The fact that Shy went so unnoticed pains me so much. Adorable yet socially awkward girl who must overcome hardship to become a superhero and balance her regular life? Enroll me, please. It may not have the same flair as more well-known shonen titles, but its intriguing world and fantastic cast more than make up for it. I had a ball watching this one and will miss it on Mondays.
Teenage years are difficult. It's considerably more difficult to be a teenage superhero. I find Shy to be really amazing because of the way it tackles Teru's growth as a person and her hardships as a young super hero who bears the hopes and desires of the nation. The show opens with an introduction to a shy girl who finds it difficult to make friends at school. She is far more self-assured and assertive when she dons the mask and adopts the Shy persona. It's as like she can momentarily forget the awkward little girl inside of her and is protected from criticism by the outside world by that physical mask.
Because of the people she develops in her line of work, we watch those two sides of her gradually come together over the course of the episode. She is propelled onward by those who want to see her develop and improve, whether it's her classmate at school or the attractive and inebriated Russian Onee-san who helps her with her super hero activities. Unlike the glitzy lights and brilliant beams of typical fight shonen, this is a genuinely beautiful and intimate story.
Not that there isn't any activity, mind you. A somewhat intriguing and enigmatic villain is essential to the main story. In addition, the show's second half features a good number of extremely well-done action scenes that are actually unexpected given how character-driven the first half is. Especially episodes 9 and 10, which represent the season's emotional pinnacle.
However, I don't find the series' overall lack of action to be detrimental. Rather of just basic action sequences and power-ups, I preferred the emphasis on a hero's development and journey. I'm constantly reminded of the famous Stan Lee comment regarding Spider-Man when I watch Shy. "Anyone may put on the mask." Even if not everyone possesses superpowers. In our daily lives, we can all be heroes. Reaching higher goals and challenging ourselves to improve I was immediately drawn to Shy's story because of the profound effect she has on others around her, both as a superhero and a regular girl. Will it be ideal for individuals seeking plenty of action? No.
