Story (7):
Shiki's story is definitely an interesting one to say the least. Sotoba, a small distant town, begins peaceful and neighborly until an epidemic seems to appear killing several people each and every day. As days go by the once known Sotoba is seemingly flipped upside down into a much gloomier town. It attempts to make you think about the other side of things, and oddly enough reveals the evil in good and the good in evil. Vampires in most stories are considered to be monsters, evil beings. Shiki goes against this common thought and tries to lead you into believing that Vampires are just beings fighting for their life just like humans. While I enjoyed this story it had a few loose ends, most notably in the ending episodes, that just simply don't flow right at all. Although it is nice to see a Vampire story that is original but at the same time sticking to it's roots and if you enjoy classic Vampire stories this may be the one for you.
Art (9):
Personally I loved the art, it was very unique. Most say that this art style doesn't fit in but I would have to disagree with that. Much like the story portrays two sides I feel the art also has two sides. One moment you are gawking at the crazy hairstyles and beautiful clothing and then you are caught off guard with the much more horrific side of something that seemed once so beautiful. I love the way things clash together, but beautifully. The eyes, above everything else, are very nice and detailed- they themselves define characters and are beautifully done if you ask me.
Sound (8):
The sound was also well done. It added to the terror, or the sadness, and every other feeling you will feel throughout this anime. To say in short the sound just seems to fit in with each situation so well that you won't even notice that it is compelling you to feel a certain way.
Character (5):
This is where I was disappointed. Big time. I can't honestly say there is many like able characters in this series. The vampires are made to look like monsters at the beginning and then go through a very quick last minute transition in the last few episodes where you are supposed to begin to feel for them. I felt by then it was to late to sympathize with any of them. The villagers are also purposely made out to be stupid, gossipy, small town people that you just can't help but get annoyed by. Everyone seems to be useless except the doctor who isn't even very like able either. He throws away all his feelings and becomes obsessed with his research. It obviously taints him (and almost all of the village) to the point where they are just as bad as the vampires and you pretty much have lost respect for everyone. The only few like able characters get very few screen time, died to early, or just suddenly disappear without much of an explanation; or better yet no explanation at all like the siblings (most notably the brother.) Of course you can't expect much character development when people are constantly dying but come on. It was lacking too much in this anime.
Overall (7):
In the end Shiki was at least worth the watch. Although there were a few plot holes here and there, and some things did seem lacking or hypocritical, it was still enjoyable. What I can say is it makes you think about your views on certain things and is definitely not your average take on an anime. I would recommend watching it either way, what's 22 episodes of your time?
