Apr 29, 2016
While watching Erased, I was reminded of why I loved Death Note so much. Both stories start out with a fantasy/ sci-fi style twist, and rather than centering on their paranormal plot devices, tell a compelling story that focuses instead on the internal struggle of it's characters.
Satoru Fujinuma has been given the chance we often dream of. After a life-shattering event occurs in his present of 2003, his mind travels back in time into the body of his 1988 self. Seeing himself as a sort of super-hero, he embarks on a journey to prevent a series of horrible crimes from ever occurring.
Without getting
...
into spoilers, the series provides an even mix of the fun represented by young Satoru and his elementary school friends and the suspense of the mystery that he's trying to solve. It's a thrill to see him do everything he can to help people he's never even met, aspiring to be a hero not because he lusts for power or revenge, but because he wants to protect those who need protecting.
The art and sound design of Erased are great. The animation is spot-on and the music does a fantastic job of conveying the emotion of every scene. Learning more about what Japan was like in 1988 was a treat as well.
I'd recommend Erased to anyone who likes a good mystery anime, or anyone who's sick of ninjas and magical girls who wants a more down-to-earth story. It's smart, doesn't pull any punches, and has a lot of heart. The relationships that Satoru forms through the series are a true joy to experience. The conclusion may not be what fans are expecting, but you won't want to erase this one from your list.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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