Code: Breaker

Code: Breaker is a captivating and action-packed animated series produced by the phenomenal Kinema Citrus Studio and excellently licensed and executed by FUNimation in 2012. Filled with thrills, suspense, supernatural abilities, mystery, and a dab of high school drama, the show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, leaving them thirsting for more after each nail-biting episode.

The show's narrative pivots around the life of a high school girl named Sakura Sakurakouji who leads what seems to be a normal life. However, she is distinct in her own right; she’s not your usual high school girl as she’s a fearsome martial artist with a sincere sense of justice. Her life takes a peculiar turn when one fateful evening, while on a bus ride home, she stumbles upon individuals wielding a blaze of blue flames, leaving nothing but charred remains in their wake. Shaken, intrigued, and filled with immense curiosity, she returns to the scene the following day only to find everything conspicuously intact, raising an array of questions about how such massive destruction could vanish without a trace.

The mysterious happenings continue to perplex Sakura, but everything starts to unravel when a new transfer student, Rei Ogami, arrives at her school, and she recognizes him as the same person she saw at the burning scene. But apart from his ice-cold demeanor, she notices something even eerier. Rei has a peculiar lighter and, when he uses it, the blue flames respond. Now, she must reconcile the charismatic school boy she meets during the day with the ruthless "Code: Breaker" that she encounters during her nights.

"Code: Breaker", as she learns, is the epithet given to those who operate above the law, executing their unique form of justice in the veil of the night. For them, their mission statement is clear: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and evil for evil." Rei Ogami is one of these Code: Breakers, bearing the formidable power of blue flames that are both his weapon and his curse.

Ogami's arrival and the revelation of the Code: Breakers world thrusts Sakura into an enigmatic realm. Her once peaceful, mundane life becomes a whirlwind of supernatural showdowns and unpredictable encounters. As she stands by her principles of justice, she finds herself in a moral tug-of-war with the Code: Breakers who believe that some evils can only be purged by other evils. Throughout the show, we see her determination to preserve life and peace in her city, thwart Ogami's assignments when they transgress her moral compass, and simultaneously attempt to understand this parallel world where Code: Breakers exist.

Furthermore, the realm of Code: Breakers is peopled with more compelling characters, each bearing their unique code and a special supernatural ability. Engaging plot twists, intriguing power dynamics, and their intricate connections with the government and society bring in an added layer of depth and fascination to the story.

The series masterfully combines elements of action, mystery, drama, and even comedy, resulting in a complex yet balanced narrative. The supernatural abilities make every fight scene fascinating while the mystery of the Code: Breakers and their activities piques curiosity. The high school setting brings a sort of relatability to the entire setup, blending everyday teenage life with shadowy operations. This blend brings depth to the characters making them more relatable to the audience, as they toggle between ordinary high school students and undercover agents for justice, or for some, vengeance.

Bringing this gripping story to life is a brilliant animation, with impressive character designs and fluid combat scenes. The soundtracks are masterfully chosen, adding to the mood of each scene, whether it's a heart-racing battle or a quiet, introspective moment. And lastly, the voice acting in both the original Japanese track and the English dub is commendable, making it an enjoyable watch whichever version you choose.

In conclusion, Code: Breaker is an anime that explores trails of justice, morality, power, and the gray zones in-between. Combining a compelling narrative with multifaceted characters and excellent production values, this series is undoubtedly a thrilling watch for any anime lover, and a commendable addition to the genre of supernatural action series.