The highly anticipated anime adaptation of the hit Shonen Jump manga "Sakamoto Days" has made its debut on Netflix, delivering a promising first episode that stays true to its source material.
The episode opens with a flashback showcasing young Taro Sakamoto's exceptional combat abilities, establishing him as a legendary hitman before transitioning to his current life. While this introduction sequence was previously revealed in trailers, it effectively sets up the stark contrast between Sakamoto's past and present.
TMS Entertainment's adaptation maintains the manga's balance of action and humor. The action sequences, though straightforward, clearly demonstrate Sakamoto's overwhelming strength - from his ability to catch bullets with chopsticks to defeating opponents with single strikes. The animation quality, while not groundbreaking, serves the story well and captures the essence of the source material.
The episode successfully translates the manga's comedic elements to screen. Particularly entertaining are the interactions between a mischievous child and an angry customer, as well as the dynamic between Sakamoto and Shin. The introduction of Shin, a fanboy-turned-assassin who attempts to eliminate his idol, adds both humor and emotional depth to the narrative.
Shin's psychic abilities introduce an intriguing supernatural element to the series, potentially hinting at more unique powers to come. The casting of Tomokazu Sugita as Sakamoto proves to be an excellent choice, bringing the character to life despite his limited dialogue.
One minor narrative question arises regarding Sakamoto's past relationship with the antagonistic boss, as it seems unlikely that someone of Sakamoto's caliber would have ever answered to such a low-ranking figure. However, this detail doesn't significantly impact the episode's overall enjoyment.
While the premiere doesn't push any boundaries in terms of animation or storytelling, it establishes a solid foundation for the series. The episode successfully captures the charm of the manga while maintaining consistent quality throughout its runtime.