The Value of a Fraud | Mob Psycho 100 

Most superhero mentors: “With great power comes great responsibility” Reigen: “Just live a normal life”

Reigen rolled a natural 20 in charisma, but as he threw the dice 4 more appeared out of his sleeve and also landed on 20.

"Maybe it was luck that Mob showed up at right place and at the right time, but it wasn't luck that he stayed around" This line hit me like a truck. No matter how small that action is, its outcome can truly change a person. This analysis is so beautiful.

One thing makes me really likes Reigen is that he actually doesn't "scam" his client, he lies about being psychic but charges fairly for works he did. He's price is less than one tenth of other real psychic, and he does fulfill his client's client's wishes (unless they are looking to curse others).

I can't take the word "imposter" seriously anymore

The funny thing is, Reigen wants to be known as a badass character but he instead became the role model and psychological support older brother character

what i like abt reigen is how intelligent he is. on the episode where they were trying to exorcise the strongest evil spirit out of a teenage girl, mob didn't feel the spirit. out of all the psychics in the room, only reigen concluded that she is indeed possesed (and not abused) bec of his observation skill.

I hate when people don't acknowledge when reign said in front of media " You have grown so much. You know that?" It made me cry before mob's dialogue

"Even if he feels like an imposter... he's still a good guy, trying his best." Thanks. I needed to hear that for some reason.

IMO the scene where Mob called Reigen "A genuinely good guy" is one of the most emotional anime scenes I've ever seen. I dunno why it felt so moving. Even after watching it multiple times it still gives me the feels.

I never really saw Reigen as a bad person, even if his methods were, to put it lightly, sketchy. He took advantage of people's superstitions, but in doing so actually helped them. He didn't sell fake "spirit-warding" crystals, he gave healing spa treatments, for example. When people wouldn't go to the person they actually needed to because they thought they were under some kind of spiritual attack, he would step in and give them what they actually needed. Then Mob came around and he started taking actual psychic jobs.

At first to me Reigen was literally "trash" he was basically a fraud, using a kid for his work and paying him dust for the job but then there was so much more to his character. Reigen was literally fearless eventhough he had zero psychic powers, he genuinely cared about Mob and for him he would go anywhere (though sometimes he was just pissed that Mob missed work). The way he calmly entered Claw's hideout alone and commanded the whole place was hilarious. Sometimes he still acted like a jerk but I think that came from his desire to keep Mob to himself. He didn't realize but he depended on Mob more than Mob depended on him since he was alone too if Mob wasn't around. After their fight when he went to that bar to at least talk to other people made me sad. The result of their fight was amusing. It's true that despite all he is a great guy. Mob could've fallen in hands of someone worse and I am just glad that it was Reigen who found him.

When reigen was the strongest for a couple minutes in the anime. when he absorbed shigeo was the coolest scene in the anime.

I've been in the mob psycho 100 fandom for a while but I've never seen the separation arc examined through the themes of imposter syndrome. Amazing video.

Despite knowing he was a fraud and the way he demeaned his feelings, Mob still respected and admired Reigen. I think we all wish we had a Mob in our lives who stays by us when no one else will and still sees the good in us. Especially when we don’t see it ourselves.

Mob and Reigen doesn't think they're special, Hanazawa thought he's special until he realized he isn't, and Ritsu who wanted to be special until he also realized it does not make him happy. This series dives deeper in this gift/talent thing than i actually thought

I can't tell you how many times Mob Psycho took some latent shadow of my personality, ripped it from the edges of my peripheral awareness of self and thrust it right in front of my face and said, "It's ok, you're ok, just chill."

I think there is one other scene that is important for this topic. When Mob and Raegan had this fight he went to a bar full of people who admired him and were, at least to him, his "friend"... Yet when the controversy happened they all turned on him, for all his Charisma it never helped him earn any genuine friends. . Yet Mob implies he always say through him and what he saw deep down was that he was a good person. . A big part of the anime is how talent or power doesn't necessarily get you what you want. None of Mob's wants or desires can be solved by his powers and none of Raegan's godlike multitude of talents can do so either (Heck, Raegan could EASILY succeed at just about any industry he wanted to... There is a reason why he tries to be a fake psychic).

