Strait Jacket

Put simply, Strait Jacket is what would happen if Fullmetal Alchemist and Hellsing were fused into one show. It is a world where magic is studied like a science but misused by the powers that be in service of some grand conspiracy to horrifying effect, but also a story where a jaded and irreverent loose cannon with a haunted past hunts monsters for a living all while dragging along some poor public servant who just wanted to do her job as she becomes attached to him over time. Alternatively, it can also be described as rated R Fullmetal Alchemist. All of this is to say ... that it comes together to great effect, especially if you have a penchant for unapologetically edgy 2000s anime. I actually have a past with this anime that I had totally forgotten about until I stumbled upon it, beginning what I suppose could be called a rewatch. Back when I was a kid, the Syfy channel used to show a lot of mature, thematically heavy shows, and this was one of the ones I managed to catch. I distinctly remember the first demon transformation scene scaring the absolute shit out of me, but also that the show in general was simply magnetic. Beginning with the story, right off the bat, it's the strongest aspect of the anime, which is impressive considering it's only a few episodes. The worldbuilding is rock solid, with an engaging, three-dimensional concept that allows for a lot of room to improvise and grow. Then, Strait Jacket puts this intriguing world to use in service of a story which is gritty, gory, and effortlessly cool. I found myself moved by the tragedies and the trials of this world and the characters in it, rooting for their successes and feeling for their many losses as smooth, contemplative dialogue takes place in just the right amounts at just the right times. The whole arc of the story felt controlled and well-paced, reaching its conclusion with an artful finish. Speaking of which, the art is broadly quite good, embodying that edgy 2000s vibe flawlessly. The gunmetal machines, the armored trenchcoats, the small shades, they're all there and their presence can't be missed for a moment. The backgrounds are amazing, especially the architectural and interior aesthetic of the city, making for a gorgeous built environment drawing from western design philosophy, which contrasts starkly with the bloody gore and the horrible monsters. Furthermore, the gore, which is ubiquitous and gratuitous, is 'gross' in a way that can be appreciated and not gross in a way which provokes a sense of disgust. It adds to the story, especially when all the body horror monstrosities are turned into meaty chunks of flesh. The character design is very strong, with a sense of identity that marks this show out as something all its own, while still obviously being a product of the era in which it was produced, the only real visual flaw being the occasional instance of emotional stiffness from certain character expressions. More succinctly, my feedback on the character design also speaks to how I feel about the art design as a whole- it's just very satisfying. This show knows what it is, and boldly pursues that vision of itself, reaching that goal and surpassing it. The vision of Strait Jacket is one which has been translated almost effortlessly into anime. The sound is good, meeting all standards of quality, with a strong soundtrack and well-made dub. The characters are strong, though some of the more peripheral individuals have a tendency towards some mild flatness. Of the characters, my favorites are Isaac Hammond and Kapeltetha. Isaac is such a strong character that one could even argue that this tragic tale is meant to be his own, viewed from the outside. At first it seems like he's going to be your bog standard coworker rival type character, but then he evolves and transforms into this brutal tragic antihero, even putting our MC's edge to shame. Then, Kapeltetha is a unique case in that besides being rather unusual herself, her relationship with Reiott is one that's complex and interesting, adding much-needed depth to him as the two interact, contrasting with her aloof and almost analytical attitude, which itself contrasts with her physical appearance as a mysterious yet decidedly unimposing girl that one would initially expect to be nervous or unsure of herself. Overall, Strait Jacket is severely underrated, and deserves recognition as a solid 2000s edgelord gorefest. I'm glad to see it held up after all this time, and as such, it's an easy title to recommend.

In the fantastical realm of Strait Jacket, the line between magic and mechas is as blurred as your vision after a wild night of binge-watching. In this mind-bending world, forget about traditional magic spells—here, the real magic lies in transforming everyday weapons into futuristic sci-fi mechas! Who needs a wand when you can have a metallic monstrosity?

Our protagonist, the almighty magic user, takes it upon himself to battle these 'demons' in an action-packed extravaganza. Brace yourself for a plot that's as simple as it gets, with just enough twists and conspiracies to keep you mildly entertained. The animation is decent, but the true star of ... the anime: the character designs, were well-detailed and distinctive.

The soundtrack jumps from epic orchestral scores to soothing atmospheric tunes, providing a rollercoaster of musical emotions that somehow fits the dieselpunk setting. Unfortunately, it seems like someone cast a hasty spell on this anime. The rushed pacing leaves character development feeling shallow and plot points as clear as mud.

The anime still manages to deliver some entertainment value. If you're into brutal and exciting action, this anime might scratch that itch. It's a wild ride for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, or those who have an unexplainable affinity for dieselpunk/steampunk settings.

Just a small note: the original release of Strait Jacket was a 3-episode OVA. However, an 'International Ver.' later emerged, offering an updated version with improved animation and reworked scenes. If you're seeking the complete experience, be sure to grab the movie edition for a more refined viewing.

Strait Jacket is full of interesting ideas that other anime do better. There is nothing special about the series which spends most of its time fleshing out characters that bear no real relevance to the plot. The animation is dated, and while there are moments of action it is plagued by poor pacing and character development. Many of the characters have no purpose, there is no character growth, and nothing of real importance occurs during the runtime. The ending is predictable and unenjoyable. It seems like this OVA was created solely for fans of the light novel and no one ... else.