Plunderer

Plunderer is a unique, engaging, and action-packed anime series that first aired on Tokyo MX in 2020. The series is a blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure elements, offering audiences an unconventional storyline that keeps them on the edge of their seats with each unfolding episode. Its plot is influenced by an innovative, stark conception of a dystopian future, where numerical counts matter more than anything else and determine the fate of individuals.

Based on the successful manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Suu Minazuki, the anime adaption faithfully blends the elements of the original source material but adds its unique layer of animation excellence to make it even more appealing to the otaku community.

The story takes place in a world that operates on a harsh system of counts. Every human is branded with a "Count," which is essentially a number that could indicate anything from the number of steps one has walked to the quantity of compliments received. This count becomes an integral part of the individual's identity, shaping their status, power, and even their right to exist. Those with high counts enjoy elevated societal ranks, while those with lower counts can be banished to the depths of the Abyss, a terrifying unknown realm that serves as the ultimate threat to all.

The protagonist, Hina, is a brave and determined young girl who sets out on a quest driven by her mother's last words. As her mother was dragged down into the Abyss for having a reduced count, she told Hina to find the Legendary Ace, a mythical figure of rebellion against this cruel system. Hina's journey is filled with peril and unexpected encounters, but she remains relentless in following her mother's dying wish.

She eventually comes across Licht Bach, a wanderer with an initially low count and the infamous moniker of "Plunderer." The interaction between Licht and Hina forms the emotional nucleus of the show. Their rapport, fluctuating from comedic to emotionally charged moments, forwards much of the series' plot, propelling them towards unfathomable challenges and hurdles.

Licht Bach is a complex character, haunted by his past and uncertain about his future. His count, his abilities, and his motives add layers of mystery that unravel gradually throughout the series, keeping viewers gripped episode after episode. Licht Bach's character is shaded with shades of both light and darkness, contributing significantly to the anime’s thematic richness.

Plunderer explores critical themes such as social inequalities, the struggle for survival, humanity's resilience, friendship, love, and the pursuit of freedom against all odds. The thought-provoking special abilities and skill sets of characters tied to their counts add more depth to these themes.

The animation quality by Geek Toys studio is top-notch, with meticulously designed characters and stunning world-building. The series also impresses with its combat scenes, offering thrilling action sequences with superb choreography. Besides, the opening and ending themes contribute to the overall mood of the show, balancing between the eeriness of the dystopian future and the hopeful undertones of the storyline.

In summary, Plunderer can be described as an anime series that delivers high-stakes action in an imaginative, unusually punishing universe. It’s a show that makes audiences think, laugh, and stay tensed simultaneously, as they get invested in the characters' journeys. Its fusion of gripping storytelling, emotional depth, thrilling action, and memorable characters make it a standout offering in the anime world. Its remarkable blend of fantasy, adventure, and dystopian elements offers a unique viewing experience that has pleasantly surprised its viewers and keeps them hooked.