Anime Review: Another

Credit: Another/P.A.Works

I'm a big fan of Anime/Manga, I'm always on the lookout for series I think I am going to enjoy. The anime I am going to talk about today was really surprising because I don't like anything horror, but I'm glad I watched it because the story was really captivating.

In 1972, a very popular honor student named Misaki died partway through the school year in Yomiyama North Middle School's class 3-3. The rest of the students, devastated by the unexpected loss, decided to carry on as if their classmate were still alive, going so far as to keep the desk in place and bringing it to the graduation ceremony. Yet no one could explain why their classmate, already dead and buried, was present on the graduation photo. Then, in the spring of 1998, a boy named Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to the class, and begins to grow suspicious of the fearful atmosphere permeating the class. In particular, he becomes fascinated with a mysterious, aloof girl with an eye patch who always sits alone, drawing pictures. A girl the rest of the class refuses to acknowledge. A girl named Misaki. (Synopsis from Another Wiki)

This anime is based on the novel and manga—with the same title—by Yukito Ayatsuji, and there's also a live action film based on the novel. I read the manga several years ago, so my memory wasn't that great when I started watching the anime. I vaguely remembered there were dolls involved, and maybe a ghost of some sorts. And something about the ending which I'm obviously not going to reveal. 

However, with every episode my memory started to come back and put all the pieces together, and by the end I remembered everything. I have to warn you, though, there are differences between the anime and the manga. I can't compare every single difference because I read the manga a long time ago, but I did recognise some events that I recalled not being in the manga.

Credit: Another/P.A.Works

The first thing that I definitely must say is that the anime is a lot creepier than the manga. A LOT. CREEPIER. It's a horror story, what the hell did you expect? I know, I know, and I'm not objecting that. It's just that with an animated show there's room for making things extra scary and terrifying. And gory. Yes, let's not forget that. I mean, I'm used to the Game-of-Thrones level of gore so I shouldn't be surprised. However, I don't know... Somehow watching certain things in an anime is even scarier. Not to mention the blood spilled... My God! I'll admit I was trying to find some screenshots that could show the gravity of the situation, the fact that I haven't found any to do the job probably counts for something... Let's move on, shall we? 

There wasn't a single character that I didn't like, although I had my favourites. Each of them has their own personality and drama, and that didn't make them shallow nor boring. Although by the end things are fully revealed, I would've liked to have a little more backstory on the 1972 Misaki, as well as the eye-patched Misaki. 

Credit: Another/P.A.Works

Now, can we talk about the creepy dolls in the shop for a moment? Some of them were really beautiful, others... well, what do you think about these two? There is a reason the figure of the doll is a key element in the whole story, though I didn't know if I had to feel sad or awkward because of the situation. Also, the dolls flashes in between the episodes add that extra creepiness that is perfect for the atmosphere in the show.  

One other aspect that I really liked was the music. The soundtrack in Another is absolutely well picked. It definitely keeps you on your toes, and it's scary, dramatic, and I LOVED it! I mean, just look at the intro.

Bottom line, I definitely recommend watching this anime. And read the manga. And the novel. And you buy all the figurines and merchandise because this show is AWESOME! 

Have you watched Another? Or read the manga and/or the novel? Let me know in the comments!

次回まで。♥