Synopsis
Iwanaga Kotoko, a Goddess of Wisdom, forms a bond with someone being feared by the yokai, to help her deal with their problems.
Story
The first episode was a good introduction, but after that will be the tricky part. Some may expect a fantasy/action genre, where in fact, this was a mystery/occult anime (with a sprinkle of Romance).
The next two episodes were like a glimpse of what you were about to expect in the rest of the season. So if you're fine with just one mystery plot up to the finale, then go ahead, and watch this.
And now for the main arc which was all about Steel Lady Nanase...
I have to be honest, it was pretty tiresome, I cannot binge watch it like the others. And to think it was a mystery genre, so as much as possible I should have felt the need to continue watching it, but there's just wasn't enough interest for me to do so.
But if you pulled through, I assure you the last two episodes will make your patience worthwhile.
Characters
There were only four characters who you need to get familiar with, and here were my reactions to them:
Kotoko Iwanaga - She's the one who got most of the dialogues, so hopefully you won't be bothered by her voice.
As a lover, her personality towards her boyfriend was a typical suspicious girlfriend, and sadly, an affection seeker.
It's kinda sad, but you can't fully blame her. Her boyfriend Kuro wasn't the flirty/romantic type, but one thing's for sure -- he's faithful and loyal to her.
As a problem solver, she's definitely a great thinker. She will have multiple theories and solutions in her head, and she got answers for all those who will fire back at her.
Kuro Sakuragawa - A LTMD (less talk, more do) guy. He doesn't show much affection, but, when he does, it's something that any girl's heart won't be able to handle (watch the final scene in ep. 12 for reference).
As someone immortal and can see the future, he's a huge help to Kotoko. He will take care of the physical fights, while Iwanaga will do the mental battle, making them a great combo.
Rikka Sakuragawa - A complex character, I mean take a look at these pictures:
She knows how to get along with people, but at the same time, she doesn't mind if people get killed because of her goal to become normal.
I do not see how creating monsters of imagination will help her find a cure for herself. I mean if she and Kuro inherited those powers by eating supernatural beasts, shouldn't they just find one with the power that can remove any abnormalities, or have resistance to magic, then consume it as well?
Saki Yumihara - A beautiful person inside and out, she just has a bit of shortcoming, 'cause she can't accept Kuro as someone she can be with for the rest of her life.
And Iwanaga should be thankful she was her current lover's ex. I mean, if it was somebody else, and she reunited with Kuro, a love triangle may occur. In short, she's not a snake.
Writing / Storyboarding
Okay, here's one thing I realized...
Those who don't like a lot of chatting will drop this one. And those who can, some of them, will probably continue, and some will get bored after consecutive episodes of loads of dialogues, majorly, from one character only.
If you're like me who was able to get through with it, then congrats. I know you probably smiled in the end, because you felt your patience didn't go in vain.
And this one just left a mark on me, 'cause I really didn't like this scene:
The opening sequence for the show of Nanase in episode 4, felt like a waste of time. I swore, they could have just shown 10 seconds of it.
Artwork / Animation
I particularly like the designs for the spirits, especially the giant skeleton, and the yin-yang inspired yokai.
What I also noticed was there was a lot of repetition of images, so if you think you'll get a headache seeing tons of those, then better skip this.
Music / Sound
No insert songs but the BGM in this anime weren't bad. And I really love the ending "LAST DANCE" by
Mamoru Miyano, the intro on that song reminds me of Tank from
Cowboy Bebop.
Episode Ratings
- 1 - One Eye, One Leg - 4
- 2 - What the Guardian Serpent Heard - 3.5
- 3 - The Rumors of the Steel Lady - 3
- 4 - Idol Dies by Steel Beam - 3
- 5 - A Monster of the Imagination - 4
- 6 - Logical Fiction - 4
- 7 - Preparing to Conquer the Steel Lady - 3
- 8 - She Who Spins Fiction - 3
- 9 - The Committee to Conquer Steel Lady Nanase - 3.5
- 10 - Dueling Fictions - 3.5
- 11 - The Ultimate Fiction - 5
- 12 - She Who Defends Order - 5
