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Score: 8.5

“..If you build an enclosure within your heart, evil things will brew. Those things he called “mouryou.”

Built upon calamities of emotion, Madhouse effectively released a series worthy of a masterpiece. Mouryou no Hako hits a delectable balance, with extensive background in supernatural folklore, mystery, and science fiction – all tying in to a well-done and extensive detective, mystery story. This is how horror and mystery should be done!

Story: 9

At first glance, the story seems to be about two girls – one girl who has problems at home and the other, a seemingly perfect girl, who tells her that she will be the reincarnation of ... the other and vice-versa. Then there’s a disturbing part where a mysterious man has a box in his hands, and voices coming out of it. Further down the road, you will follow detective Kiba as he tries to find out what’s going on. Do not be thrown off by the first episode’s foreshadow and its yuri themes (I might also add that Anime News Network found the first episode very compelling with “heart-achingly beautiful yuri.”) It is simply the preamble of Mouryou no Haku as to what you will see. There is also an amazing string of characters (A lot I might add) that tie in to the story and reveal connections. Indeed, Mouryou no Hako can be confusing at first, but as you follow the series, everything opens up in a mythological-like story. The story offers metaphors shrouded in secrecy, your mind questioning the whole box stuff (WTF moments too), and eventually leaving you blown as it all ties together in the end.

Mouryou no Hako is indeed a multi-layered mystery/detective story. It can be complex to the point where the viewer does not understand what’s going on. Of course, this series isn’t spoon-fed to you. You actually have to think, and that’s what makes this series so great.

Art: 10 Sound: 8

The animation, quality, and design were all nicely done. CLAMP finished off the designs with a professional touch while Madhouse did the animation wonderfully. If you thought Higurashi no Naku Koro ni was disturbing (It was actually), then you haven’t seen anything…yet. The gore, limbs, abstract scenes, and other “things” were certainly something. Not just enough for one to go all squeamish, though. The movements were detailed and subtle, with the backgrounds leaving a sense of awe for the viewer. Everything looked so amazing, crisp, and detailed therefore giving this piece a solid 10.

Opening theme: Lost in Blue by Nightmare

Ending theme: Naked Love by Nightmare

The music and insert sounds were also nicely played throughout the series. I actually bought the OST for this. The soundtrack is amazingly nice to listen to. With the opening and ending by Nightmare, it adds a nice touch to this prodigious piece. I would say that this was definitely one of Madhouse’s best OP/ED’s.

Overall: 8.5

No, I can’t rate this a 9. Mouryou no Hako is an amazing series, but everything is not perfect. It falls short due to its amount of talking and occasional scene changes with different characters. This certainly isn’t for everyone and thus, may turn people off. Regardless, the series storytelling is the main selling point that makes this anime so unique and refreshing. It is truly unfortunate this anime has been underrated and highly overlooked. One thing is for sure though. There’s something about this anime that leaves a lasting nostalgia or melancholy – and one that allows a few of us to treasure this wonderful rare jewel.

Score: 7.5 and here's why.


Imagine metropolis Tokyo. Full of large display screens, high-rise buildings, lights. People walk at a fast pace, cars honk through traffic, and trains drop off passengers. Now add in two vaguely drawn main characters and allow the seismism to begin. No, actually it's nothing like that. This isn't a Michael Bays' movie with stuff falling all over the place, you know?

Let's get down to business.

Story: 9

Without spoiling the main points, let's get to the point. Follow siblings, Mirai and Yuki Onosawa, into the world of Tokyo Magnitude 8.0. One is in her rebellious teenage stage, the other is a talkative, curious ... boy. As the story unfolds from a pre-earthquake state, the two embark on a journey to Odaiba, an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, Japan (There goes away that mainland Tokyo scenery I just told you about). Little did the two know that what will behold them is a whopping ("Forced", I might add; Just watch for yourself) 8.0 on the Richter scale. The story unravels from there, depicting the hardships, the unpredictable, and a bond that seemingly grows stronger (Without being tedious in discord) as the series winds down. Portraying what would happen if an 8.0 actually hit Tokyo, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 actually does the trick in showing the realism of family, trust, and humanity.

