Big Order

In 2016, TV Tokyo brought to life a unique and multi-dimensional anime series called Big Order. This supernatural anime, based on the manga of the same name by Esuno Sakae, encompasses a blend of mysterious elements, life-altering plots, and characters that are both engaging and intriguing. While generally categorized under the broader umbrella of shounen anime, the series transcends standard genre classifications and incorporates elements of action, psychological drama, supernatural threads, and a bold intertwining of post-apocalyptic themes.

The premise of the series is rooted in a cataclysmic event: Ten years before the start of the show, a child wished for the world's destruction, and the world hasn't been the same since. In this resulting dystopian society, those who survived the disaster now live under the reign of "Orders" - individuals endowed with strange powers that are directly linked to their inner wishes. This twist adds an appealing layer of complexity, exemplifying that even in a world redefined by chaos and uncertainty, the ubiquitous human desire for control and power persists.

One of the most compelling aspects of Big Order is the fascinating and paradoxical protagonist, Eiji Hoshimiya. Eiji is a high school student, and more importantly, he is the "Order" who wished for the world's destruction. Now, he's left grappling with the consequences of his immature wish, displaying the classic dichotomy of a reluctant hero shrouded in regret and guilt. Despite his own catastrophic wish, Eiji is depicted as a continually persevering character, upholding a strong sense of justice and an unwavering desire to protect those he cares about. Yet, he is also a most wanted man - hunted and loathed for his inadvertent destruction.

The collective group of Orders offers a diverse character set, each endowed with different abilities and personalities based on their deepest desires. This range of varied supernatural powers from dominating territories to resurrecting the dead, contributes to high stakes conflicts, and suspense-filled sequences that keep audiences gripped. While there is abundant action, Big Order is equally rich in emotions, grappling with personal struggles, the price of power, and the persevering spirit of humanity.

Yoshifumi Fukushima is the director at the helm of this ambitious anime series, amalgamating the chaotic elements of the story into a power-packed aesthetic delight. The show's character designs by Chika Kojima strike the right balance between their supernatural attributes and unique human characterizations. The battles in Big Order are signature high-intensity anime confrontations, elevated by the unique abilities of the Orders.

Adding to this richness is the combination of an exceptional voice acting team with a phenomenal sound profile. Masakazu Morita voices Eiji Hoshimiya, while other renowned Japanese voice actors include Shiroi Izawa, Satoshi Tsuruoka, Mari Misaki, and Hitomi Harada. The sound effects and the background score enhance the show's thrilling moments, upping the adrenaline rush during the battlefield sequences.

While some fans of the original manga may have mixed feelings about the anime adaptation, the series is an undeniable spectacle of what happens when the boundaries of regular life are shattered by deep-seated desires. A keystone in its genre, Big Order blends the magical and the mundane, the supernatural, and the hyper-real, crafting a thrilling experience for any anime aficionado. Although it only ran for a single season comprising ten episodes, the show managed to maintain a fast-paced narrative that delivered epic showdowns, emotional confrontations, and unexpected plot twists.

In summary, Big Order is a narrative ride that takes viewers from the ordinary to the extraordinary, throwing in an abundance of supernatural elements and emotional rides. The anime explores the fascinating consequences when humans can manifest their deepest desires, probing the depths of desire, power, and the concept of responsibility in an intriguing fashion. For those interested in a deep dive into a unique world where wishes come to life with repercussions, Big Order is an exciting adventure.