Anime often features tournament arcs, and these can be either exciting events or dull distractions. While some tournament arcs elevate the action and introduce memorable characters, others fall flat and leave viewers disappointed. Let’s take a look at some examples of tournament arcs that succeed and fail.
Memorable Matchups vs Pointless Battles
Some of the most beloved tournament arcs in anime, such as Dragon Ball Z’s World Tournament and Yu Yu Hakusho’s Dark Tournament, are filled with exciting battles, memorable characters, and high stakes. They keep viewers on the edge of their seats and leave them wanting more. However, not all tournament arcs are created equal. Some fail to live up to the hype and end up being more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.
Saitama’s Misadventures
One Punch Man‘s “Super Fight” arc, where Saitama enters a martial arts tournament, sounds like a funny idea, but it ends up feeling like a pointless distraction. Since Saitama is overpowered, the tournament lacks any real tension, and the episodes drag on. The humor may be amusing, but the arc itself feels like a waste of time.
A Slog to Get Through
Record of Ragnarok is essentially one long tournament arc that pits humans against gods. On paper, this sounds exciting, but the actual execution is far from satisfying. Each battle drags on, bogged down with exposition and poor animation, making the entire experience tedious.
Overlong and Forgettable
The Irregular at Magic High School‘s “Nine Schools Competition” arc is another example of a tournament arc that overstays its welcome. Spanning 11 episodes, nearly half of the season’s runtime, it exacerbates the anime’s flaws. The rivals are forgettable, the tension is lacking, and the protagonist’s overwhelming power makes the outcome predictable.
More Filler Than Fun
One Piece‘s “Long Ring Long Land” arc is a good example of a tournament arc that feels like filler. The Straw Hats are forced to battle the Foxy Pirates, who are more annoying than threatening. The arc drags on for 13 episodes and feels like a detour before the more exciting events of “Water 7.”
A Disappointing Finish
Ash’s first Pokémon League, a pivotal moment in the anime, ends with a disappointing whimper. After traveling and training, Ash only makes it to the top sixteen. While this was a learning experience for Ash, it was a letdown for viewers who had been invested in his journey.
A Pointless Exercise
Dragon Ball Z’s “Other World Saga” features a tournament of dead warriors. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is lackluster. The arc is filled with forgettable characters and fights and ends in a draw, leaving viewers with little to remember.
A Pale Imitation
Naruto’s “New Chunin Exam” arc attempts to give closure to the original Chunin Exams, but it falls flat. It feels like a retread of the original arc, with little to offer that is new or exciting.
Kirito’s Easy Win
Sword Art Online’s “Bullet of Bullets” tournament arc is another example of a tournament arc that lacks tension. Kirito, the protagonist, easily breezes through the competition, making the entire event feel pointless. The tournament is simply a setup for a confrontation with a more significant antagonist.
A Pointless Distraction
The “Vaizel Fight Festival” arc in Seven Deadly Sins is another example of a tournament arc that lacks purpose. The Sins, being significantly more powerful than the other participants, make the tournament a foregone conclusion. The arc feels like a distraction to pad out the story.
A Rerun of Battle City
Yu-Gi-Oh!’s “Grand Championship” arc is essentially a rehash of the “Battle City” arc. The stakes are low, the characters are forgettable, and Yugi’s victory is never in doubt. The arc feels like an unnecessary filler episode, dragging on for 14 episodes.
Conclusion
Tournament arcs can be exciting events in anime, but they can also be disappointing. A good tournament arc has high stakes, memorable characters, and exciting battles. However, a bad tournament arc can feel pointless, overlong, and uninspired. When considering tournament arcs, it’s important to remember that not all of them are created equal. Some are worth watching, while others are best skipped.