Art: 6

Good grief. What year are we in? The character designs, done by BONES and Kinema Citrus, could've been way better. It looked as though a first year elementary/grade school student did the work on the characters. In
that sense, the characters seemed "flat." The buildings and whatnot aren't too bad. But I'd tell you this. The animation quality could've used some more work on cell overlays and whatnot. However straightforward, the anime is still very effective in executing its job. Designs alone aren't judgmental in Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.

Sound: 10

With the widening chaos (Pictures) in the opening theme and a seemingly happy ending theme, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 did an excellent job in showing surrealism through the themes. The songs are pretty good, and go well
with the anime.

Opening Theme: "キミノウタ (Kimi no Uta)" by abingdon boys school
Ending Theme: "M/elody" by Shion Tsuji

The insert sounds, such as windows cracking and buildings falling, aren't too bad either. Put that in HD Audio and you got yourself something serious.

Character: 10

As stated in the Story review, the main characters undergo through carnage, building upon their indestructible (I don't know if that is the right word) bond along with bike rider, Mari. They undertake tough choices, cower from seemingly powerful aftershocks and other dangers, and most importantly, set an emotional standpoint where the viewer can see and sympathsize with. That, I believe, is the important element in Tokyo Magnitude 8.0's characters.

Enjoyment/Overall: 7.5

Albeit the "forced" situations and poorly drawn characters, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is still a must-see. In fact, it is a one of a kind anime - truly unique in that sense that it deals with realism. *This* realism that deals with the situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.

Side note: You will love life.

**Monster Story**

Gatari is voicing form of Katari. Katari is a tale which by oral tradition, is passed down from generation to generation. Thereby, the words "Bakemono" means monster and "monogatari" means story. Thus, you get "Bakemonogatari" which is an anime that contains tales of monsters.

Alright, enough of the trivia. Let's get down to business.

Story: 9

It'd be very difficult to describe the story without letting out spoilers. With that in mind, I can only tell you that Bakemonogatari is a collection of monster tales that are revelant to life. The story depicts surrealism and "supernatural phenomenons" amongst people, which occur when the main character, Araragi, interacts ... with them.

Art: 10

Once again, SHAFT saves the day! SHAFT is well known for their artistic techniques to portray abstract scenes. Their other works, such as Ef - A Fairy Tale of the Two, are very much similiar. Bakemonogatari utilizes many, unique camera angles that are relevant or not relevant to what is being said. Such scenes could be the sky, cars, the character's hair, etc. Additionally, multiple screens and walls of text pop up to give the viewer a sense of abstract understanding.

Sound: 10

The music is amazing. I don't really know anyone who dislikes the OP and Ending themes. To make Bakemonogatari interesting, director Akiyuki Shinbo, allowed only a few episodes to have certain OP/Endings and mix them so it won't get boring. Indeed, it's nothing like your standard anime where there is the same boring OP and Ending played over and over. The insert music is also very excellent.
OP:
#01: "staple stable" by Chiwa Saito (Eps. 2, 6)
#02: "Kaerimichi (帰り道)" by Emiri Katou (Ep. 4)
End:
#01: "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (君の知らない物語)" by supercellxnagi

Character: 8

The reason for the 8 is because, I feel the characters aren't being introduced thoroughly. Of course, it's understandable that Bakemonogatari will only be 15 episodes - thus they have to "pack and condense" the character development (Tales) to fit the 15 episodes. Had Bakemonogatari been 24 episodes though, I think overall character growth would be KILLER. The romance between tsundere-Senjougahara and male lead-Araragi is pretty nice, however.

Enjoyment/Overall: 9

Beside the story and character development-in-15-episodes, Bakemonogatari deserves a good two thumbs up. Also, for a anime having a tsundere female, I'd say it REALLY stands out from Shakugan no Shana or Zero no Tsukaima. Albeit the many interesting anime coming in 2009, Bakemonogatari is certainly something else. It's unique because it stands out from your traditional anime. It is as if Bakemonogatari is wearing a green shirt while the other anime series wear white.To put it bluntly, Bakemonogatari offers this sense of upmost perfect surrealism that is damn near addicting.

Bakemonogatari (Monster Story) is definitely a MUST-SEE.