The Anime Hero’s Playbook

By Karen Mae de Vera

Some people are born to be heroes, while others have the responsibility suddenly thrust upon them. Kaya para sa mga binulaga ng tadhana, here’s a handy guide on heroing 101. Read and learn!

DRESS LIKE A HERO!

Your villain will always look and act extra AF so that’s why you’ve gotta step up your game! Dress up like you’re about to bring the whole darn party to your enemy and go all out in the costume department. If you’re on a budget, you can keep the ’fit simple but rock the weirdest hairdo to ever exist and stress out the many cosplayers who will attempt to replicate your look. While you’re at it, think of a catchy nickname that goes with your character theme. Kaya go and umawra ka na!

 

CALL OUT YOUR ATTACKS!

Ang tawag dito ay advanced mag-isip because creating catchy attack names will help with your branding and make you more memorable. Lalo na sa mga bata na siguradong gagayahin ang mga da moves mo at home. Having a banging soundtrack backing you up during the fight also hypes up your power move. Also, courtesy na lang sa kalaban mo to give them a heads up before you bring on the beatdown. 

 

SCOUT FOR THE BEST LOCATION!

Kapag may epic na ganap, whether it’s a big fight or an overly dramatic moment, need mo mag-ocular na parang naghahanap lang ng party venue. Take into consideration the guest capacity (may audience ka ba?), their safety (iwas collateral damage for the background character), and event activities (Aerial battle ba kamo? Better take it outside!).

 

PREPARE YOUR PRE-BARDAGULAN SPEECH!

Ang mga pinaka-astig na anime kontrabida are usually known for their grand taking-over-the-world speech, which makes them all the more memorable. Kung ’di mo aayusin ang clapback mo sa kanya, baka tuluyan ka nang maagawan ng spotlight! That’s why you should always have your hero speech ready. For more convenience, just tweak the specifics a bit and customize your buttkicking monologue depending on the villain para naman ma-feel nila na umeffort ka. Don’t forget to practice saying it out loud and choosing the language that’s most comfortable for you but also understandable for the antagonist. Dyahe naman kung biglang nabulol or nabarok ka, diba? 

 

USE A SUPER COOL WEAPON!

Get creative with the design and make sure that it aligns with your heroic identity and personality. For example, kung bird-theme ang peg mo, you can add wing and feather motifs to your weapon or you can color-coordinate with your heroic ’fit. And don’t forget to make it look cool but comfy! However, if you’re willing to make a bigger splash, then you can push for something slightly more impractical but awesome and take note of the risks. And when all else fails, you can always rely on your super punch!

 

GET A BFF SIDEKICK!

’Wag mo angkinin ang lahat at kailangan mong kumuha ng tropa na makiki-ride sa mga kalokohan mo. Usually, it’s best to recruit someone who will complement your personality and balance you out. Kung sabaw ka, need mo ng BFF sidekick na seryoso at organized and so on. 

 

FLEX LIKE A HERO!

Exercise ka naman diyan ’pag may time! You need the strength and energy to keep up with daily demands and pull off everything mentioned above. Just remember that you’re doing this to save the world and bonus na lang that you eventually become the most beloved hero around!

Want more anime hero tips and tricks? Watch One Punch Man, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, and other Animax shows for free by downloading the TrueID app today!