Saptam Paul

I find myself at a loss as to where to commence. Perhaps the most I can articulate is that this anime is unequivocally the one to watch if you’ve drifted away from the medium - if it’s been too long since you last engaged with anime, or if the genre has become tedious and daunting to re-enter. My own viewing hiatus began at the outset of the Zou arc in One Piece. Since then, I have struggled to rekindle my interest. However, upon encountering a recommendation on TikTok describing this series as “the most underrated anime out there,” I thought, “Why not? Let’s give it a chance.” I assure you, the inaugural episode alone was sufficient to captivate me entirely. Not a single instalment of this series faltered; each episode compels you to continue watching. For those curious about the tonal essence of this anime, the most apt comparison would be a fusion of The Promised Neverland and Attack on Titan. If you have experienced The Promised Neverland, you will be familiar with those moments when your heart sinks - whether due to a character’s capture, the revelation of harrowing secrets, or a shockingly brutal demise. This anime evokes those very emotions. Moreover, it channels the spirit of Attack on Titan through its animation style and narrative, portraying an unrelenting pursuit of freedom and truth. That said, there is one aspect I found less palatable, though it ultimately worked in the narrative’s favour and did not diminish my overall enjoyment. (Spoiler alert: if you wish to avoid spoilers, I recommend discontinuing your reading here to preserve the impact of the series’ unexpected twists.) The element I found challenging was the transition to a new protagonist. I understand the rationale behind this choice, and in time, I came to appreciate the storyline regardless. Yet, I had become deeply invested in the blonde-haired character, only for him to perish. Subsequently, I grew attached to the new protagonist, who also meets an untimely end. Now, with a third protagonist introduced, I anticipate a similar fate, which is both unique and a testament to the anime’s skill in character development. However, this cyclical pattern of attachment and loss can prove disconcerting, potentially deterring viewers. Each protagonist’s demise feels akin to the commencement of an entirely new series, which is why I approach this narrative device with some caution. While innovative and consistently compelling, it is a precarious approach, as it demands viewers repeatedly invest in fresh storylines. Consider the experience of watching Naruto continuously - the initial engagement hooks you, sustaining your interest. Contrast this with the experience of commencing Naruto, then Demon Slayer, then One Piece, followed by Bleach and One Punch Man - a perpetual sensation of embarking on new journeys. This can lead to a cycle of repeatedly re-engaging with new narratives. Nonetheless, despite what might be perceived as a drawback, this very structure underscores the exceptional quality of the anime. The fact that it has employed this technique thrice and yet maintained my enthusiasm throughout is a testament to its excellence. Any anime capable of presenting fresh narratives repeatedly while retaining viewer investment is undoubtedly one not to be overlooked. A definitive 10/10 - an absolute must-watch.