The Impact Frame
This one is a little different as I will be talking about impact in anime. Specifically physical impact in anime. This being the punches that are town and their impact with carefully coordinated sound design. The reason being is that in recent years sound design has evolved a great deal in terms of how we use it and the means of making it something that an anime just can’t be without.
The biggest examples in sound design that I can think of is Vinland Saga and Fire Force. I’ve briefly touched on Fire Force and its sound design, but nothing really beats it. The sound artist for this show specifically has created something that elevated Fire Force from “just another anime” to “the pinnacle of anime sound design.” I say these terms loosely but as far as I’m aware there is no other show that has sound design on this level.
Now another anime that comes to mind is Eminence in Shadow. While I do not enjoy the anime for its writing, which is atrocious by the way. I instead praise it on its meticulous detail to sound design. Both in the dub and sub I have seen some insane and amazing sound design for this series. From the bomb, to the powerups even coins shattering it was utterly flawless. And then the story got so stupid I couldn’t watch anymore.
What Makes Sound
Sound design is a very important part of a film/series. It is what ties together many points of the show’s narrative. Without them a film can often come across as hollow. Especially in todays age. I have noticed that absence of sound can make scenes feel uncomfortable. That’s why many films now have a low hum below a character speaking because it supports the scene.
These small techniques make a show a thousand times better and can often be what makes or breaks a show. And combining great sound design with hard visuals makes what we call visual impact. A slap with a hard crack. A punch that sounds like wood shattering. All these effects timed right can convey just how much effort a person is putting into their movement, punch or power.
Combining these visuals with the perfect sound leaves impressions. Impressions that can last for weeks even months at a time. I recently had a friend ask me what show I love the sound of. I said Fire Force. He was so confused at what it was that I showed him snippets of the sound paired with the visuals. He is now watching the show because of that one video.
The Impact of Combination
When you pair things properly in film they can often leave a lasting impact and can make or break a shows potential. I have seen shows with an amazing premise but poor sound design ruin its chances at a season two. We must understand that sound can trump visual quality.
Next time you watch an anime play close attention to the sound and let me know what you think. I’d be eager to see if you found your favorite show has some weak or strong sound design!