Exploring the Depths of DARKER THAN BLACK: A Full Review of Its Charm and Mystery

"DARKER THAN BLACK": The truth hidden in the depths of darkness and the fate of the contractor

"DARKER THAN BLACK" is a TV anime series that was broadcast in 2007, and has captivated many fans with its unique worldview and deep story development. This work was created by animation studio BONES and director Okamura Tensai, and the original work is developed in the form of an original anime. The series aired from April 5th to September 27th, 2007, every Thursday on MBS and every Friday on TBS, and is a series consisting of 25 episodes.

story

The story is set in Tokyo, where the true "sky" has been lost due to the appearance of an unanalyzable anomalous area called "Hell's Gate." With the appearance of this "Hell's Gate," people with special abilities called "contractors" appeared. In exchange for their abilities, they lost their human emotions and even killed people cold-heartedly. Meanwhile, the protagonist, Hei, is a Chinese exchange student named Li Shunsheng who quietly blends into the streets of Tokyo, but his true identity is an agent of the "organization" and a feared figure known as BK201, the "Black Grim Reaper."

Kuro throws himself into a fierce intelligence war waged by intelligence agencies from around the world using "contractors," and faces off against various enemies. He also comes face to face with his own destiny through meetings and partings with women with sad pasts. Many characters become entangled, including Misaki Kirihara, a detective in the Public Security Bureau's Foreign Affairs Division 4, and Chiaki Shinoda, who has stolen information related to the gate, and the battle over the "Gate of Hell" intensifies.

character

The protagonist, Hei, is a cold-hearted mission executor, but usually lives as a timid exchange student. His team includes Yin, a blind supporter, Mao, an information gatherer, and Huang, a watchdog, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. In addition, many other characters color the story, including Misaki Kirihara, an elite detective from the Public Security Bureau's Foreign Affairs Division 4, and Chiaki Shinoda, who has smuggled out information related to the Gate.

In addition, a variety of other characters, such as MI-6 agents November 11 and April, the doll July, and the "Lost One" Havoc, who has lost his powers, appear and deepen the story. Each character's background, abilities, and the conflicts they face add to the appeal of the work as a whole.

Production Staff

The series is directed by Okamura Tensai, with series composition by Okamura Tensai and Suga Shotaro. Character design and general animation director is Komori Takahiro, and art design is by Okada Ariaki, Sato Masahiro, and Taguchi Eiji. Music is by Kanno Yoko, whose unique musical sense enhances the atmosphere of the series. Animation is handled by BONES, and the series is produced by the DTB Production Committee (Aniplex, BONES, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Milica Music, Movic) and Mainichi Broadcasting System.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "HOWLING" by Abingdon Boys School and "Kakusei Heroism THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"" by Antic Cafe. The ending theme is "Tsukiakari" by Rie fu and "Dreams" by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR, each adding to the atmosphere of the work. These songs reflect the development of the story and the feelings of the characters, and are important elements that bring out the emotions of the viewers.

Evaluation and impact

"DARKER THAN BLACK" has been highly praised for its unique worldview and deep story development. In particular, the humanity and ethics depicted through the existence of the contractor, as well as the backgrounds and conflicts of each character, left a strong impression on viewers. Additionally, Yoko Kanno's music and BONES' meticulous animation are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work.

This work has spawned many related works, including unaired episodes, spin-offs, and the sequel "DARKER THAN BLACK: Ryuusei no Gemini." Through these works, a deeper world view and character backgrounds have been revealed, which has become a hot topic among fans. It has also been highly praised overseas, and has gained many fans.

Recommended points

"DARKER THAN BLACK" is a work that has a unique worldview that combines dark fantasy and spy elements. In particular, the humanity and ethics depicted through the existence of the contractor, as well as the backgrounds and conflicts of each character, leave a strong impression on viewers. Yoko Kanno's music and BONES' meticulous animation are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work.

This work is attractive for its deep story development and diverse characters, and is especially recommended for those who like dark fantasy and spy stories. In addition, you can enjoy many related works such as unaired episodes, side stories, and the sequel "DARKER THAN BLACK: Ryuusei no Gemini", so you can enjoy it for a long time. It is also highly acclaimed overseas, so it is recommended for overseas anime fans.

Conclusion

"DARKER THAN BLACK" has captivated many fans with its unique worldview and deep story development. The humanity and ethics depicted through the existence of the contractor, as well as the backgrounds and conflicts of each character, left a strong impression on viewers. Yoko Kanno's music and BONES' detailed animation are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. This work is especially recommended for fans of dark fantasy and spy stories, and since there are many related works to enjoy, it can be enjoyed for a long time. It has also received high praise overseas, so it is also recommended for overseas anime fans.