C3

C3 is a Japanese anime series originally broadcasted on AT-X from 2011 to 2012. The show is a fascinating blend of action, supernatural themes, and dramatic elements, setting itself apart with a distinctive style and atmosphere. The title C3 stands for Cube x Cursed x Curious, which gives an insight into the anime's thematic focus on curse, mystery, and the supernatural.

The plot of the show unfurls around the main protagonist, Haruaki Yachi, a high school student who is immune to curses. This trait, unique within the high schooler's world, unfolds a pathway to an intriguing journey filled with sudden turns and captivating characters.

Despite living an ordinary life until now, Haruaki's world takes an unanticipated turn when his father, an avid collector of cursed artifacts, sends him a mysterious black cube. The curious Haruaki awakens the next day to find a nude girl named Fear Kubrick in his kitchen, who, he soon realizes, is the human form of that very black cube. As the plot unravels, the audience learns that Fear is a cursed tool with a sentient mind who has lived for over 400 years.

After a series of unsought adventures, Haruaki not only becomes Fear's caretaker, but he also ends up being her ticket to experience what it is like to be human. Together, Haruaki, Fear, and their developing band of friends seek ways to lift the long-standing curse from Fear and confront a dangerous world of other sentient cursed tools who want to obliterate Fear from existence.

C3 is an exquisite blend of comedy and action, laced together with dramatic moments that make the viewer pause and reflect. It has a noteworthy mix of character development and world-building that keeps the audience hooked throughout the series.

Haruaki, as the central character, is a commendable protagonist with a strong sense of justice and courage. On the other hand, Fear, with her complex backstory and continuous growth throughout the series, becomes a character that is hard not to empathize with. While dealing with some dark themes and heavy topics, the series doesn't shy away from lighter moments and comic relief, delivering a well-rounded viewing experience.

The anime takes a deep dive into the world of cursed tools, exploring their origin, nature, and effects on the humans who come into contact with them. The portrayal of such ethereal but formidable entities gives life to a sub-genre that has rarely been explored in anime.

Visually, C3 is a stunning feast of colors, artistic aesthetics, and dynamic animations that are bound to leave an impression. The art style is charming, featuring beautiful backgrounds and detailed character designs. The choice of colors, contrasting from vibrant to dark, correlates neatly with the storyline, symbolizing the varying tone of the plot.

The series' soundtrack deserves special mention for flawlessly complementing the scenes and character moments. Each episode benefits from a strong musical baseline that adds depth to the show's setting, amplifies the theatrical tensions, and highlights emotional moments.

While it begins as what appears to be a light-hearted comedy, C3 is a dynamic series that slowly unravels its darker tone and depth. The show evokes everything from laughter to an adrenaline rush to tears, and by the end, it leaves viewers with a thought-provoking perspective on curses, fear, self-acceptance, and the essence of being human.

In a nutshell, C3 is an anime series marked by its unique premise and characters, blending light-hearted fun with deep, meaningful storytelling. Its deft handling of an offbeat theme, combined with visually stunning art and great character development, makes it a hidden gem in the vast canvas of anime. It's a must-watch for those interested in supernatural themes with a dramatic twist.