Such an eloquently written analysis on Reigen as a character. I'd love to see you analyze more characters in the future.

The message of Mob Psycho 100 isn't "You're not special" it's "You're not special, and that's ok"

That was beautiful.

Reigen is such a great character, I absolutely adore him, he’s charisma and wits, especially his maturity in conversation really sets him up as a grounded character who is actually very wise and smart, but he doesn’t know that and doesn’t acknowledge this, his humility is his foundation for his actions, he’s great guy..

opening line of the intro "If everyone is not special, maybe you can be what you want to be, so fight as hard as you can, you'll find the answers that you seek" this is absolutely the message of the show and I love that it is LITERALLY the starting lyrics of the S1 intro song.

Reigen's arc is one of the best of the medium. It brings so many questions on self worth and really turns the idea we had of Reigen upside down. I often got myself thinking if even that 'natural' charisma of him wasn't just him trying to overcompensate the fact that he never thought anything of himself and never got any praise by his own family. He's some sort of Pagliacci in a way. I think that Mob's words are the first time Reigen is really recognized for what he has actually done, not what he conned his way around.

Your videos are honestly criminally underrated. They're always a joy to watch everytime one pops up in the subscription feed.

I suddenly remember the opening words of season 1's theme, "If everyone is not special, maybe you can be what you want to be." At least that's what hear. This is totally showing that it wasn't just talking about Mob, but Reigen as well.

One of my favorite things about Reigen’s whole fake psychic identity is even though he lied through his teeth the whole time, he still helped his clients in the end. They always walked away satisfied, further proving the point that he’s a good guy in the end even if he was faking it

2:39 fun fact about this, in the 1st opening, 99, the lyrics actually translate to (roughly); "if you can notice ur not alone then you will find your own answer, so fight as hard as you can and you'll find the answers that you seek" further in, the lyrics go "if everyone is not special maybe you can be what you want to be, no matter if ur burdened by your emotions" "your life is ur own ok? it doesnt matter if ur not unique ok? so fight as hard as you can you'll find the answers that you seek" the intro actively goes against everything the viewers think, meaning that it was intentionally written to where the viewer would take away from the show, as u said, "if only i was gifted or talented, all my problems will go away" 99 is a song about hope and goes directly against what the viewer believes is what the show tries to make u see

The way Mob and Reigen's relationship was fleshed out and re-interpreted in Season 2 was what elevated this anime as one of my all-time favourites.

As someone struggling with imposter syndrome and low self esteem. This really made me tear up quite a bit, especially with how much I've related to reigen when I was watching the show. Its hard to take pride in your accomplishments with low self esteem because you feel like you don't deserve it, and you can't help but compare yourself to others who you feel naturally have actual talent and have actually gone and achieved better things than you ever will. This video be making me cry

I always had a different view on it. I always saw it as the leader and the support. Reigen is the boss. He is the one that knows how to set up everything, he knows how to get customers, and he is the guy that knows how to draw out the potential in those around him. He goes overboard once in a while, but he is the motivator and organiser you want in your manager. He can't do the work himself, but he doesn't have to, that's not his job. His entire complex is something a lot of leaders struggle to come to terms with when they get that promotion, because they feel they are falling behind, and aren't contributing the way they think they should. He isn't doing the work, so how can he be managing this? But even if he could do it, should he? His abilities are far better suited to focus on the organisational part of the job, and you only ever have so many hours in a day. Focusing on his part, and letting Mob do the *actual* work, and providing instructions, guidance and motivation, is the hallmark of a truly good leader. Most leaders are not better at the job their subordinates does - That's why they are the leader. If they were truly good at the job, they'd do that instead, but their true talents lies elsewhere. But there is a stigma in being the leader who doesn't do the job well, because a lot of people just cannot comprehend why someone they perceive as bad at "their job" got a leadership role, not understanding that leadership doesn't require the ability to excel at the job itself, only a base understanding of what needs to be done, and how to manage the people you have to complete it in the most efficient manner. Mob could never replace him. Mob might be the "true" talent in his job, but that's his focus. He doesn't know how to run a business, how to attract customers, or how to manage other people. He has a raw talent that Reigen spotted, and that's an absolutely incredible talent that even most HR people lack. Being able to pick out someone who has a lot of untapped potential, and knowing how to temper that raw ability, is arguable one of the most impressive abilities the show displays. Being able to overpower something with brute force, psychic or otherwise, only gets you so far. I'm a Mob type in real life. I suck at being a leader. I should never be put in charge of other people, and perhaps that why I have such a strong respect for the type of character that they managed to portray Reigen as. I've had terrible bosses who acted threatened because I did my job better than they did, because they didn't understand the difference in what our work is, and what our talents were. My current manager knows I'm much better at my work than he is, but that's why it is my work, and not his. That's why this is what I always see when I see the interactions between Mob and Reigen. Reigen isn't an imposter, he isn't a fraud at all, he just mistakenly thought he needed to have Mobs powers in order to be the owner of Spirts and Such, when that was never a requirement in the first place. He only needed to be able to always know what the right course of action was, and make Mob believe in him, and nobody else could do it to the degree that he did.

