Anyway, Inuyashiki is, indeed, a better version of Gantz. Yet, if you have never heard of Gantz, or if you do not want to watch this anime only because of the fact that Gantz was too much for you, do not jump to any unnecessary conclusions yet. As a fan of Gantz there is a 90% chance that you will highly appreciate this series, because sometimes Inuyashiki is just too realistic, but later about that. For those who have never heard of Gantz, you are in a better position. I do not have to explain you anything.
Inuyashiki Ichirou is a living embodiment of misfortune: he is only 58 years old, but he looks like he is actually 70 something years old. He earns money for his family and tries not to be a burden for his family, at the same time his family sees him only as a source of money. In addition to this, the main protagonist of the series finds out that he has cancer at an incurable stage. Having heard the news, Ichirou heads back home to explain the whole situation to his family and when he is about to engage in this rather tragic conversation with his family, he understands that his family does not care. Can it even become worse now? And the answer is yes. Ichirou goes for a walk with his only true friend, his dog. Being in the position where no one actually cares about you, the man speaks with his fluffy buddy, which is the only living being that he can talk to. Suddenly, Inuyashiki Ichirou notices a young man standing nearby. A strong blinding light in the night sky strikes the earth where Ichirou and the young man stand. He later wakes up to find out that he is no longer ill and that his body is now something that can either save, or destroy the world. How the new superhero is going to use that power? And what is he now?
If you are a fan of Hiroya Oku sensei, I am sure that you will give this series a try. The main thing I have to say is that this show is very similar to Gantz, but at the same time they both are very different. Inuyashiki is a more realistic series that focuses on the life of the real human beings: their personalities, their fears, and desires are all realistic. Of course, Inuyashiki focuses on science fiction, but at the same time it is something that might be real in 20 something years. However, if you have no idea what Gantz is, or if you are a big hater of this title, I highly recommend you to give Inuyashiki a shot: it is a mature superhero story that has a nice Texhnolyze, Gungrave, Serial Experiments Lain and Ergo Proxy vibe to it. Though, the story does not give a comprehensible explanation on the nature of the superpowers, it still offers the viewer superb story development. Note: the show does explain it, but does it indirectly; I am not going to do the thinkings for you.
Art wise, you should definitely find the biggest TV in your apartment and watch this series on it; that is what I did. The animation is simply splendid. Only after watching the opening you want to watch more and more of it; it is too realistic sometimes. Character designs, background, and action scenes are amazing, too. The only problem; however, is that the anime sometimes uses the Berserk (2016)-like CGI that hurts your eyes. But it is not a bid deal, since it is only used for unnecessary scenes. Sound wise, the anime has some good opening and ending themes, as well as a nice OST. The bad thing; however, is that there should have been more tracks.
Characters wise, it is where the show truly shines. Shishigami Hiro is the exact antithesis of Inuyashiki Ichirou. Though, their fate is quite similar, they are two very different individuals that have different understanding of how they are supposed to use their superpower. The two protagonists receive the same amount of development, which will help you to better understand their characters, their actions, and what is important for them. The supporting cast; however, could have received a better development, but it is also not that important, since they are not the main focus of this series.
Criticism. First, it is way too predictable. Sometimes it is just too obvious to predict what is about to happen. Not most of the times, but sometimes you just want a show to be more unpredictable. Second, it is too realistic and sometimes too emotional. The author complements the author of One Piece in his show and perhaps Hiroya Oku wanted to make his anime somewhat similar to One Piece in its depiction of emotions. It is also sometimes too disturbing: rape, drugs, and deaths following one after another, so it might be a problem for those who are too sensitive, and it is definitely not a show to watch with your younger brother, or sister. However, if you are a fan of a more mature content: an awesome drama with some superb sci-fi elements, I am sure that this show will not leave you unimpressed.
Overall (9/10)
That said, not flawless, but still a very enjoyable show. If you believe that you are mature viewer, I guess that you will find this show enjoyable. It does have a very slow start, but when you realize that you are watching the final episode, you just do not want it to end.
Almost forgot, there is also Donald Trump.
