Shattered Angels

Shattered Angels, also known as Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora, hails from the imaginative brains of director Tetsuya Yanagisawa and the production studios TNK and FUNimation. Airing 12 episodes in 2007, this original love tragedy sci-fi anime series further explores the iconic characters and settings that fill the popular worlds of Kaishaku's previous works, particularly Steel Angel Kurumi and Kannazuki No Miko.

Centered around the life of an innocent high school girl named Kuu Shiratori, Shattered Angels opens up in the aftermath of the Great Disaster, which brought irreparable damage to and significant transformations in the world. Kuu, who lives in the academic metropolis called Academia, is an ordinary girl that spends her days daydreaming about a prince who would take her away, something she confesses in her letters. Nevertheless, her seemingly banal life undergoes a dramatic turn when a self-proclaiming prince named Kyoshiro Ayanokōji transfers into her school.

Kuu's world is shaken even further when she discovers that Kyoshiro shares an uncanny resemblance with her dream prince. However, Kyoshiro is not merely a normal transfer student. He is a valued participant in an ongoing conflict involving Absolute Angels—mechanical demigod beings that possess immense power. Other characters entangled in this conflict include Setsuna and Kaon, who also happen to be the reincarnations of characters from Kannazuki No Miko, a previous series from the same creators.

Shattered Angels establishes a unique setting that beautifully blends elements from different genres such as sci-fi, fantasy, and romantic tragedies. The city of Academia, where most of the story unfolds, is a compilation of varying architectural designs, old-world charm, and futuristic structures, reflecting the fusion of traditional and advanced elements in the show’s narrative.

The animation and the character designs are visually pleasing, with a lot of attention given to costumes, especially the outfits of the Absolute Angels which are elaborate and add glamour to their divine aura. Within the beautiful graphics, the devastation caused by the Great Disaster can be seen subtly portrayed, reminding viewers of the darker undertones hidden beneath the glamourous exteriors. The soundtrack also compliments the aesthetics and the overall mood of the series significantly.

Shattered Angels is an amalgamation of past Kaishaku worlds and characters, but it also creates its unique take on the philosophical concepts of love and freedom. The idea of freedom, especially concerning the Absolute Angels, becomes a significant plot point, weaving in a sense of mystery and suspense.

In terms of character development, Kuu’s character progresses in meaningful ways as she grapples with her feelings for Kyoshiro and her place in the unfolding conflict. Despite being pushed into a whirlwind of chaos, Kuu’s strength and determination shine through, endearing her to the audience. Meanwhile, Kyoshiro's character is multifaceted - enigmatic yet charming, evoking intrigue as details about his past and motives gradually unfold.

Shattered Angels' plot is emotionally charged and often oscillates between lighthearted school life elements and heavier themes invoking strong emotions. This anime doesn’t shy away from the tragic elements in its story, though humor and love serve as powerful tools to balance out the narrative.

Overall, Shattered Angels promises an immersive anime experience to the fans of the genre, extending beyond the traditional confines of a typical high school romance. As you delve into the series, you will find yourself moved by the profound themes, captivated by the complex characters, and intrigued by the mysterious world. Be prepared for unexpected twists, as Shattered Angels takes you on a roller coaster journey of love, bravery, freedom, and redemption.