Jerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
The first episode of a good shonen will typically have the main character SAY what the WANT and SHOW what they NEED.
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
Of course, a show that does that can still be bad and a show that doesn't do that can still be great.
The true sign of greatness is when the writer has intent and understands what their story decisions mean for the narrative.
But for some catchy advice the first post can be helpful for conceptualizing a new story.
Show threadJerry Flowers III
Tatoeba.
In Chainsaw Man. Denji SAYS he wants to touch Boobs (great eye catch) but the story SHOWS that he wants to make connections with people.
The relationship between what's told and what's shown says a lot about the show and the character.
It reinforces that Denji is dumb and perverse but also that he's a pretty damaged guy who hasn't learned how to grow up yet or understand his own feelings.
It also shows the vibe the writer has with being very crass on the surface but has strong meaning in the foundation of the narrative.
Sep 7, 2023 at 4:04amWeb
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
Naruto says he WANTS to be Hokage but it's shown repeatedly he wants friends/family and to be respected.
Jujutsu Kaisen, Itadoris goal is to be able to decide the terms of his death, surrounded by the people important in his life. That kind of goal shows he's aware of his feelings and it says that the show has somewhat unconventional elements for a shonen.
Demon Slayer, Tanjirou simply wants to restore Nezuko. The show is simple for that but can very powerfully focus on a singular goal; the show is very simple but displays power scenes and moments.
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
Bleach, Ichigo wants to protect people. As such the show kind of does whatever it wants as long as someone is in danger.
HxH Gon wants to find his dad and in doing so understand what makes being a Hunter more important than being a father to his son. Therefore the show is about the journey along the way.
Pokémon, gotta catch 'em all. And he does.
I should stop.
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
Anyway my point is the first episode is so important for telling the viewer what the shows goals are and what the tone is.
I find this easiest to observe in anime and shonen especially. Probably because they are long form media. If something is going to be so long it's probably an important element in order to inform the story's direction.
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
I forgot to mention one of the biggest Shonen
One Piece.
One Piece is so different in many ways.
Luffys goal is to gather a crew, find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates.
Most interesting though is the purpose for why Luffy wants that goal so deeply and that reason is intentionally not given after all this time.
If you read all these, thanks.
I was just pondering and needed to put brain to text.
Show threadJerry Flowers IIISep 7, 2023
I'm compelled to also mention I have similar thoughts in video for in my Ranking Of Kings series on YT. Some episodes are about the show itself and some are talking about different narrative elements the show makes us of to tell a story. Each episode is different and I've been delaying making the last few episodes for like a year despite them already written and recorded...
https://youtu.be/cqKMCSPXCuc?si=oWSTyNmgcWxWfZWe
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