English Dub Review: Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress: “Wonder Child”

Overview: After losing to Danji (Josh Meredith), Tohya (Daniel Fong), along with his partner Masanori (Scott Roberts), heads to fight the Tiger of Kaga once again for a rematch, as the circumstances surrounding how he got into cardfighting come to light. 

Our Take: When Tohya was first introduced into the series, I wrote him off as just another victim of cannonfodderitis that was meant to be swiftly discarded. Although, after seeing he was featured prominently in the series opening, I figured he would be an antagonist of sorts but that’s about it. However much to my surprise, this episode shows that he is not the throwaway character I had assumed him to be. 

“Wonder Child” essentially acts as an origin story for Tohya but also a self-contained more narrative driven entry. For a card series geared towards a younger audience, it was shocking to see how weighty Tohya’s origin is in more ways than one too. Not only does it include a relatable coming of age backstory of following matters of the heart rather than the mind but also features quite a bit of family tragedy. But beyond that even more subtle adult references like that of Masanori visiting the 18 and over section of a video rental store (probably one of the last in existence). I appreciate that Vanguard doesn’t sanitize the real world (or a version of it) too much, making it a riveting experience for those who enjoy types of anime that are like a fine wine: a bit matured. Overall, it works as a compelling story for Tohya, although if I was to criticize one aspect it would be the way the show handled his relationship with Masanori with a quick one-off scene. It’s not as if a lengthy tale, like with his family, was needed, however one pivotal scene of their friendship taking off would have communicated their relationship exceptionally well. 

Tohya’s struggles culminate in a final match between him and Yu-yu, to fight in Danji’s place due to him being too injured from his wrestling affairs. This acted as an incredibly satisfying end that works so well because of how it avoids the conventional clichés and is totally more emotional. This entire entry has made me want to see more of Tohya in the future but beyond that also makes me look forward to the development of other characters, both in the main and supporting cast. 

Cardfight!! makes unexpected development in that of Tohya with relatable themes and down-to-earth character cultivation in his solo focused entry.