Jormungand

Jormungand, derived from Norse mythology denoting the gargantuan serpent that encircles the world, is a rather fitting title for this anime with its worldwide scope and seemingly never-ending web of intrigue, action, and character development. The show, available on FUNimation and first aired in 2012, features a remarkable blend of action, comedy, drama, and a dash of politics, set in a somewhat dystopian world that strikes a resonant chord with its viewers.

The narrative centers around the main character, Koko Hekmatyar, a young and charismatic arms dealer who works for HCLI, an international shipping corporation that benefits from global warfare. Despite her sunny demeanour, Koko is a formidable force to be reckoned with; she's as cunning as she's unpredictable. Her personality is a paradox, embodying the curious blend of being a cheerful, almost carefree young woman, yet possessing fierce acumen and resourcefulness that make her a compelling protagonist amidst a world of arms and ammunition.

Accompanying Koko in her adventures is a diverse band of bodyguards or, more aptly, comrades-in-arms, each with their unique backgrounds and personal stories. Among them is the newest recruit, Jonah, a former child soldier who despises arms dealers. His dark past makes him a riveting character to explore, and his unlikely allegiance to Koko provides plenty of room for conflict, camaraderie, and character growth.

As they navigate through a drama-filled landscape brimming with mercenaries, private intelligence agencies, and underground organizations, viewers are offered not only intense gunfights and action sequences but also deep dives into the psychology of soldiers and the ironies of the world they inhabit. Even as it revels in explosive action scenes, Jormungand doesn't shy away from posing challenging questions about morality, justice, and the convolutions of global conflict.

This unique amalgamation of characters travels across the world, from Asia to Europe, and from Africa to the Middle East, dealing weapons under the table and tackling danger at every turn. As the characters traverse diverse geographic terrains, they also navigate a complex web of political and socio-economic realities, fueling the plot's suspense and intrigue.

Every episode is a thrilling ride, with a robust blend of laudable animation and a riveting storyline. What makes Jormungand stand out from other action-packed anime is its remarkable attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of weapons and military tactics. The adrenaline-pumping soundtrack further enhances the show's intense atmosphere, plunging viewers directly into its high-stakes world.

The series' animation quality is top-notch, with sharp, detailed designs allowing for intense, fluid action sequences. Characters are unique and easily distinguishable, and the backgrounds are vibrant and perfectly capture the myriad of settings the team finds themselves in. Music and sound design also play an essential part in setting the tone. The soundtrack, composed by Taku Iwasaki, is eclectic and perfectly tuned to the series' atmosphere, ranging from rock to electronic and incorporating a variety of world music influences.

Though primarily categorized as an action series, Jormungand manages to seamlessly weave humor and human emotions. These lighter moments provide breathing space amidst the intense action scenes, without which the series could risk veering into an overly dark and despairing territory.

At its core, Jormungand is a tale of contradictions – a child soldier working for an arms dealer, a cheerful girl whose business fuels war, and an aspiration for world peace through the proliferation of more advanced weaponry. Yet, this topsy-turvy reality compounds its appeal, effectively showcasing a nuanced narrative that forces viewers to question their notions of right and wrong.

In total, there are twenty-four episodes over two seasons, ensuring that viewers can look forward to extended, immersive engagement with Koko, Jonah, and the rest of the team's thrilling adventures.

To summarize, Jormungand is a thrilling action anime series with much more beneath the surface than meets the eye. Combining intense fight sequences with a deep exploration of its characters' psychologies and global politics, it successfully offers a fascinating, exciting, and even thought-provoking viewing experience that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats episode after episode. Serialized in 2012 by FUNimation, Jormungand has since remained a favorite among anime buffs worldwide.