Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers-

Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers- is an enthralling and captivating anime series based on a Japanese light novel. It was aired by MBS in 2015 and promptly gained popularity for its riveting storyline, well-developed characters and beautiful animation. (This anime can comfortably be called a fusion of mystery, adventure, and fantasy genres, where action sequences and detective elements coexist seamlessly.)

The story revolves around an ancient prophecy that foretells the awakening of the Demon God, along with its horde of minions, every 300 years. But coinciding with the resurrection of this malevolent force, the Goddess of Fate would also select six heroes, bestowing upon them her divine protection and marking them as the Braves of the Six Flowers. The end goal remains defeating the Demon God and saving the world from being engulfed in chaos.

As luck would have it, our protagonist, Adlet Mayer, who hails from a small village and is proclaimed to be the World’s Strongest Man, has always held a deep-seated dream of becoming one of the ‘Braves’. His moment finally arrives when he is chosen to be one of these prophesied warriors and marked with the crest of the Six Flowers. Adlet is instantly whisked away on a fantastically dangerous journey where he’s expected to live up to the title he’s been given; it isn’t long before he proves his worth during challenging battles.

As the story progresses, Adlet encounters the other five Braves, each with their unique abilities and distinct personalities. Nachetanya, a cheerful yet fierce princess who wields a mystical weapon and is the first Brave that Adlet meets; Flamie, a demihuman with a somber past; Chamot, the youngest and seemingly most powerful of the Braves; Goldof, a serious and dedicated knight with an unwavering devotion to his princess; and Hans, a sly and sharp-witted assassin.

Drama and suspense take a wild spin when these champions discover there are seven people gathered instead of six. The realization immediately seeds distrust among the group. Alongside their mission to slay the Demon God, the Braves now also have to uncover the impostor in their midst. This dire, unexpected twist adds a gripping whodunit element to the storyline. This adds a thrilling layer to the plot, making the audience not only anticipate the battles but also seek to unravel the mystery of the extra Brave.

Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers- excels at character development. Each Brave gets their turn in the spotlight, revealing complex pasts, varied motives, and individual goals, leading the viewer to invest emotionally in their fates. And with every revelation, the identity of the seventh imposter becomes even more obfuscated, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

The series also benefits from being visually stunning. Set in a Mesoamerican-inspired landscape, the anime is decked with lush forests, grand temples, and dangerous terrains, adding depth to the viewing experience. The fight scenes are filled with fluid, fast-paced movements that keep the adrenaline pumping. Costumes and character designs are intricate and striking, with each braves’ look matching their unique skills and personalities.

Complementing the dynamic visuals is a score that ranges from invigorating battle music to subtle melodies, enhancing the emotional heights of the series. The opening theme pulses with energy, perfectly setting the tone for the battles to come.

From its carefully woven plot to its perfectly timed cliffhangers, Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers- offers a fusion of fantasy, action, and mystery that is sure to engage viewers from the first episode. It checks all the boxes for what a great anime should be - exciting, emotional, complex - and manages to feel fresh and unpredictable throughout its run.

Love it or hate it, Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers- is an adventure that’s worth embarking on; its multidimensional characters, captivating mystery, intense fights, and vibrant animation make it a standout series that’s hard to forget. Even after the final credits roll, viewers are likely to find themselves musing over its characters, plot twists, and of course, the unresolved enigma of the seventh Brave.