Iwa Kakeru!: Is It Worth Watching? | MyAnimeList Review

Hey there, anime fans! Let's dive into Iwa Kakeru! -Sport Climbing Girls- and see what all the buzz (or lack thereof) is about, especially considering what MyAnimeList (MAL) users are saying. If you're scouting for your next sports anime fix, or just curious about this particular climbing series, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the plot, characters, animation, sound, and overall enjoyment, all while keeping in mind the general sentiment on MAL.

What is Iwa Kakeru! About?

Iwa Kakeru! centers around Konomi Kasahara, a brilliant puzzle game solver who discovers a knack for sport climbing when she enters Hanamiya Girls' High School. With zero prior experience, she quickly adapts to the physical and strategic demands of climbing, impressing her teammates and rivals alike. The series follows Konomi and her teammates as they compete in various climbing competitions, facing off against other talented schools and climbers. It's a story about teamwork, perseverance, and the thrill of conquering challenges – both on and off the wall.

The anime attempts to capture the essence of sport climbing, showcasing the techniques, strategies, and physical prowess required to excel in the sport. Viewers get a glimpse into different climbing styles, route setting, and the mental game involved in competition. While it may not be a perfect representation, it does try to introduce the basics and excitement of climbing to a wider audience.

However, Iwa Kakeru! also incorporates elements of fan service, which has been a point of contention among viewers. The poses and camera angles sometimes lean towards the ecchi genre, which can distract from the core sport narrative. Whether this enhances or detracts from the viewing experience largely depends on individual preferences. Despite the fan service elements, the series strives to highlight the dedication and hard work of the characters as they pursue their climbing goals. It balances the competitive aspects with moments of camaraderie and personal growth, aiming to resonate with viewers who appreciate sports anime and character-driven stories.

First Impressions and Plot Overview

When you first tune into Iwa Kakeru!, you're immediately greeted with a burst of energy. The setup is classic sports anime: a prodigious newcomer stumbles upon a sport and quickly rises through the ranks. Konomi's transition from puzzle games to climbing is surprisingly smooth, and her natural talent is evident from the get-go. The initial episodes focus on introducing the main characters, establishing the dynamics within the Hanamiya Girls' High School climbing team, and showcasing the basics of sport climbing. We see Konomi learning the ropes (pun intended!), mastering different climbing techniques, and developing her unique style. The plot progresses at a decent pace, introducing new rivals and challenges along the way. Each competition brings its own set of obstacles, forcing the characters to adapt and improve. While the overall storyline is fairly predictable, the execution is engaging enough to keep you invested, at least for the first few episodes. One of the early hooks is the visual representation of Konomi's problem-solving abilities, where she mentally maps out the climbing routes like intricate puzzles. This adds a unique layer to the climbing sequences and highlights her strategic thinking. However, as the series progresses, some viewers may find the plot repetitive or the fan service excessive. Whether you stick around for the long haul depends on your tolerance for these elements and your overall enjoyment of the characters and climbing action.

Characters: Do They Climb to New Heights?

The characters in Iwa Kakeru! are a mixed bag. Konomi Kasahara, the protagonist, is the typical prodigy character – naturally gifted and quick to learn. While her talent is undeniable, her personality can come off as somewhat bland. She's driven and focused, but lacks the depth and complexity that would make her truly compelling. The supporting characters fare a bit better. Sayo Yotsuba, the team captain, provides a sense of leadership and experience. Jun Uehara, the energetic and enthusiastic member, brings much-needed levity to the group. And Nonoka Sugiura, the quiet and observant strategist, offers a different perspective on climbing. However, none of these characters are particularly groundbreaking. They fall into familiar anime archetypes, and their development is fairly predictable. The relationships between the characters are also somewhat underdeveloped. While there's a sense of camaraderie within the team, the bonds don't feel as strong or authentic as in other sports anime. The rival characters are equally generic, lacking the depth and motivation to make them truly memorable. Overall, the characters in Iwa Kakeru! are serviceable, but they don't reach the heights of more well-developed anime casts. They serve their purpose in advancing the plot and providing some entertainment, but they're not the main draw of the series.

Animation and Sound: Does it Stick the Landing?

The animation in Iwa Kakeru! is decent, but it's not going to blow you away. The character designs are fairly standard, with the usual anime tropes on display. The climbing sequences are generally well-animated, capturing the fluidity and dynamism of the sport. However, there are moments where the animation feels stiff or awkward, particularly during more complex movements. The backgrounds are often generic and lack detail, which detracts from the overall visual appeal. One of the main criticisms of the animation is the excessive fan service. The camera angles and character poses are often gratuitous, and they can be distracting from the actual climbing action. Whether this is a positive or negative depends on your personal preferences, but it's definitely a prominent aspect of the visuals.

The soundtrack is similarly unremarkable. The opening and ending themes are catchy enough, but they're not particularly memorable. The background music is functional, but it doesn't add much to the atmosphere or emotional impact of the scenes. The sound effects are adequate, but they don't stand out in any way. Overall, the animation and sound in Iwa Kakeru! are competent, but they're not exceptional. They serve their purpose in telling the story, but they don't elevate the series to a higher level. If you're looking for visually stunning or aurally impressive anime, you may be disappointed.

MyAnimeList (MAL) Community Verdict

So, what does the MyAnimeList community think of Iwa Kakeru!? Well, the general consensus is… mixed. The average rating on MAL is around 6/10, which indicates that most users find the series to be average or slightly above average. Many reviewers praise the climbing action and the introduction to the sport, while others criticize the fan service and the generic characters. Some users appreciate the lighthearted and energetic tone of the series, while others find it to be shallow and uninspired. One of the recurring themes in the MAL reviews is the issue of fan service. Many users feel that the excessive focus on revealing poses and camera angles detracts from the overall quality of the anime. Some viewers find it to be harmless fun, while others find it to be exploitative and unnecessary. The characters also receive mixed reactions. While some users appreciate their enthusiasm and determination, others find them to be bland and unoriginal. The plot is often described as predictable and formulaic, with little in the way of surprises or twists. Overall, the MAL community seems to view Iwa Kakeru! as a decent but unremarkable sports anime. It has its moments of excitement and entertainment, but it's not a series that's likely to leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Iwa Kakeru!?

So, should you watch Iwa Kakeru!? If you're a die-hard sports anime fan or have a particular interest in climbing, it might be worth checking out. The climbing sequences are generally well-done, and the series does provide a basic introduction to the sport. However, if you're easily turned off by fan service or prefer more complex and nuanced characters, you might want to skip this one. There are plenty of other sports anime out there that offer a more satisfying and engaging experience. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Consider your own preferences and tolerance levels, and weigh the pros and cons before diving in. Just don't expect a masterpiece. Iwa Kakeru! is a decent but flawed series that's unlikely to leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a lighthearted and undemanding anime to pass the time, it might fit the bill. But if you're seeking something truly special, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. Happy watching, guys!