Many people know Yu-Gi-Oh as a competitive trading card game. Some may know it as an animated kids show, and others may know it as a long-standing comic series. I found the first 3-in-1 volume at a book sale and I was hooked.

The books were about the protagonist, Yugi, and his alter ego playing various competitive games against bad guys. Even when the comic took a hard turn towards being card-game focused, there was still an element of mystery as Yugi searched for his alter ego’s lost memories. 

I was confused at first when I watched the anime. The show seemed to focus much more on the card game aspect, and the pacing was bad. I loved the soundtrack, but the plot really suffered at first. I wasn’t sure if I would continue watching it at all, because as much as I liked seeing it animated I liked the comic’s story better.

Then I figured I would try watching it with my little brother.

Matthew really enjoyed the first couple episodes. We watched five or six that first day because he just wanted to watch more. The friendship-driven storyline where the protagonists win because they believe in themselves had him sold. He said himself that “the battles are very entertaining,” and as a hyperactive eleven-year-old he has a high standard for action scenes.

I still didn’t like it, but since I was watching it with him it was a motivation to keep going, and I have to say I’m really glad I did. What 90’s anime loses in plot and pacing it absolutely makes up for in style, and it really grew on me as I watched.

When watching it on your own it definitely has some weak points, but if you watch it with someone else- especially if they’re in the target demographic- It’s really easy to suspend your disbelief and enjoy yourself. I’ll be the first to admit it didn’t have the best start, but I still think Yu-Gi-Oh is a worthwhile watch.