Denno Coil

Denno Coil is a unique blend of mystery, science fiction, and adventure, aired on NHK in 2007, written, and directed by the brilliant Mitsuo Iso, acclaimed animator and storyboard artist known for his work on "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Ghost in the Shell". This TV series features intelligent storytelling and deep characters, made more vibrant by top-class animation. It revolves around a group of children navigating a cyberspace parallel to the real world, and has been favorably compared with films like "The Matrix," but with a distinctly Japanese, and youthful, sensibility.

The story takes place in Daikoku City, a physical city that also serves as the test bed for a parallel Augmented Reality city called the Digital World. The real and virtual worlds overlap in Daikoku, and here children, armed with augmented reality glasses, engage in a range of activities, from the innocuous, such as collecting virtual pets, to the less so, like hacking and problem-solving. This dual existence has led to the proliferation of strange events and phenomena that only these augmented reality glasses can perceive.

The main protagonists of the story are Yuko Okonogi, known as Yasako, who moves to Daikoku City, along with her family and her virtual dog named Densuke, and her new friend, Yuko Amasawa, known as Isako, a mysterious girl passionately seeking illegitimate or 'illicit' codes in the virtual environment. As they delve deeper into the mysteries enveloping their city, they face sophisticated cyber creatures and phenomena that challenge their perceptions of reality.

What makes Denno Coil particularly engrossing is how it cleverly uses its narrative to explore compelling themes of childhood, human connection, loss, the potential and implications of technology, and the increasingly thin line that separates the virtual from the real. The story is made even more engaging not just by the drama, but the humor infused into it. The show features a lovable and relatable cast of characters with fully developed backgrounds, enriching the story's overall complexity without detracting from its charm.

Denno Coil's treatment of technology is also commendable. It depicts the digital sphere as an integral part of the characters' lives, neither a two-dimensional utopian vision nor a cautionary tale of dystopia. The children's digital skills and dependency on technology are seen as natural extensions of their selves, integral to their experiences, emotions, and relationships.

This show's dazzling animation is another highlight, showcasing Mitsuo Iso’s expertise in fluid motion and eye-catching action scenes. The series presents a distinctive and well-realized aesthetic, merging the old with the new, traditional with the futuristic. Daikoku City, in its blend of traditional buildings and cutting-edge technology, is mirrored by the mix of hand-drawn animation and CGI, creating an overall visually impressive and immersive world.

Equally noteworthy is the show's sound design and music. The soundscape of both physical and virtual worlds enhance the believability of the characters and their experiences. The musical score varies from upbeat to contemplative, mirroring the narrative's shifting moods, enriching the viewer's sensory experience, and making the storytelling even more impactful.

In conclusion, Denno Coil is an underappreciated gem from the 2007 anime line-up, an intricate tale seamlessly blending science fiction and slice-of-life elements in a beautifully animated setting. Its narrative delivers thought-provoking questions regarding our increasingly digital modern society in an accessible, mature, and fascinating way. Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or thoughtful storytelling, Denno Coil promises a remarkable viewing experience that explores the complexities of the world through a unique, futuristic lens.