We’ve gotten a few questions on the Vice Pit write-in thread about which new franchise could potentially replace ONE PIECE, NARUTO or BLEACH now that those series are in varying stages of completion. We’re going to do a video about the subject sometime soon, but it really won’t spoil the discussion at all to point out the obvious, right here. That is to say, as far as I can see, FAIRY TAIL is the #1 most likely candidate to join the “trinity” - - if only for the fact that it’s a fairly successful shonen (right?) that I don’t totally get the appeal of.
Anyway, dropping into a random episode of this series is pretty much the same experience as dropping into a random episode of ONE PIECE. I’m still seeing a superhero ensemble (nay, a universe?) of good guys, bad guys and their assorted factions which has reached some critical mass of interconnected lore and mythology. The difference is that ONE PIECE has careless pirate adventures of the PETER PAN and TREASURE ISLAND ilk as its starting point, while FAIRY TAIL began with, well… fairy tales.
I see a lot of similarities between Luffy and Salamander, too. Both seem like gentle, picaresque adventurers who gradually got pumped up into asskickers without makeovers to match. Look, I’m sorry - - I’ve tried to be more opened about this sort of thing, but it’s just plain difficult to take a pink-haired dude in scarf and shirtless vest as seriously as this show wants me to.
Anyway, aside from all of that, this was a diverting outing. Obviously, I have no idea what this task force of magic villains is getting revenge for, but I still get the general thrust of shock I'm supposed to get when they spring this trap in the casino. The “slot machine” robot dude actually has a pretty fun gimmick… and that’s about it for me.
I know Sam’s been jazzed about this series, so I’m sure he’ll be able to get at further FAIRY TAIL installments with a little more aplomb than me.
Watch this episode, "The Tower of Heaven” here and decide for yourself.
Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk
