Shy Season 1 Review – A superhero anime with a lot of heart

Episode Guide

Episode 1: I’m Shy -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2: With All of My Heart -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 3: Conversation at the Dinner Table -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 4: A Heartless Person -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 5: Shine The Light -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 6: Ice White -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7: Unchain -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 8: Surprise -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 9: Melee, Surprise Trembling Fingertips -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 10: The Lonely Ice and Small Flame -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 11: What Is Conveyed and That Which Remains -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 12: When I Cough, It’s The Two of Us -| Review Score – 4/5

While it wasn’t the first superhero-themed anime, My Hero Academia paved the way for future hero-centric works to follow. With that anime’s captivating premise, endearing cast, and exhilarating action sequences, it’s farfetched to say audiences wouldn’t want more Japanese comic authors and illustrators to tackle that concept more. Fortunately, fans didn’t have to wait too long as the Fall 2023 anime season brought them a new superhero-centric story to whet their appetite. 

Enter Shy, a 12-episode anime based on a manga written and illustrated by Bukimi Miki. Shy takes place in a world where super-powered individuals on Earth come together to resolve humanity’s problems. Among them is a timid young girl named Teru, who happens to be Japan’s Hero, Shy. While Teru grapples with her flaws and inner demons, she’s determined to show her universe what she’s made of. Although it’s not a flawless anime, Shy contains enough appealing material to keep audiences entertained. 

For a superhero-themed tale, Shy offers a decent narrative for fans of the genre. It delivers some compelling action sequences with smidges of emotional dialogue that make these scenes feel immersive. Additionally, the anime exceptionally tackles themes like friendship and responsibility by placing Teru and her friends in grounded and often life-threatening situations. Coupled with its touching backstories, interesting power system, and fine characterization, Shy is a fun experience. 

Although Shy’s tale promises fans an enjoyable time, it’s not without its problems. For instance, the backstories and dialogue, while meaningful and informative, often interrupt the momentum behind some of the series’s fights. This season’s final battle between Tzveta(Lenya)/Kufufu vs. Pepesha/Teru comes to mind. While fans will appreciate learning more about Lenya and her grievances with the world, 8-Bit Studio (the animators behind this project) could’ve balanced things better to satisfy all audiences. 

Additionally, Teru’s heroic affairs, though satisfying to watch, felt a little cliche and lacked uniqueness. For example, there are scenes where Teru saves children from burning structures and another where she’s helping a child overcome his fanboyism. To avoid feeling like every other hero tale, Bukimi should’ve placed Teru in more imaginative situations that require her fire powers. Furthermore, Shy’s world could’ve been explored more. For example, Stardust should’ve had a better role to play in this tale other than being Teru’s role model. 

Coupled with its decision to shift the spotlight from Teru to Pepesha toward season one’s final act, Shy Season 1’s plot may not appeal to everyone. Though this might be the case, many viewers will find most of Shy’s cast to their liking. Teru, while not the greatest hero in her world, is determined and kind-hearted, and her actions in this tale reflect that greatly. From helping individuals cope with their problems to tackling her issues head-on, fans will find her unwavering spirit alluring. 

Furthermore, Teru gradually grows throughout the tale, thanks to the people she befriends Although Teru’s shyness and problem-solving methods won’t be to most fans’ liking, others will find her traits relatable and likable. Other characters who stand out in the narrative are Pepesha, Lenya, and Iko. These characters receive great characterization, especially Pepesha, and Lenya, though some may find this to be an issue since it steals valuable screentime away from Teru. 

From poverty to depression, many fans will find Pepesha and Lenya’s characters appealing to follow. As for Iko, she embodies the heroism concept wonderfully. She demonstrates strong acts of kindness and understanding and assists our heroes in ways that make her pivotal to the story. From providing Unilord with details about Stigma to helping Teru overcome her internal issues, Iko is a phenomenal character who leaves a great impression. 

Besides Lenya, the other characters don’t stand out much. While we receive snippets about Stardust, Stigma, and others, they don’t receive as much of a focus as the ones mentioned. Although a second season can fix those issues, some will be disappointed with their treatment in Shy. By and large, Shy’s cast contains a nice mix of interesting characters and many will be excited to see what the future holds for them. 

For the most part, Shy has decent animation and visuals. From its epic hero vs villain battles to the down-to-earth segments, viewers will appreciate the effort 8-Bit Studios put into crafting this anime. However, there are some fights like Teru’s battle with Stardust or Teru/Pepesha’s battle with Tzveta/Kufufu that could’ve benefitted from more fluid action and less dialogue-dominant scenes. Nevertheless, the imagery inserted in this work should leave some fans satisfied. 

Shy’s soundtrack is wonderful. Whether it be through voice acting or background music, everything sounds appealing so won’t ruin one’s immersion in the work. The scenes where our heroes open their hearts out to others are especially captivating. Viewers can feel the sorrow echo through their voices, helping matters feel pure and memorable. Whether you’re a fan of epic battles or stellar drama, this anime’s OST should put you in the mood for these scenarios. 

By and large, Shy’s first season isn’t perfect. It has certain flaws that prevent it from being a stupendously written work. Nevertheless, Shy delivers an interestingly, flawed cast, many of whom fans can relate to. Shy may not have the greatest fights, heroic scenarios, or best characterization. However, it promises newcomers a delightful time and exceptionally captures the heart of what makes superheroes appealing to audiences. 

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