When Mob told Reigen that he was a genuinely good guy, I got such massive goosebumps and teared up more than a little. I'm going through my own struggles right now and hearing that just hit so close to home.

Alternate title: Reigen is good character

Reigen always carried himself with confidence and always ending up the victor in some sense after every situation, that I wasn't worried when long eared monk-man was trying to pull him down. I thought he'd somehow get out of it, like always. And was surprised when he didn't and saw his life hit a low...

With the ending of Season 3, it's safe to say it's one of the greatest anime ever created, a show worthy of the title of masterpiece - Mob Psycho 100

this video spotlighted all the things i absolutely love about this series and it was perfect. thank you for making me cry again

My favorite bits about that muscle club is how it's a jab at your typical slice of life anime, which mostly portrays MC and his/her club member just lazying around and goofing around.

Oh look a video explaining exactly what I'm going through right now... Thanks RU-vid Algorithm! You are better than my therapist.

The amazing thing is that Reigen is actually great at what he does, his patrons are usually not haunted, just anxious, and for far less than the cost of therapy they leave happy. He's also insanely talented and has enough skills to become the best masseur, detective, salt wholesaler there ever was!

The way Reigen is drawn is sublime. You can tell so much about his character from a still. Show it to someone who has never seen the series and they will tell you he is a con artist with his heart in the right place, a mix of confidence and self doubt. This is a case of putting the lines in the right place (I know this sounds simple - but actually it is pure mastery).

Regan is the "if you lie good enough ITS become reality" guy

Reigen be thinkin' he's sus, but maybe we were sus all along...

I am 31 years old and have been watching anime since I was essentially a baby. This is one of THE BEST breakdowns I have ever heard in my entire life. You are truly incredibly perceptive!

I cried when Mob told Reigen that he was a genuinely good guy. Reigen has always been a character that I felt a connection with, which is why Mob's words hit really hard. I really think season 2 was extremely emotional and the music didn't help at all xD

At first I hate Reigen for being the fraudster that he is and how he takes advantage of the MC, but then I realize outside of his petty side he is a great and respectable man

"The fake is of far greater value. In its deliberate attempt to be real, it's more real than the real thing." -Daishu Kaiki

I don't see much people talking about it, but the way you utilized the background music was simply fantastic

its time you come back and make another banger after the conclusion of season 3

Great video as always. I agree that it can have the opposite effect, when I watched it, I felt the second meaning, that if I just was gifted then everything would be solved. but a few years later, I met some fantastic people that changed my life. I learn that if I do my best and feel proud for being me, then it wouldn't matter if I was gifted.

The dichotomy between Reigen's philosophy and success is a very human drama about losing yourself. It's unreal how anime characters can just straight up be more complex than some people I know in real life. I can't believe people (even legends like Cr1tikal) disliked that arc when it shows the heart of the anime.

