SHY

SHY

Characters

Teru Momijiyama

MAIN

Stigma

SUPPORTING

Iko Koishikawa

SUPPORTING

Letana Andreanova

SUPPORTING

Pepesha Andreanova

SUPPORTING

Kfufu

SUPPORTING

David W. Jones

SUPPORTING

Inori

SUPPORTING

Li Ming Ming

SUPPORTING

Doki

SUPPORTING

Pilse Dunant

SUPPORTING

Uni-lord

SUPPORTING

Daigo Koishikawa

SUPPORTING

N-Villio

SUPPORTING

Gelm Stein

SUPPORTING

Mai Tennouji

BACKGROUND

SHY Anime Season 1: A Heartfelt Superhero Journey

In the vibrant landscape of Fall 2023 anime, SHY Season 1 emerged as a refreshing take on the superhero genre, blending heartfelt character development with magical girl sensibilities. Produced by Eight Bit and based on Bukimi Miki’s manga, serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion since August 2019, the anime aired from October 3 to December 19, 2023, spanning 12 episodes. Titled the Hometown of Ice Arc, this season introduces viewers to a world where heroes have brought peace to a war-torn Earth, focusing on Japan’s timid yet determined representative, Teru Momijiyama, aka Shy.

A World of Heroes

Set in a near-futuristic 21st century, SHY envisions a world where superpowered individuals, known as Heroes, have eliminated global conflict. Each nation has its own Hero, and Japan’s is 14-year-old Teru Momijiyama, voiced by Shino Shimoji in Japanese and Veronica Laux in the English dub. Teru, codenamed Shy, is an endearing protagonist whose crippling social anxiety contrasts sharply with her heroic responsibilities. This dichotomy forms the emotional core of the series, setting it apart from flashier superhero narratives like My Hero Academia.

The story kicks off with Teru struggling to perform at a public event at Himawari Land, where her stage fright leads to a lackluster appearance. Her insecurities worsen when a roller coaster malfunction forces her into action. Despite saving most of the passengers, one girl, Iko Koishikawa, is critically injured, sparking public backlash and self-doubt in Teru. This incident, depicted in the premiere episode “I’m Shy,” sets the tone for a character-driven narrative that explores the weight of heroism and the personal toll it takes on a young, introverted girl.

A Magical Girl Superhero

While SHY is framed as a superhero anime, Season 1 leans heavily into magical girl tropes, distinguishing it from its peers. Teru’s Heart-shift bracelets, which activate her powers, and her emotional approach to resolving conflicts evoke classics like Sailor Moon. Episode 2, “With All of My Heart,” introduces the villainous Stigma, who manipulates negative emotions through mysterious rings, transforming Iko into a monstrous version of herself consumed by survivor’s guilt. Shy’s resolution—appealing to Iko’s heart rather than fighting—underscores the series’ emphasis on empathy over brute force.

The season’s antagonist, the shadowy organization Amalareiks (Amarariruku in the manga), led by the enigmatic Stigma, poses a looming threat. While the group’s full motives remain unclear, their ability to exploit emotional vulnerabilities adds psychological depth to the conflicts. Supporting characters like Pepesha Andreanova (Spirit), Russia’s Hero, and Mian Long, China’s Hero, bring diversity to the cast, each with unique abilities and backstories that enrich the narrative. Spirit, voiced by Mamiko Noto, is a standout, offering mentorship to Teru with her quirky, alcohol-loving personality.

Themes and Emotional Depth

SHY Season 1 excels in exploring mature themes like identity, self-worth, and the pressure of public scrutiny. Teru’s journey is not just about fighting villains but about overcoming her insecurities and learning what it means to be a hero. The series tackles social media backlash, drawing parallels to real-world online harassment, as seen in the public’s reaction to Teru’s perceived failure at Himawari Land. This resonates deeply in an era where public figures face relentless criticism, making Teru’s struggles relatable to modern audiences.

The show balances its darker moments with uplifting ones, ensuring it never feels overly grim. Teru’s growth is gradual but rewarding, supported by her friendships with Iko (Nao Toyama) and Spirit. Episodes 9 and 10, which delve into Pepesha’s past and her confrontation with the villain Tzveta Kooriskaya, mark the season’s emotional peak, blending intense action with poignant character moments. The series’ ability to weave these elements without resorting to gratuitous violence or despair sets it apart as a grounded yet optimistic story.

Animation and Soundtrack

Eight Bit’s animation is a highlight, with fluid action sequences and expressive character designs by Yūichi Tanaka, Risa Takai, and Akihiro Sueda. The show’s visual style captures Teru’s emotional vulnerability, particularly in close-ups of her nervous expressions, while the action scenes, though not as bombastic as other superhero anime, are well-choreographed and impactful.

The soundtrack, composed by Hinako Tsubakiyama, complements the series’ tone with a mix of energetic and introspective tracks. The opening theme, “Shiny Girl” by MindaRyn, is a vibrant anthem that captures Teru’s determination, while the main ending theme, “Shiritai Kimochi” by Shino Shimoji and Nao Toyama, is a heartfelt duet. Special ending themes for episodes 4 and 5, “Kimi Dake ga Hīrō” and “Watashi no Aoi Sora ~As I am~,” add emotional variety, reflecting the show’s focus on character connections.

Reception and Impact

SHY Season 1 received praise for its earnest storytelling and relatable protagonist, though it didn’t garner the same mainstream attention as juggernauts like Jujutsu Kaisen or Demon Slayer. Reviewers noted its unique blend of superhero and magical girl elements, with Anime News Network’s Steve Jones appreciating its focus on the “interiorities of its heroes and villains.” However, some critiques, like those on DoubleSama, pointed out uneven pacing and framing choices, suggesting the series could refine its execution. Despite this, fans on platforms like Reddit lauded Teru’s endearing nature and the show’s potential, with some calling it “My Bocchi Academia” for its shy protagonist and heartfelt drama.

Crunchyroll’s acquisition of exclusive international streaming rights and the English dub’s release on October 16, 2023, helped SHY reach a global audience. Muse Communication also licensed it for South and Southeast Asia, broadening its reach. The season’s finale set up the Recapturing Tokyo Arc for Season 2, which aired from July to September 2024, leaving fans eager for more.

Why SHY Stands Out

SHY Season 1 is a gem for viewers seeking a character-driven superhero story with emotional depth. Teru Momijiyama’s journey from a self-doubting teenager to a hero finding her strength is both inspiring and relatable. The series’ blend of magical girl heart and superhero action, coupled with its sensitive handling of themes like failure and resilience, makes it a standout. While it may not have the flashiest fights, its focus on empathy and personal growth resonates deeply, offering a fresh perspective in a crowded genre.

For those who missed it, SHY Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll and JioCinema, with an English dub featuring a talented cast. Whether you’re a fan of superhero epics or character-focused dramas, SHY is worth a watch for its sincere storytelling and lovable cast.

Sources: Shy Wiki, Anime News Network, MyAnimeList, IMDb, Reddit