Asura Cryin'

Asura Cryin' is a 2009 anime television series that masterfully combines the mecha, action, romance, and supernatural genres all into one captivating blend. The show is adapted from the successful light novel series of the same title by Gakuto Mikumo, with the television production led by Seven Arcs Studio, renowned for their work on other prolific anime series. Infused with the charm of its memorable characters, the intensity of its action scenes, and the complexity of its symbolic narrative, Asura Cryin' offers viewers a unique viewing experience that extends beyond traditional genre boundaries.

The series follows the life of Tomoharu Natsume, a normal high school student. Tomoharu seems to be an average high school kid in every respect, with one exception — he's being haunted by the ghost of his best friend Misao Minakami, who tragically lost her life in a plane crash. Despite this, Tomoharu doesn't let the situation disturb his daily routines, as he's come to accept Misao's presence by his side. However, Tomoharu's life takes a sudden turn when he receives a mysterious, heavy suitcase left to him by his older brother, who he has not seen in years. The suitcase, described as an 'Asura Machina,' can only be wielded by an 'Asura Cryin'' — someone able to see and interact with ghosts, exactly like Tomoharu.

The story takes an exciting leap when the Asura Machina is activated. As a consequence, a girl named Kurosaki Shuri hails from another world, claiming to have answers to heal Misao's ghostly state. Nevertheless, as with all things in the world of Asura Cryin', there's always a price to be paid. Viewers get to witness as Tomoharu navigates through perilous decisions, fierce battles, and heartbreaking losses, all while exploring themes of sacrifice, purpose, and the cost of meddling with the natural order.

Asura Cryin' adopts a rich narrative style, effectively developing a range of multifaceted characters alongside complex relationships. The relationships between these characters grow and evolve over time, presenting us with a variety of dynamics that keep the story fresh and engaging. Tomoharu, as the central protagonist, develops significantly from a seemingly normal high school student to a decisive leader capable of making difficult choices.

The series also shines in its visual presentation. It manages to blend the high school setting with a more symbolic, otherworldly design that complements its mixture of genres. The use of color and the design of the Asura Machina combine to enhance the atmosphere of intensity and otherworldliness. Ultimately, the show never loses sight of its narrative, always focused on character development and plot advancement while maintaining thrilling mecha action.

The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, helping set the mood for different scenes — whether it be intense battles or emotionally driven conversations. The opening theme song stays rhythmic and fast-paced, essentially setting the energy for the episodes, while the ending theme takes a more calming and melodious style — a subtle yet effective balance to the action-centric show.

Overall, Asura Cryin' is a captivating anime series with a unique blending of genres and the original concept of ghosts and machines. While it is rich in mystery and action, the show also delves deep into emotional aspects, portraying the struggles and growth of its characters. For those looking for an anime that offers more than just supernatural or school experiences, Asura Cryin' is a stellar option, combining aspects of action, tragedy, romance, and mecha, all while maintaining a unique supernatural twist. It's a multi-genre anime that maintains a strong narrative drive, teeming with thrilling battles, iconic characters, and mind-bending plot twists that will ensnare the viewer, compelling them to watch episode after episode.