i've been in an animated sort of mood lately, and a gaffer pal recommended i watch "darker than black," promising that it had: a) a comprehensible plot; b) no significant fan service; and c) an emphasis on action. i've watched six episodes, and so far, he's right -- darker than black is a sort of superhero/spy thriller ala "read or die" mixed with scryed. the plot and dialogue are better than scryed, even as it lacks the pure over-the-top superhero killin' action. it's also gorier, with powers being used to vivisect, immolate, and mutilate people on a regular basis.
basically, the plot is kinda x-men meets scryed: weird, unexplained (as of yet) dimensional anomalies formed in various places around the world, and some folks exposed to the radiation as children became possessed of superpowers. 15 years later, they're adults, but the powers have literally erased their consciences, making them all psychopaths. additionally, the powers require a "remuneration" -- they hafta do some sort of ocd thing, like create rock patterns or break their own fingers or compulsively smoke large numbers of cigarettes; or, in the worst case, ceremonially murder and drink the blood of children (not shown, for those of weak stomach). the plot revolves around Hei, aka "HK201", a "contractor" -- basically one of these superpowered psychopaths in the employ of a government agency -- who is working for a yet unnamed syndicate, and who also shows occasional glimmers of a human conscience. as of the 6th episode, he's been ignoring their orders and exploring the "gates" that bar non-governmental entry to the dimensional anomalies.
the animation is really REALLY good and the character designs are more mature and less lolitastic than the animu most of you pederasts jerk to. it's not a terribly humorous series, although there's some pretty dry jokes about the chinese, and apparently the 7th episode is a bit more lighthearted. there's a fair amount of blood, and the super powers get fairly imaginative -- and better yet, they don't have any truly ridiculous powers ala, say, Phoenix. for example, the "villain" that can freeze shit requires water nearby -- he can't create ice out of thin air.
also the OP theme, "howling" by abingdon boys school, fucking ROCKS. jappy metal ftw!
DL here fagabags:
http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/997.htmlSeries info:
http://www.d-black.net/animated by studio BONES of scryed fame
