Hitorijime My Hero

Hitorijime My Hero, which aired in 2017, is a heart-stirring anime from Anime Strike that delves into the complex world of love, identity, and acceptance. The show is a quintessential representation of the Boys' Love (BL) or yaoi genre, which is a popular sub-category of manga and anime that depicts romantic relationships between male characters. However, what sets Hitorijime My Hero apart from usual BL series is its thoughtful character development, intricate storytelling, and poignant portrayal of love that transcends the stereotypical norms.

Enveloped by a narrative that is both endearingly sweet yet emotionally intense, Hitorijime My Hero centers around the life of Masahiro Setagawa, a high schooler who finds himself stumbling into a world of mischief and delinquency initially without a hint of positive direction. Masahiro lives an aimless life, where fear, uncertainty, and the desire for acceptance govern his existence. However, his ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the strapping Kousuke Ooshiba, a righteous mathematics teacher in his school, also known as "the Bear Killer" - a vigilante who extends a helping hand towards him.

Kousuke, who is undeniably Masahiro's stark opposite, attempts to guide the troubled boy onto the right path, playing the role of his mentor, protector, and eventually becoming a crucial part of Masahiro's life. As the bond between Masahiro and Kousuke begins to deepen, the series masterfully navigates the convoluted path of emotions that ensue, carefully highlighting the journey of self-discovery, emotional growth, the struggle of acknowledging one's genuine feelings, and the courage it takes to pursue them.

Accentuated by a second narrative arc featuring two other charismatic individuals, Hitorijime My Hero broadens the expanse of its narrative by offering differing perspectives on relationships. Asuka Kensuke, Masahiro's best friend, and Tsunayoshi, Kensuke's childhood friend, explore a different dynamic, infusing the series with a sense of balance. Their relationship evolves parallel to the main plot, bringing in the quintessence of first love and its charming innocence.

The show gracefully manages the delicate balance of exploring a tender love story while at the same time confronting the societal stigma of same-sex relationships. The series' strength lies in how it handles LGBTQ+ themes, respectfully represented with sensitivity and realism without resorting to caricatures or stereotypes. Participants in the Boys' Love genre will appreciate how Hitorijime My Hero deals with societal taboos and issues around acceptance, providing representation seldom seen within this genre.

The anime’s animation and art style are commendably intricate and whimsically charming. The character designs are expressive and genuinely reflect the diverse personalities of the ensemble. Whether it's the brooding intensity of Kousuke, the vulnerable innocence of Masahiro, or the youthful vigor of Kensuke and Tsunayoshi, every character is distinctly designed to portray their unique traits.

The music perfectly complements the show’s emotional depth and its compelling narrative, with the ability to evoke a range of emotions in the viewers. The heart-touching background scores are artistically employed at key moments, enhancing the viewing experience manifold.

Hitorijime My Hero is not just a sweet and authentic love story, but an astute exploration of identity, emotions, acceptance, and the strength it takes to be true to oneself in a judgmental world. It is a poignant representation of the BL genre, far-removed from mere fanservice, offering a profound and moving narrative that delicately balances the line between romance and realism. Though targeted primarily at fans of the BL or yaoi genre, Hitorijime My Hero has something to offer any viewer who enjoys a beautifully told coming-of-age story that emphasizes compassion, courage, acceptance, and the various shades of love.