowned for its distinct art style, moving soundtrack, and a storyline that delves deep into the essence of superhero narratives. Considering these characteristics, here are some recommendations.

Concrete Revolutio: Superhuman Phantasmagoria

concrete-revolutio-characters - Concrete Revolutio: Superhuman Phantasmagoria

This is a bold recommendation that may not appeal to everyone, but it is fitting and appropriate. Concrete Revolutio, also known as ConRevo, is like the eccentric older cousin of MHA. It is a perplexing and frustrating story, yet also a fascinating amalgamation of pop culture influence in anime for those who persevere.

ConRevo is a pseudo-historical narrative that unfolds in an alternate version of 1960s Japan. The plot centers around Jiro Hitoyoshi and the Super Population Research Laboratory as they work to safeguard and regulate superhuman individuals. The storyline is presented in a non-linear fashion, shifting between a vibrant past and a somber present where former allies are now adversaries.

From the Creator of Fullmetal Alchemist 2003

Sho Aikawa, the writer behind the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime - the one that famously diverged from the manga, penned ConRevo. It surpasses the bold narrative choices of the OG FMA anime. Just like how MHA veers from optimism to critique superhero society, ConRevo uses superhero imagery to examine post-war Japan's politics.

While it may be considered absurd and niche, ConRevo is a must-try for fans of MHA.

Concrete Revolutio is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Darker than Black

Hei in Darker Than Black - Darker than Black

If ConRevo was the controversial pick, then Darker than Black is the no-brainer. Longtime fans of the studio have certainly heard of the series, even if they haven't watched it. It is a verified cult classic, and though it might not technically occupy the superhero genre, the art direction, tone, and iconic vigilante protagonist have earned comparisons to Batman. It scratches a particular itch in terms of action and aesthetics that's hard to beat for those to whom it appeals.

Darker than Black is a story about power and cost. In this story, a phenomenon has replaced the sky with a fake one, filled with fake stars, all of which correlate to a person on Earth with a superpower. These individuals are called Contractors - agents without conscience, if the rumors are to be believed. Our protagonist, Hei, is one such contractor, taking on missions from the simply-named "Syndicate" while searching for his missing sister.

What Makes Darker than Black Interesting?

Despite the mysterious nature of the contractors' powerful abilities and the enigmatic character of Hei who does not have to pay a price for using his powers, the storyline of Darker than Black, especially in Season 1, captivates viewers through its stylish presentation. The show may not reveal all its cards upfront, but it enthralls audiences with the intrigue surrounding the consequences of utilizing these unique abilities.

This series is worth watching for its action and music alone. Fight scenes display a creative clash of superpowers made all the more exciting thanks to the work of Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop) in Season 1 and Yasushi Ishii (Hellsing) in the rest. This show might also be a great primer for the new MHA movie, as Darker than Black's creator/director, Tensai Okamura, will be directing it. While the second season is divisive, the first deserves the praise it gets, at the very least.

Darker than Black is currently unavailable to stream.

Towa no Quon

towa-no-quon - Towa no Quon

This series of six short films, directed by the creator of the original Hellsing anime, is often overlooked by fans. Despite its potential, the project remains incomplete due to the director's untimely passing on November 26, 2010. Released posthumously, these films are now difficult to come by, adding to the bittersweet legacy of this underrated work.

A Familiar Story Told Well

It deserves more recognition than it gets. It's practically the anime equivalent of X-Men (discounting the actual X-Men anime no one talks about). Set in a near-future Tokyo, humans with supernatural powers known as "Attractors" rally under the leadership of a young man named Quon as a shady government agency hunts them down with cybernetic soldiers.

There's something captivating about the combination of narrative elements, designs, and presentation in this era of anime. As Quon works to save the awakening Attractors and provide them a sense of belonging, Epsilon, a cyborg hunting them, experiences his own awakening. This journey towards redemption stands out as a highlight of the films.

This science fiction story, while not entirely original, exudes a nostalgic charm by embracing its inspirations. The animation, especially when Yutaka Nakamura from Bones is involved, can be stunningly beautiful. Interestingly, all three recommendations mentioned here showcase the talent of the renowned My Hero Academia animator, with ConRevo highlighting some of Nakamura's most iconic recent work.

Unfortunately, Towa no Quon is not available for streaming at the moment.

The author of this piece would like to express regret that most of these recommendations are not readily accessible on streaming services or Blu-ray. While anime enthusiasts may have their own methods of obtaining them, this emphasizes the significance of preserving physical media. The elements that contribute to the enjoyment of My Hero Academia can also be found in older stories, and they deserve to be remembered for their excellence in capturing that special sensation.

My Hero Academia is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides insightful recommendations for anime enthusiasts who appreciate the unique qualities of My Hero Academia. The choices are diverse, each offering its own distinctive take on the superhero genre. Concrete Revolutio: Superhuman Phantasmagoria stands out as a bold and thought-provoking exploration of post-war Japan's politics through a superhero lens. Darker than Black captivates with its stylish presentation, compelling characters, and captivating action sequences. Towa no Quon, though incomplete, showcases stunning animation and a compelling narrative that combines elements of X-Men and Hellsing.

While the article acknowledges the limited availability of these recommendations on streaming services, it highlights the importance of preserving physical media to ensure that these gems remain accessible to future generations. The article effectively conveys the author's passion for anime and their desire to share the joy of discovering older works that embody the same qualities that make My Hero Academia so beloved.