by A work that is “too much service” with its beauty, cuteness, and excellent battle scenes
In anime, the artwork that highlights the worldview and character movements is a key aspect of appreciation. Some works, despite depicting a brutal world with grotesque scenes, are captivating thanks to their beautiful animation and powerful action scenes.
In a world overrun by immortal human-attacking monsters known as “Kabane,” the original anime “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress” tells the story of people who build forts called “stations” across the country to combat the Kabane threat and fight using armored steam locomotives. While there are harrowing scenes, such as blood spurting from a Kabane bite, the meticulous artwork was highly praised.
The depictions of the armored steam locomotives and stations have a 3D-like three-dimensional quality, and even the Kabane hordes are clearly depicted all the way to the rear, creating a robust and realistic experience. Another highlight is the battle scene featuring Mumei, a half-Kabane “Kabaneri” girl.
In addition to the sense of speed with which the Kabane are defeated, the detailed effects of flying sparks further accentuate the intensity of the battle. Despite her acrobatic movements, the cuteness of her character design is not diminished, and some have praised her, saying, “It’s too much of a treat to depict this in the TV version.”
A masterpiece anime that creates a sense of despair with overwhelming visuals, “Attack on Titan” (original work by Hajime Isayama), which depicts the battle between humanity and Titans, often features serious plot twists and scenes that make viewers want to look away, such as humans being eaten by Titans and humans killing each other. However, the profound story and high-quality animation have earned the series global popularity.
The unique action scenes, in which protagonist Eren Yeager and other soldiers use their 3D maneuver gear to run through the city and defeat Titans, have produced many memorable scenes. When Eren activates the “Rumbling” near the end of the series, countless Colossal Titans trample the land except for “Paradis Island.”
The Titans’ muscles and steam filling the screen are realistically reproduced, convincing viewers of the despair of those with nowhere to escape. The animators behind this work, praised for their quality of animation, are nicknamed the “Animation Corps” by fans, a reference to the “corps” that play an active role in the series.
