Shiki also is a good example of reviews and spoilers as if you have read other reviews you will know what it is about which can ruin the first few episodes. That being said it is really hard to write a review without mentioning the V word especially as it is obvious from about the second episode even if it isn't to the characters so I'm going to say it, VAMPIRES!!!!
There I said it.
Anyway, the story begins with a European style castle being built in the small village of Sotaba and when the residents move in Megumi Shimuzu, a girl with dreams of moving to the big city, goes missing later to be found in the woods and later dies. Soon after an apparent epidemic breaks out affecting Sotoba and the surrounding area leaving the local chain smoking doctor Toshio Ozaki at a loss, however, the dead begin to rise leading to the eventual bloody conclusion.
Like I said knowing what is killing off the villages ruins the first few episodes and for me knowing something the characters don't feels frustrating but the Shiki doesn't help itself by making it obvious. Criticism aside Shiki is gripping. It hooks you and reels you in, keeps you interested and creates an environment where not even the main characters are safe. What makes Shiki stand out from other vampire horror though is that it gives the vampires a human side where they show fear and guilt while the humans show the opposite which poses several moral questions for the viewer.
The cast is large but Shiki concentrates on only a few which has to said are outstanding. I have mentioned Toshio the doctor, however, there is also the junior monk Seishin. the surly boy who moved form the city, on who Megumi had a crush, Natsuno, Natsuno's best friend Tohru and head vampire, in the form of a little girl, Sunako.
Lastly I must mention the outfits of Chizaru and Tatsumi. They basically look like their at a 70's disco night and provide most of the fan service which in Tatsumi's case is unusually fan service for girls.
Shiki is gripping, highly entertaining even thought provoking and well worth your time watching.
