I'll go through the other sections first though.
The artwork in this is very much in keeping with the second series. It's sharp and well animated, if not a bit too dark at times, but then it is called Darker than BLACK (gotta count for something eh?). Nothing much wrong with the art or the animation without being overly exceptional at any aspect.
Now's where things become a bit more touchy. The sound, in terms of Voice-overs, are fine. The main VAs return and do a good job. But the music compared to the series seems a bit lackluster. The only redeeming music score I found was in the last episode, with a melancholy vibe generated by a piano & violin (?) number that played out a signicant sequence well (without spoiling). It's a shame because I thought the music complimented the 2nd series very well, but then this is only a special.
The character situation is also a split decision, ultimately depending on whether you liked Hei from series 1 or series 2 better. If it's the former, you'll probably enjoy it more. The no-nonsense action is back too, with the battle scenes becoming quite intense at times as Hei jets around the area eliminating enemies. There are more signs of compassion from Hei here, similar to that seen in series 2, so BONES have tried to cater for both. Some of the other characters, such as Claude also do serve a decent purpose in trying to lead the awakening of Izanami in what he feels will help contractors rule the human race.
But that isn't the problem. The problem is that the specials are trying to bridge the gap for the 1st to 2nd series. That should include the developments in the characters from how they made the transition from each series. There wasn't alot of development here. Hei suddenly gained a drinking problem any the only conclusion that can be made as to why is because of depression. But if your answering questions, why be so vauge about it? Thats only making the specials harder to understand. Nor does Yin (not Izanami) develop, as the audience can form their own conclusion that Yin love Hei at the end of the 1st series anyway. It's just saying it that she hadn't done.
This is just part of the problem with the narrative. While some loose ends are tied, some obvious ones are not. Why did Hei go to Russia? How did they (the CIA) know that Shion was such an important influence in the Awakening process? Was it detailed in the Mitaka documents? These were not explained among others.
*SPOILER WARNING*
Other inconsistences include the fact that upon awakening, Inzanami didn't kill Hei but killed the rest. Why? Is it because of Izanagi? (see S2) Is it because Yin stopped them for killing him? And if Hei is supposed to be a contractor that are emotionless, then why couldn't he kill her when she asked for it?
*SPOILER OVER*
And this is the problem with Gaiden. Yes, it does answer some of the questions that the 2nd series conjured up. But it only lead to more confusion in the process. Not only that, but having to cram it into four 24 minute specials really do give the end product a rushed feel, a slighlt unfinished feel.
I'm not saying to avoid these specials, because it will help to detail what happened between series. But that doesn't stop it feeling rushed and still with holes in it.
To Conclude: It does it's job, but feels as though they tried to get this done and distribute it as soon as possible. It feels rushed, but it does still feel like DtB, which is probably why many will not agree with my conclusion. But hey! A review is to voice your own critical opinion right?
Note: Add 1 to the overall score if you absolutely loved the first series action.
SpudUK
