The Drako Files

April 18, 2000: for many, this date was like any other, but for us, it was a date that would change anime forever. Because that was the day that Yugioh Duel Monsters were born, and from this first series, weve seen numerous spinoffs. Out of all of the series, though, I don think any other series has carried the torch more than Yugioh 5Ds. Because of all the eight series out right now, I think that 5Ds is the best Yugioh series. Let me show you why.

Note

Might as well expresses it here, while Zexal is my favorite series due to personal bias and resonation with me; I think 5Ds is overall the better series in terms of quality and writing. A true fan acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of a particular franchise and admits the difference between favorite and best. Finally, this video will acknowledge a couple of 5ds flaws and behind-the-scenes drama like any other review.

Development

Originally Kazuki Takahashi wanted GX to be the last entry into the franchise out of boredom and because the main VA for Jaden Yuki was fired during the production of season 4. With this mindset, Takhashi decided that he would end the series with a bang in the form of 5Ds. The series would end with the Dark Signers Arc, but that didn pan out, as you know from history. Which honestly makes the writing of the series even more impressive.

Story

In a downtrodden yet nearby future of New Domino City, scientists were trying to create a new, clean energy source called Ener-D that would revolutionize the world. One of these scientists just happened to be our main character Yusei Fudos dad. When the energies of Ener-D became unstable. Mr.Fudo sent his young son away to the slums of the Satellite to escape the terrible disaster of Zero Reverse. Years later, the Satellite and New Domino were forever divided, both literally, monetary, and socially, forcing its inhabitants to do just about anything to survive.

Over time Yusei grew up a bright and courageous young man who sought nothing more than to rise out of the Satellite and become the shooting star that will lead it to salvation. After being betrayed by his closest friend Yusei quickly traveled into New Domino to recapture his ace card from Jack. During their climactic duel, however, the mysterious powerful Crimson Dragon chose the 2 men and 3 other individuals. With the dragons power being ”signed ” on their bodies, the 5 individuals soon realize that theyve been given a destiny that will need to fight for a bright future.

Cast

Overall, I would say that 5Ds has the best cast in the entire franchise (keep in mind I haven seen Vrains or Sevens). One of my biggest complaints about most of the Yugioh series is how they handle their characters. The original Dm had a relatively small cast that frankly didn get much screen time nor development outside of the main 4 (Yugi, Yami, Joey, Kaiba).

While 5Ds also have a huge cast, the writers were smart about it. The signers concept already gives the audience a good indicator of the series themes. While at the same time showing who was going to be essential and who isn , which brings us to our main mc.

Ive already described Yusei in a previous post, so Ill make this quick. Gary Stu has been thrown around a couple of times when describing Mr. Fudo, but I think he skirts the line from this label. Even from birth, Yuseis life was wrecked by terrible hardship. His parents died knowing that their greatest achievement ended in spiteful tragedy as they grew up in the slums of the satellite.

He then proceeded to have all of his best friends leave him one by one for various reasons, only to then still try to help provide for his community without a hint of ever turning evil. Because despite his serious nature, I think Yusei was, in a sense, more optimistic than all of him. He is a man who believed we can all be better people if we looked at each other and showed compassion.

In this environment, Yusei still never took anything for granted and saw the beautiful possibilities it could bring. Over time, he earned his namesake by making his own family in the form of 5Ds and the signers to become a part of something bigger than himself. This mindset helped save and bring so many people together to the point where he was never alone again, even when they weren with him.

Outside of him, we also got many terrific characters too. Jack is one of the most interesting rivals in the franchise. As a man of unbridled pride and ambition he sacrificed nearly everything to make sure that he could have a shot at getting the fame he so desired. However after his loss against Yusei and his meeting of Carly, Jack quickly went from champion to underdog.

Realizing that he had sacrificed everything for this goal and had many thrown matches, Jack had to prove to everyone and himself a straightforward question. ”Is he truly worthy of King? ” And through the series, Jack proves that, taking all of his best qualities and learning to let his pride get the best of him.

And then theres Akiza, also known as the best girl in the entire franchise. She was born with power that she couldn understand; Akiza grew up into everything the world expected her to be: a monster. With her induction into the Acadia movement, Sawyer reinforced this claim repeatedly, putting Akiza into an abusive relationship that strengthened her worst tendencies.

It was only through her duels with Yusei that she took the first steps in destroying this persona, instead putting all of her best traits to surface. Over time, ”Akiza ” was able to solidify her own identity amongst her friends and become a much stronger person. She also managed to create the cutest non-canon ship ever that in no way didn anger millions of Yugioh fans to this day.

Finally, we have our other main characters, Leo, Luna, and Crow. Despite spending most of his time as a non-signer, Leo was a young boy who certainly always had the heart of one. Through his journey, he becomes a stronger and more mature duelist. Luna is also another interesting character, as we see her surpass her limitations to protect all she holds dear. Crow is also another stand-out as we see him provide for his community while also flying towards his path.

All of these characters started off the series proper alone and in pain. But through their bonds, the members of 5Ds realized that their past could never define their future. It was destiny that brought them together, but the decision to become the family they always needed was their own.

Presentation

On paper, the idea of card games on motorcycles is incredibly dumb and stupid, and trust me; you would be right. But I think a large part of why this worked in 5Ds favor was that 5Ds played into this concept so hard that it rounded out to being cool again. This makes more climactic duels like the Dark signers and Team Ragnorak duels pop as we see our characters race around the grandest of set pieces.

