*A spoiler free review*
This is the first prequel to the original Genetic Sodom Ilegenes light novels. Set in a bio punk setting with some dystopia feeling, Kokuyou no Kiseki is a solemn, unassuming and almost bleak drama mystery. And I liked it far more than I thought I would. So what is it all about?
Seeing the cover, I though this would be one of those depressing stories about pretty boys snuggling cutely in a miserable world. What I found instead was a well-made story about genetic advancement and it's impact to the value of humanity. It's also a story about friendship, but most of all it's a character arc about self-discovery, a personal journey of our protagonist Fon.
The story seemingly starts as a boarding school type of story about life in a military academy and feuds between it's low-borne and high-borne students, but it soon turns more into a low-key revenge thriller. There's mysteries surrounding the world and characters, and while they are not that hard to figure out, they give the story a distinct, uncertain feeling. Corruption and ethical conflicts also give their own dark flavor to taste and ponder.
I won't lie, most of the characters are kinda forgettable. This is mainly Fon's story and we get to spend most of our time with him and peel the layers off the mysteries the same time he does. Because I could understand what he thinks and feels, I genuinely became to like him. However, my favorite character among all was Jacques with his irresistible laid-back attitude and somewhat mysterious presence.
The art is sadly not made by the a-mazing Nanae Chrono who made the illustration for the light novels but it's fine and fitting. The art is clean and simple with few grey tones and the focus on the characters over backgrounds. The faces are easily distinguishable and expressive and you can almost tell the significance of the character by how detailed they are. The important scenes are more vivid and thought out and chapter covers are especially beautiful.
We like to think that we do everything for our own reasons. This story delves into that and raises questions about acting because of your own volition versus acting upon someone else's wishes when the goal is still the same. Also, are we allowed to change the views about ourselves and the world around us? Can we decide what is a life worth living for someone else? Thought-provoking in it's own silent way, this is a story that sticks to you. It's not entirely intact, but the world is intriguing and I'd like to read more about it in the future.
TL;DR
Refreshingly low-key and approachable, Ilegenes: Path of Obsidian is a simple yet absorbing mystery drama about genetic manipulation, human rights and revenge. While being targeted to shoujo demographic, I'd gladly recommend this well-made story to other audience as well, especially to the fans of philosophical stories and bio punk.
