Lookism

First off, let me disclose that I have not read the webcomic, so I am judging this show for its own qualities and not for how well it adapts the comic.

Conceptually speaking, the show has a lot of potential. Bullying is an amazing topic to make a show about. At points, the show really convinces me, that it has what is needed to explore it, but at other points I am just let down.

This show shines when it comes to the characterization of the bullied characters. Time and time again, it gives them amazing characterization with a lot of heart to it. You sympathize with them, their interactions makes sense, and their feelings are realistic to those of bullied teens.

I absolutely hate how the general public and every teen is characterized in this show.

Women in the background will constantly talk about how weird it is that a handsome guy talks with ugly losers or actively agree with people that bully and beat up those 'losers'. I understand that this has roots in reality, but there literally are scenes that show the public actively cheering on the beating up of a fat child and bullying that child on the internet. It's crazy how cruel everyone is shown to be.

I kept hoping that at some point, this would change. That more than an incredibly rare few people would develop empathy. Perhaps that the series shows us how change in that regard is possible.

Instead, people don't change and I think this is incredibly disappointing.

Picking up on that point, it's horrible to watch how bad the main character is at defusing situations. He will barely be able to say 3 word sentences in shock before a fight ensues. At some point it just feels like the show forcing it.

I think the show has a lot of potential, but it keeps falling flat again and again. Hopefully some of those issues might be resolved in season 2 with the writing of the webtoon creator/netflix writers improving too.

With its incredible source material (written by PTJ), opening K-pop track (ATEEZ), and stunning animation (Studio Mir-same studio responsible for Korra), Lookism has easily become one of my favorite winter anime series. It has a unique balance of lighthearted slice of life moments, drama from misunderstandings and betrayals, and action-packed street fighting scenes. At times, you may feel uncomfortable with second-hand embarrassment from the extreme bullying scenes. However, don't let your first impressions fool you. PTJ has a plan for each and every character including the MC's bullies. From the bratty MC who yells at his mom for being embarrassing to the superficial classmate who shamelessly flirts with MC, main and side characters alike in the Lookism universe are all blessed with a compelling storyline. Some of these backstories will be comedic, while others will absolutely crush you and break your heart. This is the charm and beauty of PTJ's Lookism. It's a story that goes beyond just badass street fighting and delves deeper into the complex relationships between its characters.

It's frustrating to see so many low ratings from people who don't want to give a Korean manhwa a fair chance. If you can't handle the grittiness of a quality series like Lookism, then please go rewatch Sword Art Online and simp after those one dimensional Mary Sue waifus and Gary Stu husbandos. Lookism isn't meant for the simpleminded and weak-willed.

This is very well done, it is true that they skip several things that the manhwa, but as the anime does not seek to be a monogatari because it will not bore you with large amounts of text and therefore seeks to be very subtle, and succeeds. He achieves it to such an extent that the manhwa becomes very respected in all chapters is simply impressive how they can transmit the charisma of the protagonists of the printed to the screen.

In short, the beginning of the story is not the most captivating, if not, the development of it is passing the chapters of the Manhwa, it is impressive how the MIR studio can encourage such good and fluid fights, I am very surprised by the quality of the environments, the characters, the emphasis on important things, and the dubbing in Japanese leaves nothing to be desired is simply good, I hope it is the same quality with the animation of Solo Leveling because if the Koreans continue like this, they will conquer.

Although I don't believe the themes of this anime will resonate with everyone, it certainly is a moving animation. The Anime is centered around the concept of how visual appeal directly effects one's life with an intense focus on extreme bullying and hazing that would push most over the edge in just a short while. I could imagine this type of violence might be traumatic to some viewers. I could certainly sense a palpable sense of realism, as though the writer may have drawn some inspiration from truth. It definitely dredged up some memories for me as well. But looking past that, into the myriad of ways this story explores this type of societal norm from both sides through eyes of the main character is a refreshing perspective. I would like to say that, although the surrounding characters lack depth, and mostly act as plot mechanisms for this sort-of pseudo-Cinderella tale, the story and the plot certainly do not and thicken with each episode, drawing the viewer in with tension. It's the first time I've really seen an anime like this one. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming to watch. I can't wait for another season.

When I first started reading Lookism, I couldn't believe I liked it. It was so childish. But it's not the content of what the story is about. It's the characters and their lives that make you want to find out what happens.

Lookism is a kind of redefining of male bonding and it's really good too. Characters care about each other, the "losers" aren't set aside as side characters and everyone's story has meaning.

Lookism can be a little dark at times but it's a story that is heartwarming and redemptive in almost all situations.

Life can be hard to navigate and the characters struggle honestly to find their identity and care about each other in ways that are meaningful.

Plus this story just has everything. Love, fights, music, family, intense moments and silly moments. It will make you laugh and may even make you cry.