"The most wholesome group of muscleheads that deserve nothing but love" hahah it's so true

A very excellent analysis, and it highlights just how interesting of a man Reigen. I admire the way he persevered and became determined to make something of himself. He didn’t need any powers to make it to where he did: instead of throwing in the towel when Mob left, he made the effort to focus on what he COULD do and became popular because of that effort, even if it was based on a lie. But more importantly than anything else, he taught Mob what it means to be human, and that’s why people love him.

Me: I love how the video explained Reigen's arc so well. It's pure poetry. My brain: Lol... *imposter.* Me: Shut up.

"If everyone is not special, then you can be what you want to be." - Mob Psycho 100 Op

to this day, i still watch this video from times to times. This is an excelent analysis of Reigen, and the whole manga tbh. Thanks for that

This is why Reigen is my favourite character. Even though he lacks psychic powers he still gives it his all, knows what he's capable of, and satisfies his customers however he can. But when he is not enough for the job he always has Mob to rely on. He never boasts about fooling people because whether he has powers or not doesn't make a difference to him. And its very ironic how the one person that was able to reach to and understand Mob the most in this world full of espers, was just some ordinary man.

I never realized how self accepting Reigen was

This video made me genuinely cry. I’ve been facing imposter syndrome ever since I was thrown in the real world and I never realized why I was magnetized to Reigen’s character so much until I watched your analysis. He’s a beautifully created character and I thank you for taking the time to make a video that honors him and the show as a whole.

I think it's interesting that even after his arc, Reigen still is way too hard on himself and doesnt think highly of himself. He makes a comment to Serizawa about how confessing his love to someone would only bring the worst out in him, and his whole confession to Mob in the final arc (dont want to say too much since that hasnt aired yet). Imposter Syndrome doesn't go away just cause you have a moment of clarity or you are accepted. And I think I love that the most about him.

Yeah honestly, that piece of Reigen’s arc shows how carefully One writes these trope subversions. Humility can reach a breaking point as with any other trait, and it’s important not to self-aggrandize, not to self-deprecate, but to look at the reality of who you are and what you’ve accomplished. In his essay, Reigen said he wanted to be somebody. He wanted to be special. It took until that press conference to realize the truth, that he didn’t need to be special to hundreds of people, he just needed to be special for one of them. To Mob, he’s somebody. He’s special.

biggets superpowerr that exists: charisma seriously its redicolous how easy most ppl get puppeteered

The scene with Mob conforting Reigen is still to this day one of the few that make me cry just by remembering it. Thanks Kyle, great vid as always.

That video actually 1. Made my day 2. Made me like a series that I love even more 3. Made me see my life in an entire different perspective Thank you very much!

This video speaks to me on so many levels. Couple years ago I applied for a cyber security job at a company that I had lied about pretty much all my credentials and job history (majored in marketing actually LOL). Got fired my second day. I’ve learned to live with it despite being black listed by most of the local companies

Bless youtube for recommending such an underrated video

Yessss. This video is so good! So well expressed. It sucks that the weirdness makes the show hard to get normies into. Because it’s so genuinely incredible that I want everyone to watch it. Also: the Body Improvement Club are so wholesome that they make me tear up with pride and joy. They inspire me to get healthy again.

"Did you... see the news? Do you know?" "I always knew. You were always a good guy^^"

Damn this video quality is incredibly good. Thanks a lot for that

"Babe wake up new Kyle robes video just dropped" This video is incredibly well done and is a great summary of reigen's character and progression. reigen is a product of great character development and is a huge part of why this show is so good and one of few actual 10/10 shows in my eyes. Great video as always Kyle and hopefully gets some people interested in this amazing show that is Mob Psycho 100.

It boggles my mind that you are not a dominant force on RU-vid. You’re videos are great and your editing in particular is amazing. I’ll be glad to say I knew you’re channel before it got big.

This is an amazing video man, I got seriously emotional

Unironically that Reigen Mob moment where they reconcile is on my top 10 favorite Anime moments. One couldn't have made that scene any better written.

Mob Psycho is such a good story already that I somehow missed this entire side of it! Thanks for bringing it up!

