Hand Shakers

Hand Shakers is a Japanese anime series that debuted in 2017 and was produced by GoHands, known for their work on the critically acclaimed "K" Project. With Tohru Miyazawa directing and characterized by distinctive visuals, Hand Shakers presents a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements.

Set in the enigmatic city of Osaka, the anime transports you into a challenging universe called Ziggurat. Here, pairs of individuals known as Hand Shakers are compelled to compete against each other in battles for a shot at confronting God. These battles are far from typical confrontations. The Hand Shakers have the supernatural ability to materialize their thoughts and emotions into what's known as Nimrode, weapons born from their psyche and life force. When two Hand Shakers join hands, their Nimrode gets exponentially stronger, opening doors for strategic combat.

The story particularly focuses on the life of Tazuna Takatsuki, a mechanically inclined high school student who spends his time fixing all manner of things. His life changes dramatically when he touches the hand of a seemingly comatose girl named Koyori Akutagawa, drawing him into the Ziggurat as a Hand Shaker. Holding Koyori’s hand is not just a symbol of their partnership, but a lifeline for her, as she risks death if she lets go.

Together, Tazuna and Koyori form the Hand Shaker team "Gear," working in tandem to face and beat other Hand Shaker pairs. The series showcases their intensive battles against various pairs who wield diverse and creative Nimrodes, as well as their struggle to keep Koyori alive.

Hand Shakers is character driven, with each Hand Shaker pair having distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations, enriching the plot with interwoven narratives. Characters are put through emotional trials and tribulations, and their development through these challenges is fascinating to watch.

The show does a fantastic job of providing thoughtful exploration of the relationship dynamics between Hand Shakers. As they have to physically stay connected to each other, the pairs are forced to negotiate issues of personal space, trust, and reliance on one another. Their bonds go beyond the exigencies of battle and into the complexities of their interpersonal relationships.

Visually, Hand Shakers is unique. The artwork is detailed and colorful, bordering on surreal, which accentuates the fantastical elements of the story. The character designs are intricate, imbued with an eclectic style, and the series embraces a bold artistic approach, using vibrant, saturated colors and a cinematography filled with dynamic, sweeping shots.

At the technical level, Hand Shakers features innovative 3D visuals, and its integration of 2D and 3D animation represents groundbreaking aesthetics even within the enormous field of anime. The fights are visually impressive and dynamic, being fast-paced and beautifully choreographed. During these battles, the Hand Shakers' Nimrodes are illustrated in full glory, showcasing the creative potential of the conceptual weapon system.

Hand Shakers is a 12-episode journey that dives into the bizarre and exhilarating world of battles, teamwork, ambition, and survival. Throughout the series, it keeps the viewers intrigued with its underlying mystery - what happens when a Hand Shaker pair finally confronts God? The concept of meeting God is subtly explored throughout the series, posing questions about desire, power, and what one would ask of a deity should they be given a chance.

The series' soundtrack enhances its world-building, with an array of resonating music underscoring both action sequences and quieter character moments. The opening and ending themes, typically an essential aspect of an anime’s ambiance, perfectly capture the series’ mood and charm.

To summarize, Hand Shakers from 2017 is an anime series that offers a delightful narrative, brilliant visuals, and intriguing character dynamics. The animation studio’s artistic ambition stretches to create an immersive world that fuses science fiction and fantasy in the best possible way. The series draws in its audience with strategic battles, emotional stakes, and the persistent mystery of the ultimate divine confrontation, making it a worthwhile watch for anime enthusiasts.