One might expect this sports anime series--based on a novel by Ryō Asai--about a group of college students who form an all-male cheerleading squad to feature plenty of team action. But while many sequences are set during practice sessions in the gym, the emphasis here is on character and interpersonal drama. Even at the end, when the "Breakers" compete in a national contest, we see only snippets of their routine. Instead, the show follows the building of the squad after Haruki, who has to abandon judo when he is injured, is approached by his friend Kazuma to take up cheerleading, and the two begin recruitment efforts. Eventually, a group of 16 members are assembled with various levels of expertise, who struggle to work together and overcome their individual hang-ups and personal problems. With such a large cast of continuing characters, some inevitably receive only cursory treatment, and the backstories of others can be a bit melodramatic and heavy-handed. The animation, moreover, is sometimes sketch-like, with colors that are rather pallid. Still, Cheer Boys!! is more mature than most sports anime entries, offering an intriguingly different spin on the genre. Presenting all 12 episodes from 2016 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-PG, extras include an episode commentary, a bonus episode, and two OVAs. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Cheer Boys!! The Complete Series
(2016) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. Funimation (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 3
Cheer Boys!! The Complete Series
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