Sternbild City is home to people called "Next," who use their special abilities to protect the people as superheroes. These heroes solve cases and save lives so they can wear sponsor logos or acquire "hero points." Their activities are documented on the popular program "Hero TV," which picks the "King of Heroes" in a yearly ranking. The veteran hero Wild Tiger has always preferred to work alone, but now he's been assigned the rookie Barnaby Brooks Jr., who has a different perspective on being a superhero.
Yes, that's exactly what Tiger & Bunny is; good, clean, mecha action, funny dialogues (especially the endless arguments between Kotetsu and Barnaby ^^) and a tiny bit of angst courtesy of Barnaby and his dark past.
That said, it cleverly subverts some of the tropes so common to standard American "Hero" cartoons /comics while still fiercely maintaining the original philosophy that has remained unchanged through decades of the franchise; "Saving people is what a hero is all about". It's a naive ideal at the best of times, but it does endear you to the characters very much.
The plot is far from brilliant, and certain parts of it seem hastily constructed, clumsily executed, and leaves much to be desired -- but for some reason, even though you can see the plot devices coming from a mile off, it's still rather interesting how you feel compelled to keep watching despite those flaws.
Kotetsu and Barnaby's relationship if quite a traditional "buddy cop" type one; but it was still the center-point for me in this show.
Barnaby is quite the looker, which makes this anime's status as a 'shounen' slightly doubtful...but I guess it can't really be considered shoujo either, given the action sequences, the characters' idealistic philosophies, the skimpy clothing and curvaceous bodies of the female characters and the (merciful) lack of romance.
All in all; really the most fun anime of the Spring 2011 season.
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