Review of "The Mystery of Dantalian": A fascinating story and deep character development

The Mystery of Dantalian - A Journey of Enchanted Books and Adventures

The TV anime series "The Library of Dantalian," which aired in 2011, is based on the original novel and has captivated many fans with its fantastical worldview and deep storyline. In this article, we will introduce "The Library of Dantalian" from various angles, including its appeal, highlights, character details, and the attention to detail of the production staff.

■Overview of the work

"Dantalian's Library" is an anime based on the novel by Gakuto Mikumo, published by Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko. Directed by Shin Uemura and produced by GAINAX, the 14 episodes were broadcast from July 15 to September 30, 2011. The broadcast time was a 30-minute slot from 25:23 to 25:53 every Friday.

Copyright belongs to "©2011 Gakuto Mikumo, G Yusuke, Kadokawa Shoten/Dantalian's Library Production Committee."

■ Story

The story of "Dantalian's Library" centers around the adventure and mystery solving surrounding a forbidden book known as the Phantom Book. The protagonist, Huey, meets Darien in the basement of a mansion he visited to sort through her belongings, and ends up obtaining the key to unlock her seal. The two embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of the Phantom Book while confronting various incidents caused by the book.

This story draws viewers in by depicting the relationship between Darian and Huey, the power of the phantom book, and the effects it has. A different phantom book appears in each episode, and one of the highlights is the process of solving the phenomena and incidents caused by the book. The growth of Darian and Huey and their interactions with other characters also add depth to the story.

■Cast

The role of Darian is played by Sawashiro Miyuki. Her voice perfectly expresses Darian's cool and sharp-tongued personality, leaving a strong impression on the audience. Huey is played by Daisuke Ono, whose warm voice conveys Huey's kindness and growth. The performances of these two voice actors bring out the charm of the characters.

■ Main staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "The Mystery of Dantalian." Sumie Kinoshita, who was in charge of character design, created the attractive visuals of Darian and Huey. In addition, BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT and ALICE and the PIRATES participated in the costume design, and Darian's gothic lolita-style costume became a hot topic.

Kei Yasujiki, who was in charge of the design of the phantom books, created the unique designs of the phantom books that appear in each episode, creating a visual impact. Experts from various fields, such as Naoo Muramatsu, mecha designer, Masahiro Sato, art scene designer, Hiroki Matsumoto, art accessory designer, and Masahiro Iwasaki, creature designer, have come together to enrich the worldview of the work.

Design Works' Nakajima Kaoru and Araki Mari provided detailed designs, while Art Director Yamaga Hiroyuki oversaw the overall art direction. Color Designers Takahoshi Harumi and Takezawa Satoshi selected colors that enhanced the film's atmosphere, and Cinematographer Akamatsu Yasuhiro created beautiful images. Editor Tamura Yuri, Sound Director Iwanami Yoshikazu, and Music Composer Tsuji Akira also contributed to the film in their own areas.

■ Main Characters

Huey is the central character of the story, and his growth and relationship with Darian drive the story forward. Darian plays an important role as the caretaker of the books, and viewers love her sharp tongue and shy personality. Haru and Flamberge appear as "Book Burners," and their comical interactions are one of the highlights. The Professor and Raziel are mysterious characters who work behind the scenes, and their actions add depth to the story.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of each episode reflect the name of the Phantom Book that appears and the theme of the episode. Episode 1, "Pop-Up Book," depicts Huey and Darian's meeting and the first Phantom Book, while Episode 2, "The Book of the Fetus," depicts the events caused by the power of the Phantom Book. Episode 6, "The Book Burner," sees the first appearance of Haru and Flamberge, and Episode 11, "Raziel's Bookshelf," reveals Raziel's secret. A different Phantom Book appears in each episode, and one of the highlights is the process of solving the phenomena and incidents caused by the book.

■The appeal and highlights of the work

The appeal of "The Library of Dantalian" is, without a doubt, its unique worldview and the existence of the Phantom Books. The Phantom Books are forbidden books that contain knowledge of demons, and their power causes various phenomena and incidents. In each episode, viewers can enjoy the different powers of the Phantom Books and the effects they bring. Additionally, the relationship and growth of Darian and Huey also deepens the story. Viewers love Darian's sharp tongue and shy personality, and Huey's kindness and growth.

The visual aspects of the work are also very appealing. Darian's gothic lolita-style outfit and the unique design of the phantom scrolls that appear in each episode make a strong visual impact. The character design, art, color design, and other aspects were all carefully created by many staff members, which further enhanced the quality of the work.

■Reasons for recommendation

"The Library of Dantalian" is a work with many appealing features, including a fantastical worldview, deep story, attractive characters, and beautiful visuals. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the existence of the phantom book and the phenomena and incidents it causes, those who are interested in the relationship and growth of Darian and Huey, and those who are attracted to the gothic lolita-style costumes and unique design. Also, a different phantom book appears in each episode, and one of the highlights is the process of solving the phenomena and incidents caused by the book, so it will also be enjoyable for those who like solving mysteries and adventures.

Furthermore, there is also an original novel for "Dantalian no Shoseki," so you can enjoy the anime and the original novel at the same time. The original novel contains episodes and detailed character settings that are not depicted in the anime, allowing you to understand the work more deeply. By enjoying the anime and the original novel together, you will be able to feel the charm of the work even more.

■ Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "Dantalian's Library," we also recommend the following works:

• "Library Wars" - Set in a library, this is a story about protagonists fighting to protect freedom of expression. Although there is no phantom book, the common theme of libraries and the growth and relationships of the protagonists make this a fascinating story.
• "Hyouka" - A mystery story in which the members of the Classics Club solve mysteries. It doesn't have any supernatural elements like Phantom Books, but it's a story that you can enjoy solving mysteries and the relationships between the characters.
• "Gothic" - This work is attractive for its gothic lolita-style costumes and unique worldview. Although there is no phantom book, beautiful girl characters such as Darian appear, making a visual impact.

Just like "The Mysterious Mysteries of Dantalion," these works also have unique worldviews, fascinating characters, and deep stories that you can enjoy. We hope you will use "The Mysterious Mysteries of Dantalion" as an opportunity to experience these works as well.

■ Summary

"The Library of Dantalian" is a work with many charms, including a fantastical worldview, deep story, attractive characters, and beautiful visuals. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the existence of the phantom book and the phenomena and incidents it causes, those who are interested in the relationship and growth of Darian and Huey, and those who are attracted to the gothic lolita-style costumes and unique design. Please watch this work and feel its charm. You can also enjoy the work even more by reading the original novel and related works.