Black Bullet

Black Bullet is a captivating and thrilling post-apocalyptic anime series broadcast on Tokyo MX in 2014. Based on the light novel series written by Shiden Kanzaki and illustrated by Saki Ukai, the 13-episode anime never shies away from delivering some intense action while also exploring the themes of despair, hope, and survival against overwhelming odds.

The story unfolds in 2021, in an eerily dystopian world. Humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by the Gastrea, a race of parasitic viruses that turns any creature it infects into violent, monstrous beings. The Gastrea has forced the remnants of mankind to live within the relative safety of high-walled cities made of Varanium, a metal that could repel them.

To confront these lethal Gastrea creatures, the government resorts to using Cursed Children, girls born with the Gastrea virus in their bodies but who retain their human forms while developing superhuman abilities. These uniquely gifted girls, widely discriminated in society due to their virus-infected blood, are partnered with Promoters - trained soldiers who guide and rely on them to combat the Gastrea threat. Together, they form pairs known as the "Civil Securities."

Black Bullet mainly revolves around the characters, Rentaro Satomi and Enju Aihara, who are an example of such a pair. Rentaro is a young, intelligent, and compassionate Promoter who works for the Tendo Civil Security Agency, while Enju is a Cursed Child and an Initiator with extraordinary agility and strength. They are, in most of the cases, the city's last standing defense line against the invading Gastrea.

Rentaro, despite his relatively tender age, is thrust into the midst of defending civilization. He battles the threatening Gastrea with Enju beside him, showcasing both his gallantry and finesse as a fighter and his ingenious aptitude as a mechanic and researcher. This combination of Rentaro's abilities make him one of the most versatile and indispensable members of the team.

Enju, on the other hand, is a lovable and energetic child who keeps up with the spirit despite her cursed existence. Due to the Gastrea virus in her blood, she's bestowed with superhuman abilities that she uses to fight alongside Rentaro. However, beneath her cheerful exterior, she carries the weight of the unjust treatment and stigmatization that Cursed Children like her have to endure in society.

Their camaraderie, mutual trust, and shared struggles provide a deep emotional grounding to the series, making their adventures more than just catastrophic battles. They interact with a wide array of characters throughout the series – including other Civil Securities teams, their agency colleagues, rentaro's childhood friend and boss, Kisara Tendo, and even the high-ranking government officials - each adding new layers to the storyline and the complexity of their world.

The series skillfully balances its dark themes with punctuated humor and moments of light-hearted banter. The narrative examines not only the tireless good versus evil struggle but also the social issues inflicted on the Cursed Children. It delves into ideas of discrimination, alienation, and the price of survival in harsh realities. The exploration of such themes makes Black Bullet more than just an action-packed anime - it’s a sobering commentary on societal injustices, too.

Black Bullet features brilliant animation with fascinating visual effects that make every fight scene gripping. Its stunning artwork and aesthetics compliment the intricate storyline, and the eerie, futuristic setting of the world pairs wonderfully with the overall dark tone of the show. The music, composed by Shiro Sagisu, adds another depth to the breathtaking scenes, amplifying the emotions and intensity during crucial moments.

From the first episode to the conclusion, Black Bullet leads the viewers on an exhilarating journey that seamlessly combines elements of action, sci-fi, mystery, and socio-political commentary. It hooks the viewers with its blend of stellar animation, complex characters, and thoughtful narrative, making it a must-watch series for any anime enthusiast.