Customer Reviews

Toonopolis Short: Anchihiiroo - Origin of an Antihero

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I recently read Jeremy Rodden's book, Toonopolis: Gemini and loved it, so I was very excited to learn that Jeremy had written a novella about one of the characters in that book. What a great way to meet this interesting character, to learn his back-story and to see how he fits into Toonopolis: Gemini.

Toonopolis Short: Anchihiiroo is the story of Yoshi, later known as Anchihiiroo and even later known as Han'Eiyuu. The novella introduces us to five-year-old Yoshi at the moment he becomes an orphan and we follow him until he becomes a man. Throughout his life, Yoshi suffers at the hands of evil men and is cared for by gentle ones. There's an underlying tug-of-war in his heart between good and evil. He wants to protect his town from evil so the townsfolk won't have to suffer as he has. He trains for years to be the hero they need. But, he also feels a need to avenge the death of his parents and the training he receives at the hands of his sensei will prepare him for battle.

Will he ultimately be a hero or an anti-hero? Will he use his mind, body and spirit strength for good or evil?

As in Toonopolis: Gemini, the characters in this novella are extremely well structured. They are so real that you forget that you're reading about cartoon characters... well, until one of them says something wildly sarcastic and you quickly remember that you're in a toon world! That's the great thing about Jeremy's writing, just when you think something is very serious, he gets all goofy on you. The comic relief is perfectly placed and always welcome. And just as quickly, you're back in the action and loving it.

The story stands steadily on its own but, trust me, you're going to want to know what happens next and what happens next is in Toonopolis: Gemini. Read separately or together, these are two great stories that everyone will enjoy.

You've done it again, Jeremy! I can't wait to read more about your great characters. Keep the stories coming because we want to keep reading them!

I enjoyed reading Yoshi's story and learning how he ended up being the anti-hero he hated so much. This short isn't as funny as Toonopolis: Gemini; it's a more serious story, but it has funny moments. And of course, a snarky sidekick.

I'm still wondering about the whole brother issue, but I suppose I'll have to read the next Toonopolis installment for those answers. I think I can handle that.

Anchihiiroo by Jeremy Rodden tells the in depth story of one of the "rogue" toons from Toonopolis: Gemini. I was happy to see this short, as Animetown was possibly my favorite section of Toonopolis from Gemini. With that in mind this could be a stand alone story to help you decide to read the full length book, but I really feel that it works much better after reading Gemini and having an understanding of the world Jeremy has created.

Anchihiiroo was born Yoshi in a simple fishing village. One day his village is attacked by pirates during the ninja pirate war. He escapes the destruction and is found and taken in by some kind people in the next town over. Unfortunately that town is also destroyed leaving him once again as the lone survivor. When Yoshi is taken in by the monks at the Suzaku temple, where a phoenix egg is awaiting a hero of legend to hatch.

The story tells of a young man with a tragic past who feels his life is totally outside of his control. This book is a wonderful supplement to fans of the Toonopolis universe and serves very well as an appetizer to hold you over until the next volume of the main story is released. While a bit more serious than Gemini there is still a good amount of humor. Anyone from the age of 8 and above can enjoy the world that Jeremy Rodden has created and I recommend picking this up for anyone in the family.

First of all, I have to say this because if I don't, it'll burn me up:

Everytime Suzaku calls Yoshi "Idiot," I smile...and laugh...a lot. I felt like I was watching a Japanese cartoon on Saturday mornings like when I was small as I read this story. Fast pacing works in this story for an age group of 9-12 year olds. An enjoyable read for its size!Soldier Evolution Revolutionary Girl

This is a very well written novella dedicated to fleshing out Yoshi, turned Anchihiiroo, turned Han'Eiyuu, the rogue character we met in Toonopolis: Gemini. I highly enjoyed learning his background story; it made me much more sympathetic toward him as his upbringing really was one full of tragedy. Having never felt in control of his own life and having suffered at the hands of others for much too long, Yoshi must choose between good and evil. Though he unintentionally sets himself down the wrong path, becoming Anchihiiroo, the arrival of the Shadowy Figure with promises of freedom and greatness causes Anchihiiroo to take the final plunge into darkness, becoming the rogue antihero Han'Eiyuu.

Though this is a much more serious tale than that of Toonopolis: Gemini, it is still a great story that all will enjoy. This novella not only gives the reader a more in-depth look at the world of Toonopolis, but also sets the stage for events to come within the full length novel. One could read this story before or after Toonopolis: Gemini, though I recommend reading it after as it explains some things that may be easier to understand having read the main novel. Four stars.

A fun read you will likely complete in one sitting then go buy Gemini if you haven't already read it.