Story : 8/10
To get a brief idea about what this series is all about, I could say that it is generally inspired to be one of classic superhero-villain shows that are easy to get into with. The main focus of the story is towards the pathetic life of our hero-to-be Inuyashiki Ichirou who is having it hard for ones at their golden age. Somehow, he is able to gain a total turn around after acquiring some sort of superpower due to a certain obscure incident which are able to let him accomplish what he use to believe as impossible before. But little did he know about the existence of another similar one as him besides the fact to what extent do the abilities of theirs will influence the fate of humankind.
As for the storyboard, I think it is a good approach to embrace the contrasts between the two main characters with similar abilities by their thoughts and doings in every day life. As each of them was in different dilemmas that lead to how they define their actions to be relevant at their respective point of views regardless of others' judgments toward their deeds. This somehow explains their means in exploiting their powers in such various ways that in turns provide the whole purpose for each of them to either be a superhero or the supervillain of the series, supposedly judged from the public's perception.
Even for a great idea for such a series, there are still rooms for improvement that can be criticized due to the flaws in the plot building of the story. The most obvious ones are for bunch of unexplained scenes that are remain unanswered till the end of the show, which some might find disturbing to accept as presence of plotholes resemble an imperfect show. But as a fan, I guarantee that viewers might be able to overlook some of them as the main idea of the story does not actually revolve around the unexplained ones and more focusing towards the characters' stand points which are well written.
Art : 8/10
I think it is a great choice in assigning MAPPA Studios for the animation of the series, as they got good track records for their brilliant works on bunch of other anime series such as Kakegurui and Zankyou no Terror. Moreover, the art style for this series has some unique elements that aren't very generic, with its surreal sci-fi theme included by a nice touch of cyberpunk features that complement its seriousness of a seinen anime which need to be done very well in order to not mess up such a great series. Other than that, MAPPA also included some CG animation on certain aspects that require accurate details like the robotic scraps of the cyborg bodies besides the choreography of some fight scenes. Apart from the typical perceptions of the anime community towards bad CG animation, I preferably think that the one in this series is not much of a disappointment as it is nicely done and legitimately watchable. However, the animated design of the characters seem a bit off in my opinion, due to lack of vivacity for the characters' looks. This somehow makes the characters to be stoics in certain circumstances because of the poor designs that unable to embrace their facial expressions perfectly.
Sound : 8/10
The sound arrangement for the entire series are not to be much complained, as it is done at high-end scale. All of the bombastic actions included in the scenes are accompanied by adequate and great sound effects to intensify the enjoyment experienced by the viewer. For the soundtrack of the opening, it is not much of an exceptional one for me which is a rock theme song with the background scene of an unearthly mad video clip. However, the ending song is what to be talk about as it is able to hook me into with its delightful ballad song that will definitely set as an affecting memorabilia for the series to be reminisced over.
Credits definitely should be given to our man, Fumiyo Konihata for his excellent job in voicing the main for the series - Inuyashiki Ichirou as each and every inch of personalities are perfectly portrayed by the expressions and toning of the voice that totally amplify the character's emotional state. Not to be mentioned, the voice acting for other roles such as the side characters are also well done.
Character 9/10
The design for the character's features and personalities are very good to be fairly said. It is not to be argued about the development of the characters, as it is considered to not be undercooked yet in addition able to encompass not only for the mains but also included most of the side characters that revolve around the stories. The whole idea of superhero-villain concept is an exemplary with the pure-hearted innocent old man that resembles an ideal humanity traits over the complex minded and self centered psychopath that denies the whole equity of others. Besides, the role of the villain is absolutely distinct from other shows with maniac persona and pure violent actions which spotlighted by his epic entrance during the introduction of the character.
Enjoyment : 9/10
As for my personal enjoyment, I definitely hooked in to watch the entire series in one go eventhough I had never stumbled upon the original work of the manga nor the author of the series. It is majorly due to my interests in the particular characters aside from getting stuck by the cliffhangers. More or less do I sound pretty bias in this context yet I as an individual, think that this series really hold a strong values and qualities to be appreciated by the viewers. Likewise, many messages and moral values are well delivered for such a short series like Inuyashiki.
Overall : 9/10
To put it in a nutshell, I highly recommend this series to those who are seeking for short series that can means to you apart for others who enjoy some action stuff for an overpower character. Putting aside all of the gore scenes and bizarre matters, Inuyashiki is considered to be among the great among its kind for all of you to invest your time with and try to give it a go.
