Star Twinkle Precure: A Unique Installment in a Beloved Series

Star Twinkle Precure first began airing in Japan on February 3rd of this year, meaning new episodes are currently being released on a regular schedule. However the Precure, or otherwise known as Pretty Cure series has been airing since 2004 and is comprised of 16 different seasons. These different series typically involve different characters and slightly different plots, but all share some of the main themes and plot points. This would involve young girls acquiring powers, transforming into cute magical outfits, and working together to solve some kind of problem in the universe. Star Twinkle Precure is no different in this respect. This installment is directed by Hiroaki Miyamoto and written by Isao Murayama, working with Toei Animation. So far, the plot has been explained to be that the twelve Princesses based off the zodiac signs have been chased out of Starry Sky World and drained of their powers. The Precures now must take up their powers to get them and their powers back so they can defeat the antagonists, the Notraiders.

The main characters who are given the pretty cure powers at first didn’t seem very special. There is the main character, Hikaru Hoshina, who is the typical very high energy leader who ends up coming off as quite irritating with the constant shouting and ditsy nature. Elena Amamiya is more likable, but is the stereotypical “big sister” character, since she is always positive and takes care of not only her little siblings, but anyone she deems worth protecting. This gives her the nickname “The Sun of the School.” Since there’s a “sun”, then naturally the other popular girl, Madoka Kaguya is “The Moon of the School”. However she has not discovered her powers yet, and got her episode so not much is known about her yet other than she’s well liked, clever, and most likely “cool”. None of these characters come off as too special except for one, Lala Hagoromo. Lala is a unique Pretty Cure because she in fact is not human, she’s not even from Earth. Lala is introduced as an Alien who is on a quest to save the Princesses and her design is very eye catching. She has pointed ears and antenna, which make her look very cute. Lala is more mature and logical, sine it’s explained that on her planet she is considered an adult. She seems more aware of the severity of the situation when none of the others so far have seemed to understand their responsibilities. Hikaru has tried but she’s just having a good time beating bad guys and being closer to the stars. Lala brings as much reality as you can bring into the Pretty Cure series, and she definitely is working hard for everything she achieves. For example, she fixed her ship by herself and worked to become a Pretty Cure because she truly wants to protect the universe as if it’s her responsibility. If there’s any well made character to be keeping track of, it’s Lala because she represents adult responsibilities and reality in a mostly lighthearted series, which makes it more than just cute nonsense.

Now not to say the plot being cute nonsense at times in necessarily a bad thing. It’s a pleasant break from reality where you can’t just become magical and go on cosmic adventures. But so far certain messages are already being developed such as choosing what you wants to become and following your dreams. A common phrase is “I’ll draw what I want to become” which promotes a positive message. Over time more themes may be developed, but in the series it’s usually very uplifting like friendship and believing in yourself, which basically everyone can get behind. Considering the series is mostly aimed at younger audiences, nothing too serious can be expected in the future.

Once key aspect of a magical girl series is the animation, but specifically the costume transformation animations. The transformation animation into the magical outfits throughout the Precure series is usually very elaborate, colorful, over the top, and adorable. But Star Twinkle Precure has long time fans talking and debating over one main aspect: singing. Yes, the characters sing a short song while the transformation sequence takes place which has never been done before in the history of the series. Some people are saying it’s just too much and unnecessary, while others don’t mind or appreciate the cuteness. But the main argument for the singing which I must agree with is the reality that this is made for kids who want to sing along with their favorite character, keeping their attention as the show goes on. It’s indeed effective since it’s very catchy, and very adorable. The voice actors all do a decent job of singing on top of delivering their lines. Most notably Elena voiced by Kiyono Yasuno did a great job of it, employing both resonance and vibrato so it sounded more smooth than the other’s so far, but I digress. Overall this installment of the Precure series has caught my attention more than previous installments because of the unique aspects, and a character I personally find more relatable and interesting. I plan to continue watching the new episodes as they come out to see where this goes, since so far it has a lot of potential to be one of the better installments.

Rating: Neutral(?), Good