Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist, also known as Ao no Exorcist, is a captivating supernatural action anime series from Aniplex first aired in 2011. It is an adaptation of Kazue Kato’s manga of the same name. The anime introduces us to a fascinating world where demons roam the dark corners of the world and exorcists trained in the art of combat and magic work to protect the human realm from these malevolent beings.

The story revolves around a young man named Rin Okumura. At first glance, Rin appears to be another stereotypical teenager, somewhat reckless and constantly at odds with his strict adoptive father, Father Fujimoto. He struggles with school, relationships, and finding purpose in his life. However, Rin's life is far from ordinary. He learns that he is the son of Satan himself, the most powerful demon who wishes to use Rin as a means to conquer the world. This dark heritage has empowered Rin with demonic abilities, notably the ability to ignite into devastating blue flames, a characteristic feature of Satan.

Father Fujimoto, who is not just a priest but also a powerful exorcist, does his best to protect Rin from his demonic lineage and trains him despite the risk. However, after an unfortunate series of events, Rin's powers are revealed to the world, leading to Father Fujimoto's final confrontation with the upper-demons. Following this veiled catastrophe, Rin, in honor of Father Fujimoto's commitment and sacrifice, decides to become an exorcist. He is determined to use his demonic powers to fight the very essence from which he originated.

Rin, along with his calmer, smarter twin brother Yukio, who shockingly is already a certified exorcist, enrolls in True Cross Academy. It's not just an institute but a secret platform where exorcists are trained, and it boasts the grandeur resembling a city itself. The academy is stationed at the heart of the Vatican, adding an intriguing touch of historic and spiritual richness to the story. Here, Rin meets other aspiring exorcists and learns both the danger and responsibility that comes with his powers.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a steady mix of action-packed battle scenes, compelling emotional dynamics, and thought-provoking philosophical inquiries about good and evil. Rin's journey is not an easy one as it constantly hovers the dilemma of being an outcast, a potential threat, and an unlikely hero. His struggle to control his powers and connect with his fellow students provides a pleasantly surprising depth to his character and the overall storyline.

Blue Exorcist boasts a large, diverse cast of characters each bearing their unique traits and behaviors. Yukio, Shiemi, Ryuji are some of the notable ones. Their interactions and relationships with Rin add layers of complexity to the plot. While some align themselves with Rin readily, others are more skeptical, feeding into the tension and intrigue of the series.

This anime presents a synthesis of various elements ranging from action, fantasy, to drama and comedy – each aspect crafted with substantial care. The show’s animation quality is top-notch, with the action scenes, in particular, being animated with visual flair and grandeur. The use of colors is striking, especially the titular 'blue' flames, adding lustre to the overall aesthetic of the series. The background score and music enhance the emotion of each scene, whether it's a thrilling battle or a poignant personal moment.

It's worth noting that the series did deviate from the original manga partway through, taking its initiative and presenting an anime-original arc. However, this does not detract from the plot's engaging flow and character development. Its approach to shared themes of identity, acceptance, and the blurred lines between good and evil adds depth and emotional resonance to the series.

In a nutshell, Blue Exorcist is a wildly entertaining anime series that offers an intoxicating blend of thrills, action, and compelling characters. It is a journey into a world where the battle against darkness is fought not just on the outside but within oneself. It offers a mainspring of excitement and depth, ingraining a sense of anticipation as to what the next episode would unveil. This makes Blue Exorcist a must-watch for fans of supernatural action genre and anime enthusiasts alike.