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Buso Renkin Collection 1
Episodes 1 - 13
Unlike other animes I have come across recently, I have
to confess Buso Renkin left me feeling a little cold. I attribute
this to its comparative lack of humour and self-referencing. Or perhaps
it is humour which goes over or around me. At any rate, it is difficult
to get into the story or the characters.
Highschool student Kazuki Muto is escorting his sister
around his school—it’s her first day. By the end of the day, he has met
a mysterious alchemist warrior Tokiko Tsumura and her wondrous weapon!
She unveils the creepy, violent world of humonculi, which are
vile brain parasites which take over one’s brain then body.
Kazuki is brought back from the dead by Tokiko’s
generosity and he repays this gesture by helping her defeat the
people-eaters. The mystery is, of course, who (at the school?) is
generating these monsters and why.
Like other titles in Japanese animation, Buso Renkin
sparkles with disjointed graphics and asides which become increasingly
well-known to the viewer. Once you take this on board, you can sit down
and enjoy the shows more thoroughly. I was especially reminded by this
title, however, that my highschool years are increasingly long ago: it
alienated me somewhat from what was going on. I am sure younger people
would really be into the adventures of Kazuki and Tokiko as they hunt
down the insidious evil behind the Papillion Mask!
As with some other Madman releases, the English and
Japanese soundtracks are both 2.0 (stereo, no bass). The image is 16:9
though and filled with lush colours and backgrounds. Features include
commentaries and a behind-scenes featurette. I am sure fans don’t need
my recommendation do rush out and get this—if they haven’t already!
Felix Staica
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