Recap: Day of the Dragoon

Hello again. There have been many merchandise-driven anime covered on this blog; and today’s topic is one of yet another such piece, to illustrate how certain works can wear their origins on their sleeve over time. Such is the fate of a work that becomes an unintentional period piece.

With that on the table, let’s talk about the original Beyblade. This was a series that was about this strange toy that was essentially a top that you built and launched to do battle with others like it. The anime, however; was one that fits the following criteria in my book: stupid, but cool. The concept made absolutely no sense on paper; but douse that paper in the culture of the time, and you have a series that has a level of entertainment value that few of the subsequent incarnations and practically none of the spiritual successors could match. Looking at you, Bakugan! 

While the pilot was decent, I could not find enough material to delve into for a recap; especially since ABC Family didn’t show the early episodes very often (the show was typically aired after Power Rangers but before various Spider-Man shows; notably predating Disney’s buyout of Marvel). However, I have found an episode which can work every bit as well coming right after it! So, let’s open up “Day of the Dragoon” and see what it took to entertain my 10-year-old self in a time when I needed it most! 

The theme song is going to be the first way to tell when this was made. Orson Scott Card once said that every work inevitably becomes a product of its time because of the conventions of when it was made. As such, it’s a huge case of pop punk that doesn’t so much scream 2002 as much as double-team you with a Needler in one hand and a Magnum in the other. Have a listen for yourself.

Our title text is also laid out over the eponymous Dragoon; leaving little doubt about the episode itself.

We begin where the last episode left off, on one of these manmade aqueducts they often have in Japan; and as such, are common settings, especially for confrontations. 

As such, our lead; Tyson, is ever eager to get things started. 

The bandages on my face show I'm an abrasive battler!

Kai, leader of a gang known as the Street Sharks (no relation to that cult TMNT knockoff); challenges Tyson to a match of Beyblade. They’re not quite old enough to be snatching purses or robbing convenience stores; so they have to climb the ladder with toy-based gang activity.

Despite Tyson’s best efforts; Kai wins the match, to the point where Tyson’s Beyblade is destroyed!

Humiliated, Tyson vows to double his efforts and defeat him!

The next day; his friends, Kenny and Andrew come to see him at his family’s dojo; and are greeted by his grandfather’s less-than-stellar attempts to grasp early-2000s street lingo.

Sir, do us all a favor and talk like the proud senior citizen that you are.

Tyson is doing kendo training inside; in an effort to better himself as a battler. All that’s missing is an ‘80s power ballad to set the mood. 

Soon, the Dragoon on the family sword begins to glow in a strange aura. This is going to be important later, in case you’re wondering.

Tyson is surprised at the whole thing unfolding before him; as if he were in an old PSA.

Must be a side effect of the amoxicillin.

He takes everyone into his room; and shows them his plans to rebuild the Beyblade better than before. We can do it, we have the technology! 

It also turns out that Kenny’s bit beast is synced with his computer. Her name is Dizzora, or Dizzy for short. Voice of Scarlett Johansson and introspective Joaquin Phoenix performance not included.

So, with some prying, Kenny and Andrew agree to help Tyson perfect his new blade.

Meanwhile, Kai punishes one of his acolytes for his failures. The way he does it rivals Ronan the Accuser for all-out hamminess. 

While Tyson works on his blade; Kenny decides to go home and analyze the data he has at his disposal.

Even though Tyson is headstrong about the whole thing, he does realize he needs to keep working in order to beat the Street Sharks.

Just then, Kenny is mugged by some of the Street Sharks, who kidnap him and steal his computer! 

Two bystanders then decide to just get out of there; which is a key reason why I decided to recap this episode! Yes, let’s not try and help him or call the police; let’s just get out of there!

Even as Tyson is glad to be making progress on his blade; he’s outraged when he finds out Kenny has been kidnapped! 

Tyson wants to help his friend, but everyone else is unsure if his blade can stand up to the Street Sharks again! 

As he looks at the blade in his hand; he goes inside the dojo and wonders what to do in the midst of his family’s sword. 

In the lair of the Street Sharks; the gang members have Kenny held hostage for information on the Beyblades, which only he can access! 

After we have the information about the Beyblades, maybe you can do something about my pant leg!

After Tyson’s consultation with Dragoon (bear with me, I took most of these screen caps before we got our own internet connection); he decides to confront the Street Sharks in battle! 

That's my bread and butter you're fucking with.

Kenny is surprised at this, given what happened last time.

I have no idea what's going on, and I've seen Yo-Kai Watch!

Kai faces Tyson, still doubtful of what he can do.

You are a disgrace to the sport of Beyblade, and you should be glad you can play at all!

Tyson, however; says it won’t be the same as his Beyblade is now infused with the power of the Dragoon! 

By the power of Grayskull, I HAVE THE POWER!

So, the battle is on as Tyson once again engages Kai in battle!

Though neither one is conceding an inch; the battle is on the line for Kenny and Tyson alike!

Kai still talks down to Tyson as if he were dissatisfied with the Kree peace treaty with Xandar. 

Having won the battle, and by proxy; Kenny’s freedom, Tyson then reflects on the many adventures he will have with his new Beyblade.

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

“Day of the Dragoon” is a delightfully silly romp that sums up my feelings of Beyblade in one episode. I would definitely like to thank YouTube user MegaForceXD for the high quality copy of the episode I wrote this with. While the idea is ludicrous, that’s what makes it so fun for me. While that feeling is less apparent in the later series; it’s really apparent here. The animation and voice acting may not have been as good as its contemporaries in Pokémon, Digimon, or Yu-Gi-Oh; but it has an ideal refuge in its cheesiness. Perfect for first airing in a block alongside the likes of Power Rangers and Spider-Man.

Due to circumstances beyond my control; I have decided to do something in September to deal with certain events of the past few weeks. Join me then as I look as the fantastic Pokémon Origins special for Origins Month! See you space cowboy!