Banana Fish was originally published in a 1980s shoujo magazine, and is often misconceived as boys’ love and yaoi. These labels overlook what Banana Fish really is at its core. And the shoujou demographic distorts what this anime really represents: drugs, rape, PTSD and more.
Even the crime and mafia scene of Banana Fish and those terms above aren’t what the show is all about. If you only look at it that way, you will miss the incredible literary themes and nuances that this show explores. Banana Fish is a tragedy that follows the story of Ash Lynx, and the beauty and ugly in life.
Banana Fish dives pretty much right into the story, and successfully uses its first episodes to reveal the character’s backstories, motivations and tension. Unfortunately, the second half of the show was sometimes rushed and repetitive, given that it only had 24 episodes to cover a 19-volume manga. Despite that, Banana Fish never failed at being enjoyable, and its well-developed characters made up for the clumsy plot developments.
The characters, which are the most important element of any story, was Banana Fish’s strongest point. They are engaging and masterfully-crafted, and are consistently developed throughout the narrative. Ash is the most carefully thought out character of the series, who sways from his tough persona to his vulnerable, childlike one. His beautifully complex relationship with Eiji, although not the focus of the story, is very important. In fact, each and every relationship Ash has brings the story forward. His whole life, Ash has been the provider. Eiji shows him what it’s like to be provided for. As for the antagonists of the series, with the exception of Blanca and Yut-Lung, they are oversimplified and uninteresting. However, this may be to avoid glorifying rapists and giving them sympathetic backstories, which goes against the story Banana Fish was trying to tell.
The art and animation, done by studio MAPPA, is breathtaking. The subtle things they did with the cinematography gives it the same feel of watching a live action. The music for the openings and endings BE BUSSIN, however the soundtracks are forgettable.
Banana Fish is a rare gem that doesn’t follow stereotypical characters and recipes of a lot of popular anime. It touches on sensitive topics and shows us the dark sides of our world, while also bringing out the beauty. Yes, it’s a rather simple story, but it’s themes and characters make it complex and a show worth thinking about, a show that resonates with you for a long time. Akimi Yoshida was able to take risks and break stereotypes over thirty years ago and create a story that remains impactful today. The show is far from perfect, but it’s raw emotion and spectacular action make it unforgettable. There is no other anime like Banana Fish. It’s a story no one should ever overlook.
**Topics of PTSD, rape and violence may be triggering for some, please take care of yourself watching this series or avoid it all together.
