With that in mind, I decided to write about
Boogiepop Series, with a greater focus on its 2019 adaptation, but making some comparison to its first adapted anime.
In general terms, the story refers to several strange events, sometimes given their mysterious nature, sometimes their supernatural nature, which occur in a certain city. The appearance of a strange and flashy beam of light in the sky of that city, the sudden disappearance of students, a new drug, a serial killer, in addition to an alleged supernatural apparition, according to popular rumors, of a shinigami: a reaper, a messenger of death, involved in every alleged murder. Added to that, a young girl acting as a vigilante of justice, trying to fight the hidden mysteries of that place.
At first glance, Boogiepop Series distills complexity, which is therefore confirmed in its first episodes, out of chronological order, and its constant non-linear writing.
But, unlike other works of this follow-up, such as Serial Experiments and Paranoia Agent, Boogiepop Series did not reach as much popularity as these pillars of the genre. In my view, much of the erroneous cult of the complex by parts of people who probably didn't even understand about its plots.
Without many spoilers that compromise the experience of those who haven't watched it yet, Boogiepop, whether in its initial adaptation (Phantom) or in its most recent adaptation (Wa Warawanai), has something very passionate: how much it instigates the listener in the smallest details.
The story, in so many moments following a non-linear order, tells us the events from the point of view of different characters. The fact of not being tied to a single protagonist gives us an overview, far from any philosophical-ideological bias, about the functioning of the world and society.
Boogiepop, who is more of an observer than a shinigami, a killer of people who reach the height of their beauty (as described in his urban legend). It is a supernatural apparition that manifests itself in Miyashita Touka's body to protect the world from the Enemies of Humanity.
A dual personality? A strong desire coming from Touka to do something for someone? A strong sense of impunity? We don't know for sure what made this supernatural being choose the young student.
Contrary to what one might imagine, these enemies of humanity are not just other evil apparitions, with a thirst for world domination, or driven by a strong desire for revenge, as they are in many cliché works that approach the supernatural. Such enemies are any and all beings that, moved by their bad feelings, take attitudes that cause harm to others, including human beings.
The human element is what really influences the supernatural aspect. As in Boogiepop Phantom, feelings take physical form through strange insects, in Warawanai, in the arc of the Ghoul of fear, although the doctor is human, she becomes one of humanity's enemies due to her committed attitudes.
The opposite of this is also valid, when non-humans can be considered defenders and not enemies of humanity.
First the Scarecrow who, although he actively contributed to the propagation of the drug that led humans to their evolution, had his moment of redemption, through Boogiepop. Showing us that, even if submerged in such remorse, even in the midst of negative thinking about personal change, if there is a sincere desire, there will be hope.
As well as Echos, even though he was an apparition with the potential to be one of humanity's enemies, he comes to choose to defend others with the good he received.
"Please remember that Suema. There's a difference between missing the old days and being stuck in the past. Just as the city has to change over time, it's important for people to move forward. with their lives. I know you understand.''
It is in Boogiepop's words that we perceive the evident character of personal choice.
In both the Panuru arc and the King of Distortion, the central figure is personal feelings. A heart full of reversed feelings is capable of causing distortion on the outside of the person. That's why there are those who sincerely try to be better for those around them, even though they make decisions contrary to what they want. This is the distortion caused by these feelings.
"If your feelings aren't gold yet, I'm sure nothing else in this world can shine."
Likewise, we have the influence of feelings being addressed in the Panuru arc. Misuzu, although always being positive about life, carried a burden of sorrows and regrets in her heart, always making up these feelings in search of a false positivity, where everything in the world appears to be beautiful.
This way of looking at life couldn't be more wrong. Closing your eyes and accepting everything as a way of overcoming is abominable. In this way, the person hides the pain and does not allow himself to feel what is needed. When you don't put the sufferings out, at some point this feeling will explode and make you go crazy. In other words, this wonderful world of Panuru is an illusion. A distortion.
This is Boogiepop Series. Difficult, complex. But not only that... It is an enigmatic journey into what human nature is and what could be. A story with a serious plot, addressing topics such as regrets, envy, hatred, suicide.
Man is not man's own wolf. Man is not corrupted by society. If this should come to pass, and this man should be lost, it was his choice. He corrupts it himself.
And you? Are you an ally or an enemy of society? Ally or enemy of yourself?
"A world that cannot be dreamed of or thought of in the future... Such a world is wrong. But unfortunately, I am not the one who will fight it. That responsibility is yours."
Boogiepop.
