Netflix's new anime series, 'Thunder 3,' offers a distinctive blend of science fiction and adventure, rooted in Yuki Ikeda’s 2022-2026 manga of the same name. The series falls into the popular "isekai" subgenre, which typically features characters transported to another world. In 'Thunder 3,' this trope is employed to send ordinary middle schoolers on an extraordinary journey.
The narrative begins with the Tezuka family, an unremarkable unit living a peaceful, cartoonish life. Protagonist Pyontaro Tezuka, a middle schooler, navigates typical adolescent concerns alongside his manga artist father, stay-at-home mother, and younger sister, Futaba. His daily life includes interactions with his friends, Hiroshi Ochanomizu and Tsubame Azuma. Their mundane routine takes a sharp turn when their teacher, Doc, lends them a new game that claims to connect to a parallel universe.
A Sudden Shift in Reality
While playing the game at Pyontaro's house, Futaba and the family dog become entranced by the screen. A dragonfly emerges from the TV, and Futaba, along with the dog, follows it into the vivid, alien world displayed on screen. In this new realm, Futaba is identified as an anime character and subsequently captured by alien forces. Pyontaro, Hiroshi, and Tsubame soon enter the same world, discovering they possess abilities that might help them rescue Futaba from the extraterrestrial threat.
A Unique Aesthetic and Mixed Reception
'Thunder 3' is characterized by its unique premise and visual style, which juxtaposes the lightheartedness of slice-of-life comedies like 'Teasing Master Takagi-san' and 'Nichijou' with the intense atmosphere of sci-fi psychological horror akin to 'Gantz.' The series intentionally misdirects viewers in its early moments, presenting a simple school-life comedy before revealing the surprising twist of an alien-ruled parallel universe. This bait-and-switch, while impactful, has led to mixed reactions.
Critics note that the show's premise is intriguing, with its clash of genres and merging art styles creating an original aesthetic. However, the heavy reliance on CGI animation is often cited as a detractor, with some describing it as "off-putting and cheap-looking." Despite this, moments where Futaba navigates photo-realistic scenery while appearing as a "walking comic book panel" have drawn comparisons to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.' The series also features solid voice acting and some impressive hand-drawn animation, alongside clever satire. Conversely, issues like Futaba's exaggerated baby talk and occasionally unsophisticated CGI temper the show's overall quality.
Potential Niche Appeal
'Thunder 3' is not positioned as a mainstream hit. Its appeal is expected to lie with a niche audience open to its unique animation style and intricate, genre-bending narrative. Viewers who appreciate the isekai sci-fi adventure and the original manga are likely to enjoy it, while more casual anime fans or purists of traditional hand-drawn animation may find it less engaging.
Among the performances, Abby Trott's portrayal of Pyontaro Tezuka has been highlighted as endearing, capturing the essence of a middle school boy grappling with adolescence. The Tezuka family dog is also noted as a scene-stealer, surviving missile strikes alongside the main characters and raising hopes for its continued role in the rescue mission. The series contains some mild references to adult themes, such as internet searches for "boobs" and mentions of women's underwear, but remains largely free of explicit content in its initial episodes.
Ultimately, 'Thunder 3' is recommended for anime viewers who enjoy isekai sci-fi adventures, unique concepts, and an old-school anime vibe, provided they can look past the sometimes questionable CGI. For those seeking a more conventional anime experience, skipping the series may be the preferred option.