As this anime season started (2015/2016) I looked through the new upcoming anime. Boku dake ga Inai Machi or ERASED wasn't on my list. I just read through the Synopsis and decided that I am not interested in this kind of story. It says something like a man who try to make his living as a manga artist has to prevent terrible accidents around him because he has to repeat time each and every time something terrible is going to happen around him. I thought that this is a rather plain set up for an anime although I really like the non "I am the hero and fight evil with my shiny armor and or my mecha" genre (^-^). Well so far without real spoilers. If you continue to read (which I would appreciate) you are going to face some spoilers (I try to limit them to a minimum) Be told that you will have a great time watching this anime espacially if you like anime with a bit more complex storyline and a great story to tell. Let's start ;)
I watched the first episode while riding the train home from work - I decided to give it a shot because a lot of people recommended this anime. In the end a post on 9gag and a recommendation from a really close person were the reason I watched this. Anyways back to the topic: The story reminds a bit of "Butterfly Effect" and I can tell you this anime used this topic in a geniually way. It was great to see how the story is build and also the twists and turns in it. 10 out of 10 for me.
Regarding the Art of this anime I cannot tell you much. I like the Art because it was something different than all these flashy anime. There was great use of light, the characters were well drawn and the surroundings look pretty. I enjoyed watching the style of the anime and the great implementation of the sound. Sadly I have to conduct one point due to the opening which was not in my favor. I do not think that the opening corresponds well with the anime itself. 10 out of 10 again for Arts and still 9 out of 10 for the Music due to the songs/melodies used during the anime.
I think if you like the story , the art and music of an anime it can still be ruined by miserably characters which do not have a perosnality. This is absolutely NOT accurate for this anime. In my opinion the main character was a unique character that developed during the 12 episodes and became a grown-up. I could now tell you about each character and tell you what I liked about them but I will shorten it: there is no character I disliked :P
I have to say it again I really enjoyed watching this anime. I couldn't turn it of I had to watch another episode and another one. Now I am finished and I have the feeling of "emptiness" again after a long time. There isonly one thing I could "critizise" about the anime. The outcome of the couples. I would have liked it a bit different (not gonna say more).
To sum up I have to say that this anime shows us in a twisted and unnatural way that it is important to keep connections with your friends. Care for them and try to hold a long relationship. I know that it is difficult to stay in touch but I think to keep a childhood freed for a long time is essential for your happiness in live. Keep your friends close and "shall I tell you how to muster courage?" - Yuki, Jun Shiratori