Never thought a breakdown of a comedy anime would be so wholesome. Holy shit you deserve so much more on your channel.

This is why he's my favorite character, there's so much more I want to know about him. He's like that cool puzzle that already looks amazing despite being unfinished or incomplete.

Reigen, I thought I would hate him, since he's basically just a con-artist, but as the story progresses, I definitely appreciate Reigen

the video went so well then i read “THE IMPOSTER” and i laughed way too hard

This video came at the perfect time. I found Mob Psycho 100 a few months ago, and as someone in middle school I can say that this show really helped me and that is why I am so thankful for it.

Bruh. I kept off from watching this vid until the series ended coz I was expecting spoilers here. So happy with how Mob and Reigen's arcs ended. (and oh hey exactly 2000 comments rn)

As someone who struggles with imposter syndrome this is a really impactful observation. Thank you

Excellent analysis! I watched through Mob Psycho for the first time recently, and really enjoyed it. I love how Reigen isn't a conventional mentor, isn't more powerful than his student or even terribly scrupulous, but he's still exactly the mentor that Mob needs. There's something beautifully real and human about that. :)

Ever since it first came out as a serialized manga it was my number one. Having found One Punch Man in it's early webmanga days I've loved One's story telling by Mob Psycho 100 blew OPM out of the water for me. OPM is a fun watch but Mob Psycho 100 made me feel for Mob on so many levels. The interaction with him and Reigen. There are so many things that make this an amazing EASY top 5 series but a lot of people passed on it due to it's art style, which keeps to the original One art. edit: Also that ending will always hit harder because of that scene. I will never not see Reigen with that smile when he realizes that he does have someone that sees him for who he is, Mob.

After the last episode of this season this video became more beautiful

"slightly lesser known one punch man" is hilarious

This is checks out on all the hidden gem requirements. Small channel High quality videos Epic thumbnails Epic titles

Oh god he's talking about one of my favorite anime and possibly (judging from the title) one of my favorite characters in fiction. A must watch

It's been a while since a video essay made me tear up, amazing job on the video and breaking down not just this amazing show, but also Reigen. I feel there's a lot to take away from him as a character and you put that into words beautifully

Reigan is easily the best character in mob psycho 100. They really thought a lot about how to write him. I love the irony at the end of the show the fact that even though the strongest esfers couldn't stop mob the one with the least power could. The one who could be considered a fraud was the best mentor mob could have had. I think mob kind of always knew reigan had no powers but to mob that doesn't matter mob sees reigan as a genuine person. Someone who will always be on mobs side. The best character in mob psycho 100.

This was an absolutely amazing analysis, I’ve gained a newer and stronger appreciation for this show and the characters within it. Thank you very much for opening this discussion and dissecting these ideas Incredibly underrated creator 👍

How do I feel so much emotion for something I've never watched or even understand completely. They way you layered this out points out flaws and solutions in myself and that is something I'm grateful for. Thank you

It makes mob seem like an adult to a child for a moment, giving the words that raegen desperately needed to hear. "You did good, son. Real good"

You're really making me want to watch this, the end started pulling on the feels strings man

Your videos are consistently amazing. I also just love how coincidentally you're always doing videos on series I love. So nice to see some positivity and making me look at a series in a different light so I love it even more. You need more love and attention.

The fact this was uploaded on my birthday makes me a million times happier, need to rewatch Mob Psycho 100 soon

"he's still a good guy, trying his best. that in itself is enough." i'm sobbing thanks

This video hit different now that the show has ended.. Beautiful video

Mob psycho 100 will forever be my favorite anime and I am proud to say that. The character development alone can be praised. I relate to Mob and Reigen greatly as I am currently a teenager trying to navigate through the world. I didn’t know why I was so attached to the Reigen separation arc until you said it here… imposter syndrome. I’ve had that for a lot of my life and I am glad you made me come to that realization. Great video :)

I love that This show is still up in the waters even though second season ended a year ago and is probably forgotten by now.

That's the reason why Reigen is my favorite mentor character. He is just so layered and deeply human. Excellent analysis!

i was today years old when reagan spilled the beans