Sword Art Online Season 4 English Dub Funimation
Okay, let's talk Sword Art Online. Specifically, season four. You know, War of Underworld. The one that felt approximately seventeen years long.
And even more specifically, the English dub on Funimation (now Crunchyroll, but let's not get bogged down in corporate mergers). It's a topic ripe for...discussion. Or, you know, passionate disagreement fueled by late-night anime binges.
The Dub: A Necessary Evil?
Look, I'm not one of those "subs over dubs" purists. I appreciate a good dub. Sometimes, I just want to passively consume media while simultaneously scrolling through TikTok. Sue me.
Must Read
But with War of Underworld... I have some thoughts. This might be unpopular, but stick with me.
Kirito's Coma: The Voice Acting Challenge
Okay, first of all, Kirito spends, like, half the season in a coma. A literal vegetable. Voiceless. So, Bryce Papenbrook (Kirito's English VA) basically got a paid vacation. Lucky guy.
Seriously, though, that puts a lot of pressure on everyone else. They're carrying the emotional weight of a comatose protagonist. That's heavy lifting!
Alice, in particular, had to do so much emotional heavy lifting. Her struggles were palpable, even if Mr. Kirigaya was just chilling in his virtual hospital bed.
Asuna: My Unpopular Opinion
Here's where the potentially fiery takes begin. I think, and this is just my opinion, Asuna's English voice sometimes felt... off. Don't get me wrong, Cherami Leigh is a fantastic VA. She's a legend!
But sometimes, in the super serious, super dramatic moments, it just didn't quite land for me. Maybe it was the script? Maybe it was the direction? Who knows! I’m just a humble observer.
Maybe it's because I'm so used to her bubbly performances in other roles. Hearing her so serious in SAO was a bit jarring at times.
The Supporting Cast: Shining Stars
Honestly, I think the supporting cast really saved the day in the dub. Eugeo's VA, for example, did an incredible job. The emotion! The heartbreak! Chef's kiss.
And let's not forget the villains. They were deliciously evil. Their voice actors clearly had a blast chewing the scenery. They were definitely having fun and brought life to characters you wanted to hate.
The new characters introduced in War of Underworld also did a great job with the dub. Their voice acting was solid and added depth to the new arcs.
Dub vs. Sub: The Eternal Debate
Ultimately, whether you prefer the dub or the sub is a matter of personal preference. There's no right or wrong answer. Unless you think there is a right answer. Then, prepare for war!
I’ll admit, I watched some scenes in Japanese because curiosity (and a desire to see what all the fuss was about) got the better of me.
But honestly, I think both versions have their merits. The important thing is that you're enjoying the story (or, at least, tolerating it, depending on your feelings about the Alicization arc).
So, the next time you're rewatching War of Underworld on Crunchyroll, give the English dub another try. You might be surprised. Or you might agree with me. Either way, let the internet arguments begin!
"Sword Art Online: War of Underworld - a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable plot points, and surprisingly catchy opening themes."
And remember, at the end of the day, it's just anime. Don't take it too seriously. Unless you really want to. Then, by all means, passionately defend your waifu's honor. I respect the dedication.
