Two years ago I watched RWBY (pronounced "Ruby." Yes that confused me at first. In Celtic W can actually be a vowel. Google it.) soon after its release upon hearing my friends go ape over the show and they did for good reason.
If you haven't heard of RWBY it's an clean, American-made, fantasy anime done by the indie company Rooster Teeth and it's fantastic. You can watch all of the episodes free on their site or their YouTube channel (watch all the Red, White, Yellow, and Black trailers. They have little exclusive back story for the show plus they're epic). While watching the show, I've noticed some good writing aspects I wanted to share (plus I want to promote this awesome show).
Warning: I'm going to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but there may be some minor ones.
Ruby being epic. |
Each character has a defined personality: Ruby is peppy and the youngest; Blake is solemn and a loner; Weiss is crabby and a bit of snob; and Yang is optimistic and rebellious. The costume colors also help you remember each character: Ruby is Red; Weiss is White; Blake is Black; and Yang is Yellow. Not only does this provide an artistic aesthetic, but it makes sure you can pick each one out in this large cast.
Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang. |
2.) Each Character has their Own Problems and Goals - Not all of the side characters agree with Ruby and what she wants to do. Though the students strive to be hunters like her, they go about it differently and want to be one for different reasons. One episode explores each of Ruby's, Weiss's, Blake's, and Yang's true meanings for wanting to be huntresses. In it, you see the even deeper motivations for each. (If want to find out, you must watch the show. ;) )
All of them have problems. Ruby is looked down on because she's younger. Weiss has familial pressure. Blake has a dark past. Yang has had dealings with shady characters. Jaune is weaker than the other students and is ashamed of it.
Jaune is so adorable. |
3.) They Broke Cliches - The biggest point about RWBY is that the show turned a ton of cliches on their heads. For example, the students are in college instead of high school. The main male and female characters actually aren't in love. The popular girl Pyrrha isn't a jerk and actually fears her popularity because it alienates her from other people because they think she's out of their league. There are others too, but many are major spoilers.
And Pyrrha is an amazing warrior. |
RWBY's such an amazing show with good writing! It's funny and clean and just all around epic. If you haven't seen it, watch it! The first season is only about two hours long and you can see it free--legally. XD I've also reviewed the RWBY Adagio Tea blends, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, so if you want to sip some tea while binge-watching this anime, these are the way to go. Studying shows, movies, and books are great ways to improve writing! If anything watch this show for a lesson. ;)
Have you seen this show? Who's your favorite character? Are there any writing learning points I missed? Let's geek out together.
You may also like:
Writing Lessons from Anime: Characters
Writing Lessons from Anime: Interior Monologue and Thoughts
Writing Lessons from Videogames: Assassins Creed II
Writing Lessons from TV Shows: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Writing Lessons from Anime: My Neighbor Totoro
I love this show and so does my sister! Yang and Ruby are awesome! It confused me on if they were sisters in the trailers but overall, I love their relationship.
ReplyDeleteYay another RWBY fan! Have you seen both season? Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteYes! My sisters and I spent one evening watching both on Netflix. So fun!
ReplyDeleteAw thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool!
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