I remember the hype waiting for this anime to be released, I can tell you now, it was worth the wait. For the longest time I had been searching for an anime THIS damn good. Just how good is it? Well let me explain.
From the third episode in I was so hooked I jumped on board the manga like there was no tomorrow and smashed that out within the day. I LOVED IT, and without comparing it to the manga itself, I can firmly say that this anime went above and beyond my expectations.
Story: 8
It was refreshing to see a new mystery anime come out this year, and I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It seemed to tick all the right boxes (mostly) and really had me on the edge of my seat every episode. To put it simply, a 29 year old man named Satoru has the ability to go back in time – revival – to fix up the past whenever bad things arise. Now this seems like the main plot, but woven within this is so much more. This anime tackles issues that are very relevant today and it succeeds. Without spoiling anything, I will say there is more than just murder and time travelling madness.
What I am a little bit picky about is the time travelling itself, and yes there are plot holes if you think too far ahead. Like, how did Satoru grow up after he left his 10 year old self, who is he then? And couldn’t he just keep going back in time to always win? I guess with time travelling animes, what can you do, right?
Another thing to point out is probably the anti-climactic ending. It was VERY different from the manga, and so it left me to believe that there will not be another season. I know that this anime is considered a ‘mystery’, but really? I think the baddie was a bit obvious, and when you find out who it is, trust me, you’ll be sorely disappointed. But you know what? It still has that thrill to it.
Art: 10
STUNNING. I love this style and I wish that more anime’s looked like this. The characters looked unique and the use of colours for symbolism is amazing. Especially the colour red. The art style itself was beautiful, and honestly I liked it better than the manga although they are quite similar. But seriously, the use of the block colouring and the character designs were done so well and used appropriately. Not to mention those flashbacks used as a film reel, and that tree in the snow, pretty damn smart. A ++ in this department.
Sound: 9
Loved it. Catchy OP, and really made me feel nostalgic and old for some reason, which I think was the point. The intense scenes were intense and the sad scenes were sad. It always fit the mood perfectly, and never was it used inappropriately. The ED not to mention was also very smooth. Love the soundtrack for Erased.
Character: 9
Is it weird to ship a 29 year old with a 10 year old girl? In any other situation, hell yeah it would be, but though it seems really weird, in the case of Erased, this works perfectly. Don't believe me?
Just watch it and you’ll understand.
What I love about all these characters is the fact that they are all somewhat realistic. This entire anime just seemed so real.
Satoru was a great mc, I loved his complex mind and caring heart. He was flawed, not perfect, and this is what I loved (which is probably why he continuously goes back in time). How the anime managed to make a 29 year old an adorable 10 year old boy is beyond me.
Now I know we’ve all seen and been accustomed to that one quiet, emotionless, Kuudere, girl who seems rather typical, but for Hinazuki, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND PERFECTLY. Her quiet, shut off personality goes through character development that will make you cry. No joke. I love the relationship built upon the characters, it was taken at a perfect pace, and just made perfect sense.
As for the other characters, you’ll love them too. The mum character who usually is useless, is not, and that annoying teen girl who is happy for no reason is not. Even though that one character Kenya is somewhat unbelievable (because let’s be honest, no 10 old is that smart unless you were truly 29), you’ll love him anyway. The baddie on the other hand was pretty much just a bad-guy. I mean, sure he had a reason, but I feel like in the manga it was explained so much better.
So, were the characters typical? No.
Were they extremely unique and original? As good as it can get.
I always find it hard to give 10 stars in this department, but I sure will give Erased a 9.
Overall: 9
The anime was actually better than the manga, or at least I enjoyed it better. The visuals were stunning and the story, sound and characters worked in harmony. As much as I would love there to be a second season, I don’t really see how they could do it. After all, murder mysteries can only last for so long, and with the element of the supernatural, I don’t think it can really stretch that far without it becoming repetitive or just making no sense at all. So if you are wondering why Erased has gained so much popularity, go watch it. Don’t listen to those people who call you mainstream, just watch this anime and receive the tears that Hinazuki did as she cried over bacon and eggs.
