Darker Than BLACK

"Darker Than Black," also known as "Darker Than BLACK: Kuro no Keiyakusha," is a captivating Japanese anime television series that ran for two seasons from 2007 to 2010. Created by Tensai Okamura and animated by Bones, the studio responsible for beloved hits like "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "My Hero Academia," the series offers a fusion of science fiction, supernatural elements, mystery, and action that is sure to grip anime fans seeking something a bit more complex and noir-inspired.

Set in a near-future alternate reality, a setting resulting from notable celestial cataclysms impacting Earth, "Darker Than Black" presents an intricate picture of a world altered beyond recognition. The aftermath of these calamities led to the appearances of "Hell's Gate" in Tokyo and "Heaven's Gate" in South America. These alien-like anomalies drastically affected the night sky, replacing stars with imitation ones. More intriguingly, they brought about the emergence of paranormal humans known as Contractors who are stripped of their humanity, trading their emotions and morals for extraordinary abilities.

The show's narrative is centered on Hei, a Contractor with the pseudonym 'Black Reaper.' A member of an underground syndicate called the Syndicate, he conducts various espionage and assassination operations in Tokyo, which has become a hotbed of Contractor activity due to Hell's Gate. Hei holds dual identities: a mild-mannered foreign student by day and a ruthless enforcer of the Syndicate by night, which adds a compelling layer to his character and drives much of the intrigue.

"Darker Than Black" commands a rich, diverse cast of other characters as well, like Yin, a Doll who can track people and events from afar using her observer spirits and Huang, Hei's field handler. There's also Mao, a Contractor trapped in a cat's body. These characters, along with a stable of frequently appearing side characters, help to create a vibrant, intricately connected world of murky morals, shifting alliances, and constant danger.

One of the strengths of "Darker Than Black" is its well-crafted storytelling. Starting with a 'case of the week' format, each installment offering stand-alone stories, the series gradually unveils its broader mythology and overarching storyline in a nuanced, effective manner. The writing strikes a balance between character development, action sequences, and its more philosophical explorations of what it means to be human. Also noteworthy is the show's attention to the cost and consequence of power, especially as it pertains to the Contractors, a topic often revisited with intriguing results.

Achieving a particular noir feel, the animation and visual style of "Darker Than Black" is reliably impressive, with excellent character design and detailed urban environments that often feel atmospheric and lived-in. The supernatural abilities of the Contractors are portrayed using dynamic and visually engaging animations. Strikingly, the 'new' starry sky, representing the Contractors, adds a unique aesthetic that frequently lends a more mystical, celestial tone to the series.

The show’s soundscape also complements its visual style remarkably. The melancholic, stirring soundtracks, composed by the renowned Yoko Kanno, enhance the series' mixture of action, mystery, and drama. Complemented by well-acted Japanese and English voice performances, the audio design significantly enhances the overall viewing experience.

"Darker Than Black" remains distinctive for its genre-blending narrative, multifaceted characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of themes like identity, morality, and the human condition. It manages to delve into the complexities of its world and characters without losing sight of its action-packed premise. While it does require patience and commitment to fully appreciate its intricate narratives and subtle character evolution, for those willing to immerse themselves, "Darker Than Black" offers a satisfying, thought-provoking journey full of supernatural intrigue and human drama.