Okay, let's talk about something potentially controversial. Something that might get me some side-eye from anime purists. We're diving into Actually, I Am Season 1 Episode 1, but specifically... the English dub.
I know, I know. Subtitles are sacred for some. But hear me out! I have… *opinions*.
First Impressions, Dubbed
Remember when Asahi Kuromine finds out Youko Shiragami is a vampire? Classic anime trope, right?
The English dub makes it so much funnier, though. Maybe it's the voice acting. Maybe it's the delivery. Whatever it is, I was laughing *hard*.
I feel like the voice actors perfectly capture the over-the-top reactions. The sheer panic in Asahi's voice? Priceless.
The Voice Acting... Is It Good?
Okay, let's be real. Some dubs are... questionable. But I think the Actually, I Am dub walks a fine line between sincerity and complete absurdity.
And it works! I can't imagine the characters sounding any other way now. The voice cast really brings the characters to life!
I especially liked Youko's English voice. It's adorable, but also hints at the chaos to come. She's got a very funny and expressive voice acting.
Why the Dub Works (For Me)
Look, I get the argument for subtitles. You get the original voice acting, the nuances of the Japanese language, the true intention of the creator.
But sometimes, I just want to relax and not read so much! Is that a crime?
The English dub lets me do that. I can focus on the animation and the humor without constantly scanning the bottom of the screen. I can also multi task, watch anime while doing other tasks.
Plus, good dubs can add their own flavor to the show. The delivery of certain lines, the emphasis on specific words... it can all enhance the comedic effect, in my opinion!
Comedy Gold
Actually, I Am is a comedy anime first and foremost. And the English dub amplifies that comedy, at least for me.
The jokes land harder. The awkward silences are more awkward (in a good way!). The facial expressions are highlighted by the over-the-top voice acting.
And honestly, sometimes I just need a good laugh. Especially after a long day.
Unpopular Opinion: Embrace the Dub!
So, here's my hot take. The Actually, I Am Season 1 Episode 1 English dub is… *good*. Maybe even great.
It’s not a replacement for the original, of course. But it's a perfectly valid way to enjoy the show.
Don’t let the subtitle snobs shame you! If you enjoy the dub, embrace it! You're not alone!
Give it a try. You might be surprised. You might even become a dub convert. Okay, maybe not, but at least you might get a few laughs out of it.
And who knows? Maybe you'll discover a whole new appreciation for the hidden gems in the world of English dubbing.
At the end of the day, it's all about having fun and enjoying anime in whatever way brings you the most joy. So go forth and dub away (if you dare)!
