When you first see Shigeo Kageyama your eyes most likely pass right over him. He’s not particularly memorable; with that mushroom cut and dull, lifeless eyes, Shigeo blends right into the background. Hence, the nickname Mob. Yet, Shigeo is the undoubted star of Mob Psycho 100, for better or worse.
So just what is up with Mob? Well, he is an Esper. Shigeo was born with natural supernatural abilities that have extremely dangerous repercussions. Most of the time he can keep them under wraps and use them only when he wants to, but somehow he just can’t seem to get the spoons to cooperate.
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Speaking of Mob’s mentor… Reigen claims to be an amazing psychic but is nothing more than a con man with looks that please his female clients. When Reigen takes on cases that truly do have a supernatural element to them, he calls in Mob to exorcise the demons. Some might think this is a very one-sided relationship; Reigen uses Mob and what does the youngster get in return? Reigen is the only adult Mob feels safe talking to about his powers and his fears of using them to harm others. His boss listens and speaks frankly to young man, never shying away from the hard lessons. So while Reigen sees monetary rewards, Mob grows in moral character development while pocketing a small pittance for each job.
BONES/Funimation
Mob just wants to live like any normal eighth grader. There is a cute girl that he’s liked forever, but she quickly got bored with his telekinesis and turned her attention to more attractive (and popular) classmates. How is he going to get her to like him now? Through a series of fortunate events, Mob joins the Body Improvement Club, an after-school fitness club where he works at honing his physical strength. Once a bit of a loner, our young hero slowly finds himself collecting an interesting group of friends. That normal teenager life Mob wants is finally starting to take shape!
BONES/Funimation
There are situations where Mob inches toward and eventually reaches his breaking point. Despite Reigen’s teachings, when Mob’s emotions ultimately get the better of him he loses control and his powers are unleashed. Every time we bear witness to them in the first season of Mob Psycho 100 it is when specific emotions hit their breaking point. These powers are frightening and destructive. But when the lives of innocents or loved ones are threatened would you expect anything less?
BONES/Funimation
If you haven’t watched Mob Psycho 100 yet you can find the 12 episode series + OVA on various streaming platforms. Season 2 will be coming in January 2019. If you prefer to go the manga route, Dark Horse has just published the first volume for North American fans. I know that I’ll be tuning in this January to see how Mob’s powers grow and are influenced by new threats to his search for a normal life.
