Double Decker! Doug & Kirill

Double Decker! Doug & Kirill is a wholly exhilarating and zany 2018 anime series produced by legendary company Sunrise and streamed on Bandai Channel. The energizing show is structured as a subset of the esteemed “Tiger & Bunny” universe and effectively creates a universe of its own. While being a spin-off, the narrative complexity, visual appeal, and intrinsic humor manage to make Double Decker! Doug & Kirill, an individual masterpiece that stands distinct from its predecessor.

At the center of the series are the dynamic duo Doug Billingam, and Kirill Vrubel. Doug is a seasoned detective, a veteran with a mysterious past, grizzled exterior, and a knack for snagging criminals. His charisma is a perfect foil to the show's second pillar, Kirill, an unseasoned, optimistic rookie with a heart of gold but accompanied by a knack for stumbling into trouble. Their pair forms the backbone of the show, providing not just a source of action and adventure, but also comedy and hard-learned lessons.

The plot unfolds in the fictional city of Lisvaletta, divided in two - a picturesque and affluent "Above" and a grimy, crime-ridden "Below". Using this setting, the series provides an underpinning social and economic commentary. In the darkness of 'Below', a new, devastating drug named "Anthem" has surfaced and been causing chaos. Anthem turns its users into superhumans, and in the wrong hands, can prove a societal nightmare.

To combat this menace, a specialized law enforcement branch named "Seven-O" has been put into action. This unit's signature investigatory method, the "Double Decker" system, revolves around working in pairs, and hence brings Doug and Kirill together. They are part of a larger assembly of charismatic characters that make up the Seven-O, each with their unique abilities and quirks which ramps up the entertainment quotient.

The series is a sparkling showcase of sharp wit, riveting action, endearing camaraderie, and intricate storytelling. Double Decker! Doug & Kirill effortlessly weaves different genres into its narrative, from crime and drama to mystery and adventure, with a generous sprinkling of comedy. The humor endowed in the series is a combination of slapstick, irony, and interspersed with on-point social criticisms making it a refreshing viewing experience.

As is the norm with Sunrise productions, Double Decker! Doug & Kirill sports an unignorably attractive animation style. Its visuals are captivating, featuring unique character designs, immersive backgrounds, and high-quality action sequences. Striking a careful balance between traditional hand-drawn elements and cutting-edge CGI effects, the series provides a cocktail of visual delight.

The series’ music, overseen by the dynamic musical group "The Luck Life," amplifies the dramatic action, injects energy into the humorous sequences, layers the show's overall narrative, and builds episodic tension effectively building audiences' engagement.

Double Decker! Doug & Kirill is commendable for its embracing of diversity, offering a cast that's a mix of varied ethnicities, races, and genders. This commitment to inclusivity makes it more than just an enjoyable anime, becoming a strong representation of divergent yet harmonizing identities.

The series contains strong thematic underpinnings. From dissecting the implications of drug abuse, exploring the darker sides of technological advancements, critiquing bureaucratic structures to illuminating the unequal impacts of wealth and poverty. Double Decker! Doug & Kirill proves to be a surprisingly thoughtful show, layered beneath copious amounts of humor and vigour.

Above and beyond the nuanced characters and breezy humor, the series shines a spotlight on the theme of unassuming heroism. Doug and Kirill, despite their idiosyncrasies, provide an emotional grounding to this action-packed series, reminding viewers that heroes lurk in the most unexpected places.

Double Decker! Doug & Kirill is an exuberant journey invoking laughter, thrills, and contemplation in equal measure. It is a blend of stunning visuals, sharp writing, infectious humor, rich character development, and themes that resonate beyond the screen, making it a widely appealing series. Whether you are an anime aficionado or an uninitiated viewer, Double Decker! Doug & Kirill will undoubtedly provide an engaging exploration of heroism, adventure, and camaraderie.