The show demonstrates the theme of memories and establishes many questions and food for thought: the value of memories, what it means to lose memories, the value of he human being extending to the humans’ subconscious, the value of remembering a loved one, what it means to hide the wounds of the past, all such concepts are consistently categorized within the theme of memories, which can make a viewer think. The show runs on an episodic fashion – and though I am not normally an advocator of these sorts of series, I will give Kaiba credit, as it kept its themes consistent and characters do develop to the point for me having the courtesy to care about them.
Story is a bit lacking in certain places, and that is probably mostly due to the Sheriff being a bit of wasted potential – it might infer to Kaiba’s attempt in comprehending human care and emotion, though I don’t seem to see that from him, even when the show is ending, there is just a ‘lack thereof’ an aftermath.
Progression to the real plot doesn’t happen until 7 episodes in, and I thought the show would simply be a coming of age road story and for the MC to finally mature. After that though, the whole ‘save the world’ part just felt crammed in quite unnecessarily – I personally didn’t have as much enjoyment at that point, as the whole plot seems to zoom very quickly and we only get like five minutes or even far less, to ‘cram’ in the other character back stories which (though still better than a character merely to serve as a plot device) is just lacking and feels rushed. Maybe there was deeper message, that directing your pain to the world is “Not” a good idea? I thought it would make a better show if it were more of a road journey.
I cannot stress that Yuasa is truly one of the most unique anime directors out there; the unconventional art style, with its basic forms of anatomical caricature, and the curved geometry that blends both artificial and biological designs gives the show a child-like aesthetic, which fits the show perfectly.
Overall, a show that makes you think and if you want something truly different from all the modern shows, then this is definitely one of those gems for any anime veteran or anyone really into finding good anime in general, should watch. Far from perfect - especially in the end - but that does not stop it from being great.
