BNA

BNA, also known as Brand New Animal, is an anime series by Studio Trigger that aired on Fuji TV's PlusUltra block and released internationally on Netflix in 2020. The series landed with a fresh narrative, visually stunning graphics and a unique storytelling style that approached contemporary issues and moral dilemmas with an anthropomorphic spin.

The series is centered around the central protagonist, Michiru Kagemori. Michiru is not your average teenage girl: surprisingly, she finds herself transformed into a tanuki (a kind of raccoon dog that holds a significant place in Japanese folklore). Her sudden transformation pulls her away from her everyday human life into Anima City, a place where humanoid animals, known as beastmen, live free from human intervention and discrimination.

Throughout the course of the series, Michiru grapples with her new identity and the intricacies of the beastmen world. She is not just struggling with body changes that can occur at the most inconvenient times, but she's also dealing with an entirely new culture and hierarchy, one in which discrimination, authority, greed, and deceit exist behind the veil of a liberated society. Like any outsider, Michiru's perception about beastmen shatters, and she sees a society where beastfolk struggle to fully exercise their rights.

As Michiru navigates through her new world, she meets Shirou Ogami, a wolf beastman, who becomes a definitive part of her life. Shirou has a mysterious past and a profound sense of justice. Their relationship is not just about providing guidance and protection; it brings about a myriad of complications and reveals a lot about their past and the deeper secrets of Anima City.

BNA features a rich and colorful animation style - a signature of Studio Trigger renowned for other works like Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia. The bright, neon-infused color palette perfectly fits the energetic environment of Anima City. The anthropomorphic character designs are unique and propel the essence of the series. The animation carries a fluid and high-octane action style, often contrasted by the lively yet distinct soundtrack that effortlessly captures the show's emotional beats.

The series tackles several deep and profound themes often reflected within our own society. It sheds light upon the complex issues of identity, integration, societal standards, discrimination, and self-acceptance. BNA encourages conversations about inclusivity and diversity and challenges the importance of societal acceptance and self-realization. The show does not shy away from stepping into more sensible waters like racisms, xenophobia, or societal violence, addressing them through subtle hints and parallels.

BNA offers a contrast in terms of characters as well. Each character is well thought out, memorable, and adds depth and flavor to the overall narrative. Whether it's the cunning mayor who plays a crackling political game or the seemingly antagonistic characters whose motives and moralities pose a challenge to viewers - the rich ensemble adds a fantastic breadth to the storyline.

Another critical aspect of BNA is the emotional intent. The series might seem lighthearted and vibrant with its unique aesthetic and pacing. Still, it delivers emotional highs and lows that capture the viewers, making them invest in the lives of the characters, their struggles, and victories.

With a total of twelve episodes, BNA delivers a complete experience. The episodes maintain a good balance between the story's progression and the character development, pacing the narrative not to feel rushed or lagging.

BNA, as a Studio Trigger creation, doesn't fail to impress. It offers an exciting premise, strong characters, an intriguing mystery, and a heartfelt lesson about acceptance and identity, packed with exquisite visual artistry and animation. It serves as a delightful watch for both seasoned anime lovers and newcomers, seamlessly blending fantasy, drama, and a hint of action in the anthropomorphic world. The series proves that our image doesn't define us but our actions, beliefs, and the kindness we show towards others, subtly reflecting the complexities of our own world.