Mob Psycho 100

One of Netflix's popular offerings from 2018 hail from the animation section, the Japanese anime series titled Mob Psycho 100. A compelling blend of high-stakes action, comic relief, and poignant emotional drama, Mob Psycho 100 creates a whimsical but thoughtful world that keeps viewers engaged and invested. Based on the Japanese webcomic written and illustrated by ONE, the creator of One Punch Man, the show has successfully transitioned from page to screen, maintaining its distinctive artistic style while adding fluid animation and vivid colors.

Mob Psycho 100 revolves around the life of its eponymous protagonist, Shigeo Kageyama, popularly known as Mob. Mob, however, is not your typical, average schoolboy. He possesses immense psychic powers, making him stand apart in the crowd. But this does not make his life any easier. If anything, it makes it more complicated, as he has to learn to navigate through his teen years while also dealing with his overpowering abilities.

Big questions seep into his otherwise normal life. Should he use these powers as he sees fit, or should he control them? What's the moral code for a boy with excessive paranormal powers? Is he still a regular person or something entirely different? It is in these formidable existential questions of identity, power, and morality that Mob Psycho 100 draws in its viewers and offers them a deeper-than-average storyline.

Mob is often shown struggling with these moral questions while also wrestling with typical adolescent issues. His emotional and social ineptness, crush on his classmate, and desire to be an ordinary student provide a relatable layer to his otherwise extraordinary life. These humanizing facets breathe life into his character and make him the heart of the series.

Then there's Mob's mentor and boss, Reigen Arataka, who professes to be a proficient psychic and runs a small consultation office. Though he secretly lacks any psychic abilities and is quite aware of this deficit, he's nonetheless skilled at manipulation and deception, scamming his way through most situations. However, beneath this, he displays an unexpected depth of character and a unique sense of humor that adds another layer of charm to the show.

The dynamics of their relationship – an oblivious but supremely powerful youngster and an impertinent but powerless adult – brings an intriguing mix of comedy, drama, and life lessons to the screen. The show effectively uses this wonderfully skewed mentor-student dynamic to delve into themes of authenticity, self-worth, and the complexity of human emotions.

Mob Psycho 100 showcases a unique take on the classic coming-of-age story, embedding it within an absurd world of psychics, spirits, and supernatural events. Yet, at its core, the narrative primarily focuses on the journey of an introverted middle-school boy learning to understand and accept himself, communicate with others, and control his intense psychic abilities.

The show's distinct artistic style should also be noted. Conveyed through a fluid, hyper-expressive animation style, Mob Psycho 100's visuals are nothing short of a feast for the eyes. As Mob's feelings swing from one extreme to another, the animation follows suit, providing an in-depth portrayal of his emotional roller-coaster using bright hues, changing textures, and mutating shapes. It's an innovative and effective method of storytelling that sets the show apart.

Character development is another strong point of Mob Psycho 100. The clever writing ensures that even the secondary characters don't feel throwaway or mere plot devices. They grow and evolve, just as the protagonist does, making the audience care for them and their trajectories.

Mob Psycho 100 offers an action-packed, visually enticing, and emotionally resonant viewing experience. It seamlessly blends real-world issues with supernatural elements, beneath layers of humor and human emotions. It's a show that deftly breaks away from stereotypes, embracing an innovative, heartfelt approach to storytelling.

In essence, Mob Psycho 100 may seem like a light-hearted supernatural action anime on the surface. Yet, it is a significant exploration of identity, adolescence, the construct of power, morality, and human emotions. The show makes you think, feel, laugh, and invest in a world where spirits exist, and a socially-awkward boy can be the most powerful being. A one-of-a-kind viewing journey, Mob Psycho 100 is indeed a gem in the world of animated TV shows.