Webtoon Spotlight

Random Spotlight#8: Why Yugioh 5D's is the Best!

April 18, 2000: for many people, this date came and went like any other, but for many, it was a date that would change anime forever. Because that was the day that Yugioh Duel monsters were born. And from this first series, we've seen numerous series that have carried the torch to weave their unique tales; in fact, some in mind has far surpassed the original. Out of all of the series, though, I don't think any other series has carried this message more than Yugioh 5D's. Because out of all the seven series out right now, I think that 5D's is the best Yugioh series, in my humble opinion. And I think there is no better way to celebrate #5DsMonth then by showing off why so much of 5D's worked.

Note

Like with Zexal, I will be reviewing the sub instead of dub since it does butcher a lot of what the original series accomplished. Speaking of Zexal might as well bring up a distinction that I feel like a lot of people tend to screw up. While Zexal is still my favorite Yugioh series, I do think that 5D's is the best one of the bunch. Favorite and best are terms that get thrown out a lot when comparing stuff, so I'll try to explain. While Zexal is my favorite series due to personal bias and resonation with me; I think 5D's is overall the better series in terms of quality and writing. I think a true fan is one who acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of a particular franchise and to admit the difference between the two words. Finally, this video will acknowledge a couple of 5d's flaws and behind the scenes drama

Development

Originally Kazuki Takahashi wanted gx to be the last entry into the franchise out of boredom and because the main VA for Jaden Yuki was fired during the production of season 4. With this mindset, Takhashi decided that he was going to end the series with a bang in the form of 5D's. The series was going to end by the Dark Signers Arc, but as you know from history, that didn't pan out. Which honestly makes the writing of the series even more if Takashi was writing this out of his ass.

Story

In a downtrodden yet nearby future of New Domino City, scientists were trying to create a new, clean energy source called Ener-D that would revolutionize the world. One of these scientists just happened to be our main character Yusei Fudo's dad. When the energies of Ener-D became too much to handle, Mr.Fudo sent his young son away to the slums of the Satellite to escape the terrible disaster of Zero Reverse. Years later, the Satellite and New Domino were forever divided, both literally, monetary and socially, forcing its inhabitants to do just about anything to survive.

Over time Yusei grew up a bright and courageous young man who sought nothing more than to rise out the Satellite and become the shooting star that will lead it to salvation. After being betrayed by one of his closest friends Yusei quickly traveled into New Domino to recapture his ace card from Jack. During their climatic duel however it was revealed that the 2 men and 3 other individuals were chosen by the mysterious and powerful Crimson Dragon. With the power of the dragon literally being "signed" on their bodies the 5 individuals soon realize that they've been given a destiny that will force them to fight their dark pasts and a bright future.

Cast

Overall I would say that 5D's has the best cast in the entire franchise so far (keep in mind I haven't seen Vrains nor Sevens). One of my biggest complaints of most of the Yugioh series is how they handle their characters. The original Dm had a relatively small cast that frankly didn't get much screen time nor development outside of the main 4 (Yugi, Yami, Joey, Kaiba). Gx has the opposite problem with too many recurring characters with none of them getting the proper screen time they deserve. While 5D's also has a huge cast as well the writers were smart about it. The concept of the signers already give the audience a good indicator of the many themes within the series while at the same time showing who was going to be essential and who isn't, which brings us to our main mc.