Dog & Scissors

Dog & Scissors is a captivating blend of comedy, supernatural intrigue, and mystery, all served up with a splash of quirky animation aesthetics. Produced by the renowned GONZO animation studio in 2013, the series takes viewers on a strange, hilarious, and at times dramatic journey full of literary references, distinctive characters and intricate story arcs that often dance along the thin line between reality and the surreal.

At the center of the plot is the unlikely duo of Kazuhito Harumi and Natsuno Kirihime. Kazuhito, a book-loving high school student, finds his life abruptly end in an unfortunate accident. In the same moment, however, he is inexplicably reborn as a dashchund, maintaining his human consciousness and his fervor for literature. In this new form, he is adopted by the enigmatic Natsuno, a successful novelist, known by her pseudonym "Akiyama Shinobu", who holds a rather profound fascination for scissors.

The bizarre plot twist of Dog & Scissors is that Natsuno has a supernatural ability. She can hear Kazuhito's thoughts, enabling them to communicate and turning them into an odd but effective team. Natsuno's eccentric and often harsh personality, combined with her sharp-witted and insightful nature, contrasts sharply with Kazuhito's innocent loyalty as a dog and his absolute adoration for reading, creating a unique dynamic between the two.

The anime does an excellent job of merging multiple genres seamlessly. It jumps effortlessly from mystery solving to literary discussions, and from snappy comedic asides to brooding tension - all punctuated with a delightful dash of the supernatural. The anime’s penchant for referencing and satirizing common tropes in mystery, crime, and horror narratives gives it a unique flare.

The animation and art style, as expected from a GONZO production, manages to keep up with the swiftly changing moods of the story. The strikingly rendered characters, the detailed backgrounds, and the fluid movement create a visual feast. Particularly noteworthy is the anthropomorphic portrayal of Kazuhito, whose emotive expressions and human-like demeanor are endearing and engaging.

Dog & Scissors also introduces a rich cast of supporting characters. Each of them is uniquely entertaining, from the sassy rival author to the overly affectionate editor, from the obsessed fan to the slightly menacing pet shop owner. They are more than mere caricatures or sideshows. They have their own story arcs and are often instrumental in aiding or hindering Kazuhito and Natsuno's quests and investigations.

Moreover, as the series unravels, it delves into compelling aspects of how each character copes with their pasts, fears and insecurities while striving to find their place in the world. It explores some intriguing concepts such as creativity, the nature of storytelling, the power of words, and the beauty of literature through their eyes.

Despite its unexpected events and unlikely premise, Dog & Scissors maintains a captivating narrative flow. It hooks viewers in with its unique humor, intriguing mysteries, endearing characters and, most of all, the unlikely relationship between a sadistic author and her book-loving canine companion.

In essence, Dog & Scissors is a wild, weird, and whimsical ride that weaves an unusual tale about life, death, resurrection, and literature. Each episode is a blend of out-of-the-box humor, enigmatic mysteries and touching moments, making it a series that amuses, puzzles, and moves viewers in equal measure.

Regardless if you're a fan of comedy, mystery, supernatural themes, or simply an anime enthusiast looking for something genuinely distinctive, Dog & Scissors is sure to deliver an immensely entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience. It is a testament to the animation studio's prowess, showing that even the most outlandish premise can be turned into an evocative animation spectacle, given the right blend of creativity, imagination, and engagement.