Doomed Megalopolis

Doomed Megalopolis, originally released in 1991, is a horror fantasy OVA (Original Video Animation) originating from Japan. The series is also known by its original Japanese title, "Teito Monogatari", which translates to Tale of the Imperial Capital. The OVA was directed by prolific anime director Rintaro, well-regarded for his contributions to the anime world, and produced by Studio Madhouse, famous for its superlative anime creations.

Based on Hiroshi Aramata's historical fantasy novel of the same name, Doomed Megalopolis projects a haunting tale that beautifully merges the recreation of history with the addition of supernatural elements. The narrative focuses primarily on Tokyo's development into a thriving metropolis during the early parts of the 20th century. However, the series adds a dark twist, attributing the city’s transformation to malevolent supernatural interventions.

The story primarily revolves around Yasumasa Hirai, an ambitious city planner obsessed with transforming Tokyo into the greatest city in the world, and Kato, a demonically powered, spiritually enlightened man dedicated to the destruction of Tokyo through the awakening of the city's spiritual guardian. Amidst this epic power clash is Yukari Tatsumiya, a woman entangled in this battle due to her spiritual powers, her brother, and the innocent spiritual medium Keiko.

Beside these major characters, Doomed Megalopolis boasts a robust ensemble of secondary characters as well. Notable amongst these is spiritualist and Onmyouji, Shigemaru Kuroda along with real-life figures such as the naval engineer, Yamamoto Goro, and the public works bureaucrat, Goto Shinpei. This incorporation of actual historical figures lends an air of authenticity to the narrative, effectively grounding the supernatural elements in a palpable reality.

Doomed Megalopolis adeptly combines the genres of horror and historical fantasy. The centrally occurring supernatural phenomenon brews an atmosphere of mystery and eerie suspense. From shape-shifting specters to demonic forces, the series is chock-full of elements that evoke dread and chill, perfect for the fans of macabre. However, it remains far from mere sensationalism. The infusion of factual historical instances provides it a unique edge over similar genre pieces, making it appealing to a range of audiences.

From an artistic perspective, Doomed Megalopolis is a commendable specimen of early 90s anime. The animation, though dated by today's standards, has a distinct allure and evokes a sense of nostalgic charm. The cityscape marvelously combines Western and Eastern architectural influences, producing a canvas that encapsulates the essence of modernizing Tokyo.

The storytelling employs a slower, more deliberate pace, allowing the audience to thoroughly explore the details of the narrative landscape. Visual imagery works in harmony with the narrative to build an atmosphere that's respectful of its historical context while ensuring the horror elements never feel forced or redundant. Furthermore, the atmosphere is enriched by the series' haunting score, which complements the eerie undertones of the plot.

Character development is another aspect where Doomed Megalopolis truly shines. Every character, major or minor, possesses depth, thereby pulling in viewers and making them invested in the storyline. While the major characters go through significant progression, the secondary characters are far from being mere tools. They have their own arcs that intertwine seamlessly with the central story.

As for content warnings, the series does contain multifaceted elements of horror, including scenes implying sexual violence. The narrative embraces compellingly dark themes, making it more suitable for mature audiences. Furthermore, its layered narrative and historically rooted storytelling may present some challenges for viewers not familiar with early 20th century Japanese history.

In conclusion, Doomed Megalopolis is an intriguing venture into a historical saga overshadowed by supernatural occurrences. It successfully manages to portray Tokyo's transformation in the backdrop of a hauntingly thrilling story, further elevated by impeccable character arcs and stunning visuals. It's a must-watch for those who have an appreciation for historical fantasy and supernatural horror and do not mind a touch of darkness in their narrative.