Please excuse my lack of experience in writing a review*
First of all I want to point out the obvious: this is a horror anime. Now, as I'm sure you know, many directors and companies attempt to make an interesting, original story that has its own never-seen-before plot, however unfortunately miserably fail. I can tell you that right off the bat- Another has everything that other horror animes lack.
The story itself is an eye-catcher. A young girl dies 27 years ago, but is still seen by her class. Is she really dead, or is she a ghost? Are they crazy, or is there something that
...
really makes it able for her to be seen? Right off the bat you're given a mystery that you're aching the find the answer to. As you continue on through the first episode you're given an obvious atmosphere of secrecy. There is something that the people of the village are very afraid of. Something they do not want Kouichi, the leading male roll, to yet find out.
In just the first 3 episodes, more questions have been brought up, and the mystery around Misaki Mei tightens. It's very clear that there is something not right with the girl, and that there is something not right with class 3-3.
Story: I give the story a 9/10 for the time being. I understand that's likely a high praise for an anime with only 3 episodes out, but I strongly believe that within those 3 episodes a great plot line has been presented. I feel that with time it can only grow into a more interesting and an even more attention grabbing story.
Art: I give the art an 8/10. The overall design isn't anything out of the ordinary, there is no out-there characters (Aside from Misaki with her eye patch), however the art and animation is smooth and well detailed. Character deisgn was something I was very impressed with, especially certain characters such as Misaki Mei, and my personal favourite looking character, Mochizuki Yuuya. I would also like to point out the usage of an almost cutscene animation of dolls to show the atmosphere of the setting. I think that was a very smart idea. This, along with the design of each doll, truly adds to the idea that this is a creepy anime.
Sound: I give this an 8/10. I'm going to include the opening and end theme songs within this section, and if it had not been for the voice actors, I would have given the sound a 7/10. I believe the opening and end themes could have been done better, I don't see either fitting for a horror story for Another's type. Personally, I believe something slower and creepier would be more fitting for the opening. I did, however, give it an 8/10. This is because of the voice-actor choices. I was very pleased to hear clear, fitting voices for each character. Especially, once again, Misaki Mei.
Character: I give this a 9/10. Each character has room for development, which is something I like. You know things already about each character that draws you into them. There are questions around each that make you want to know more, that make you want to continue on in hopes of learning about their story. Each character is connected to class 3-3 in some way, and each character has either shown a reaction to Misaki Mei's name, or has mentioned their stance on the matter. It adds to the suspense of how their character will react in certain situations, and also brings questions of what's in store for each.
Enjoyment: Honestly, I'm giving this a 10/10. I know there will be people who agree, but there will also be people who think I'm being a little bit too generous here. However I can fully say that there has never been an anime that has made me ache for the next episode as much as Another has. While watching each episode, I'm instantly drawn in, clinging onto every word, gathering as much information as I can. I've grown to most every character already. I've feared for them, I've pitied them, I've related to them. It's a thing I don't get with many animes out there. Especially not horror animes. Another keeps me glued to the screen, it keeps me interested and it makes me think. Things that I look for in an anime, are things that Another seems to have all wrapped up.
Overall: I give Another a 9/10. The story has opened up in a way that right off the bat catches ones attention. That alone is uncommon, in my eyes. It didn't take long for me to become interested. However as you go on, with each element; Originality, Mystery, and Excitement, you're drawn more and more into the story. It's a great anime if you're looking for those three things.
I strongly recommend this anime to any viewer interested in character development, mysteries and questions, originality, and enjoyable characters. Another gives you just that and much, much more.
Jan 25, 2012
Please excuse my lack of experience in writing a review*
First of all I want to point out the obvious: this is a horror anime. Now, as I'm sure you know, many directors and companies attempt to make an interesting, original story that has its own never-seen-before plot, however unfortunately miserably fail. I can tell you that right off the bat- Another has everything that other horror animes lack. The story itself is an eye-catcher. A young girl dies 27 years ago, but is still seen by her class. Is she really dead, or is she a ghost? Are they crazy, or is there something that ... |