Quick Review
Pros
- Psychedelic opening. It contrasts nicely to the paint-on-glass (specifically oil) ending.
- The art which is kept in the original webcomic's style is interesting to watch, and it's animated seamlessly. It's been compared to the art of Ping Pong the Animation, but I think Mob Psycho 100 is much easier on the eyes. Notable is the way the spirits are animated, with paint-on-glass animation (thank you, Miyo Sato) adding a whole new level to these forms. Funnily enough, when these strokes of paint come on it makes the ghosts seem even more solid than the other characters.
- Some of the jokes are very memorable and are funny even when explained.
- A fun cast of characters who aren't inherently good or bad. I particularly like the way Reigen is portrayed as both a mentor and someone trying to use Mob. He is initially an unlikable character who seems to be taking advantage of Mob, but when his charisma and bullshitting becomes amusing after a few episodes. Take note of his special moves which become really funny in the last few episodes.
- One of the main points the show makes is that a person isn't obliged to do anything for another person (Mob and the telepathy club) and when a character in the show is being forced into something, it doesn't end well. The whole anime and webcomic is focused on subverting tropes (as does One Punch Man) because an author and their characters aren't subject to them and don't allow themselves to be follow a check list. For example, Tsubomi won't date or like Mob just because he has psychic powers and is the protagonist of the series. Another example of going with your own flow is episode 3 in which Mob meets Dimple, who describes him as an emotionless person who will never be able to connect with the person he loves and will be alone forever, all because he can't "get a clue". It is that exact quality that allows Mob to release everyone else from the cult. It's also interesting because after the event, the former members of this cult form a new one to search for Mob whom they call God, and isn't God supposed to be an objective being who does love humanity, but isn't ignorant of their sins?
The series also shows the danger of superiority complexes (like Teruki Hanazawa) or, on a lesser extent, the belief that a person can be better than others if they have that one quality (Ritsu Kageyama). I think these are worthwhile messages.
Cons
- Characteristic of ONE's humor, most of the jokes rely on how deadpan the characters, specifically Mob, can be and on subverting tropes. It isn't laugh-out-loud humor but is the kind that makes you smile a little. Some of the jokes are better than others and it can become a bit tiring to watch.
General Summary
Mob Psycho 100 is a fun ride, full of ONE's characteristic deadpan humor and successfully creating a discussion about psychic abilities. The art is just as slick as One Punch Man, and can be just as gorgeous in a very different way. There's a slow start, but the last five or so episodes are binge-worthy and can be considered a great finale.