In general, Turbo dueling was a well-handled concept that didn feel like an absolute gimmick. Synchro summoning, in general, also really makes the theme of togetherness in 5Ds shine all the greater. The animation of 5Ds is pretty decent, though, compared to the other series with its CGI animation being pretty dated.

This seriess character and set design are indeed one of a kind outside of that. Since the story takes place in a more blade runner-like setting, much of the characters within the satellite got dressed in streamlined racing gear and casual clothes. However, people in New Domino have more aristocratic yet formal attire, with characters like Akiza, Sawyer, and Rex Goodwin being great examples.

Many 5Ds settings and locations are evident in these aspects while also showing off a sense of worldbuilding that makes it a unique entry into the franchise. Its a series of endless highways, mountain high complexes, and many allusions to South American culture.

And please don even get me started on 5Ds excellent soundtrack. Not only are themes for characters like Jack, Yusei, and Zone excellent, but many of the openings of 5Ds are some of the most iconic in the franchise. Last Train, Believe in Nexus, and Going My way are all great to listen to repeatedly. But all of those pale in comparison to the Clear Mind, which may be the most badass theme in the entire franchise. So far, I don think any series has ever lived up to the sheer hype of this soundtrack.

Overview

From what I understand, 5Ds has four main arcs in the franchise: The Fortune Cup, Dark Signers, World Racing Grand Prix, and Ark Cradle. The first arc is mainly a decent way to begin the story properly while at the same time introducing our main characters. Once the Dark Signers arc ramps up, it becomes one of the most climatic arcs in the franchise.

Seeing our main characters have to defeat vengeful ghosts from their past really forced our characters to confront their pasts head-on and become all the better for it. Every duel was heart-wrenching, to say the least, as we see our heroes hate every single second at the thought of their respective opponents.

The final duels between Kalin and Yusei and Jack and Carly are easily some of the most emotional in the franchise, and Im so glad that through all that struggle, 5ds was able to bring everything into the light. While at the same time creating the unbreakable bond of 5ds.

Despite not being planned the World Racing Grand Prix was an amazing follow-up to the series. It was an arc that tested the bonds of our characters, with Akiza in particular becoming a far more prominent duelist in the form of her career in Turbo dueling. And speaking of duels, holy hell, was it a real blast seeing some of these duels.

Gone were the days of poorly paced multi-part duels instead being replaced by some of the most tactical and challenging duels in any tournament arc in the franchise. The best part of it all is that each team had their chances to shine. Combined with the introduction of Aporia and this arc proved to be an effective present-day challenge for the Signers.

And all this ends in one of the most incredible final arcs in the entire franchise. With the powerful Ark Cradle seconds away from destroying all they whole dear, the signers wasted no time in trying to answer the ultimate call. However, a powerful question is made once the pragmatic Z-ONEs plans get revealed. If the ends justify the means, is it worth the risks if one tragedy helps prevent a bigger one?

Is it truly our right to decide the fate of others? These questions get even more complex as we see the true depths of arguably the greatest Yugioh villain: Z-ONE. Driven mad by loss and motivated by a desperate struggle for peace, Z-ONE is a man who once again feels like the hero of his own story. He realizes his goal has already gotten achieved through defeat by telling 5D about the horrors yet to come. With this knowledge, Z-ONE managed to finally rest in peace and live up to the man he idolized through one last chilling sacrifice.

After all that, the series finally winds down in one last critical duel to decide our main characters uncertain yet very bright future, But for all of them, the answer was pretty damn obvious. Because even if they are far apart, even if all of their signer marks are gone forever, the impact these six have left on each other is truly unforgettable. Their paths will cross someday, and their story is far from over. And as we see results of all of Team 5Ds paths, we put a close towards a beautiful ending.

Flaws

Try as I might, Ive got to admit that 5Ds flaws are very few and far between. Many of the flaws (like the shafting of Akiza and Carly and Crows awkward introduction as both a character and a signer) were more the result of behind-the-scenes drama and character. I will admit that I wouldve liked it if Yusei got more clear-cut losses (like against Kalin and team unicorn), but I feel like Yusei gets enough personal losses to balance it out.

Though I will admit I think the Arcadia movement couldve been a great filler arc that shouldve been saved for Akiza to face against, I digress. Outside that, we pretty much have all of the standard problems with every Yugioh series, like cringey friendship speeches and filler arcs.

Epilogue

To this day, I still haven found a Yugioh series that manages to impress me quite like this one. While I still think its the best, I don think that Yugioh should have just ended here. Like it or not, guys, this is a 22minute advertisement for a childrens card game.

This series will keep going for many years, and I got no problem with that. Like Ive already said before, I think each series has done a really good job at making its place within the franchise. I don think we should stop trying to tell new interesting stories just because weve reached a popular peak because that is pretty dumb in hindsight.

Overall if Yugioh Zexal was a series about hope, then 5Ds was undoubtedly one about triumph through adversity. Life is so short in the grand scheme, so why should we waste it by complaining about things we don have. Our future is what we make of it, and no one has any right to take it away from us.

As long as we all decide to unburden our pasts and stop getting in our way, as long as we keep learning from different people, well be able to create a bright future for all of us. I hope that I can practice what I preach and keep going. This is Donniedrako15, and this is my pledge to the best of the best. I hope you enjoyed this wild ride, and I hope you come back for my next analysis.