Overview
Originally, at least to me, known as the "Anime made by the same guy that made One Punch Man", Mob Psycho has evolved past being in it's creator's previous work's shadow. I started this anime back during the pandemic and watched each episode of Season 3 as it released. I did this rewatch with my girlfriend, who has never seen it, so I had an excuse to watch and take notes for you all to read!
The story of Mob Psycho follows a middle school boy called Mob who has physic powers. These abilities make him close to all-powerful in their world. However, he chooses to live a regular life thanks to the teachings of a local conman, Arataka Reigen who he does exorcisms for. As a secret organization of physics try to take over the world, Mob and his friends must stop them all the while balancing their regular lives and growing up in middle school.
Nobody is Special
If you were close to omnipotent, what would you do in life? Become a superhero? Try to take over the world? Never work a day in your life? Mob has that kind of power, yet he chooses to live as a regular boy. He goes to school, works a job, and even joined a body improvement club due to how out of shape he is. Why is this? Well, this is because of the message that the show beats into your head: Nobody is special. The strongest psychics are just human as well, and according to Reigen, who framed Mob's way of thinking, psychic abilities are just like any other talent such as being smart or a fast runner. This is what Mob constantly shows his opponents that believe their powers make them special. Mob, being the strongest psychic, by their metrics should make him the most special. He should be ruling the world by their logic, however he is the most unamazing boy in every other category. He relies on other people for every other area of his life, and it is this that demonstrates exactly what Reigen and the show means. Nobody is special, as in nobody can do everything. No matter how fast you can run, how smart you are, or if you can move buildings with your mind, you'll need someone else's help with something at some point. Mob spends his time building connections and building himself up in the areas he lacks. It's a powerful message in that when you stop viewing yourself as "special" it allows more room for things such as compassion and forgiveness.
Why Should You Watch This?
This anime is really good for it's comedy, theme, and animation. The animation specifically is worth talking about, I've seen very few anime with animation as fluid and expressive as Mob Psycho's. Modern anime animation is very grounded compared to old American cartoons, for example. Mob Psycho is different in this regard, as it's best moments have very exaggerated movements and ignores anatomy for more expressive movement. It is a very stylized animation that I think looks beautiful. The color is also really dynamic. The comedy is also amazing, Reigen specifically has so many funny moments as he tries to reason or use his con-artist skills to get himself out of situations. The comedic timing is also great. With just a couple episodes in every season, the show will fly by too.
Final Thoughts
Mob Psycho 100 is an anime that balances serious themes with humor and great action. I feel like I always say that these shows can teach you something, but I think it holds especially true for Mob Psycho. I can't recommend this show enough and there's good reason why so many people talk about it and have almost nothing bad to say. If you a quick show with a little bit of everything, Mob Psycho can be just that for you! With the show being done as well, you won't need to wait for any new seasons. Go binge!
9.5/10
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