As a seasoned anime veteran, I was drawn in by the bright colors and the art style of "Garden," reminiscent of shows like "Suki de Suki de, Suki de" from the same company. I found the first episode refreshing, like a breath of frosty mountain air. The blossoming relationship between the two main characters felt as delicate as an icicle hanging from a pine tree.
But oh, how the ice cracked by the second episode! Spoilers ahead, my friends: seeing Hitsuji, who seemed poised to be our protagonist's long-term love interest, happy with another man...well, it was like stepping on thin ice and plunging into frigid waters.
Just when you think you're tracking a familiar path, this series throws you off the scent. The intense emotions that followed were as unexpected as a blizzard in June. And yet, behind the kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, a dark and compelling plot lurks in the shadows.
The plot of "Garden" is as intricate as the frost patterns on a winter window. It weaves together various threads, creating a tapestry that tells a unique story. Let me dissect some aspects that stuck out like a snow hare in a snowdrift:
Hitsuji's transformation from emotionless to excited about the prospect of being with the man she truly loved is both mind-boggling and brilliant. Like seeing the first snowfall of the season, it's unexpected yet mesmerizing.
The raw emotional pain of NTR (Netorare) was akin to a biting winter wind. Hitsuji, who never truly cared for our protagonist, merely used him to achieve her "taboo paradise." This realization hits harder than an avalanche when it finally comes.
Koutaro's downfall is a bitter reminder that you reap what you sow. His focus on his sex life causes him to neglect the other girls in his life, ultimately losing them. It's like leaving your pack behind to chase a lone rabbit – satisfying at the moment, but you end up alone in the end.
Despite the harsh elements of the storyline, there's no denying the series' exceptional animation and character design. The vivid colors, paired with a unique atmosphere created through elements like music and floating balloons, make the viewing experience as enchanting as the Northern Lights.
The sex scenes are titillating, yet what caught my attention was the idea of a place where actions don't bear consequences in the real world. It's like stepping into an icy mirror world, a twisted reflection of reality. However, the series also includes a lolicon scene which can be disturbing for some viewers. Consider yourselves warned, my fellow pack members.
Now, if you look past the explicit scenes, "Garden" can be seen as a psychological exploration. It's a world where you can escape reality, pursue forbidden desires, and grapple with the aftermath. It is as thought-provoking as a midnight howl echoing through a quiet winter's night, leaving you pondering, "Is getting what you want really what you want?"
In conclusion, "Garden" is a series that offers more than what meets the eye. It’s like venturing into the heart of a snowstorm – harsh and disorienting, yet compelling in its own right. Despite the chilly winds of NTR and unsettling plot twists, I found it impossible to look away.
So, "Garden" may not be a walk in a sunny park, but a trek through a complex, snow-laden forest. It's disorienting and chilling but if you're an explorer at heart, you might just enjoy the journey. And for that, I give it 8 out of 10 paws up.
Until next time, my friends, remember to keep your tails up high, and your spirits higher. This is Kiba Snowpaw, bidding you farewell with a joyful howl to the moon. Stay frosty, my pack!
