Steel Angel Kurumi

Steel Angel Kurumi is an intriguing mix of romantic comedy, action, adventure, and science fiction. The anime ran on WOWOW from 1999 to 2000 and quickly became known for its intricate balance between wild comedy and surreal storytelling.

The plot revolves around Nakahito Kagura, a 12-year-old boy who belongs to a group of Shinto mystics. By sheer luck or cosmic trajectory, he accidentally kisses a deactivated android dubbed as "Steel Angel" named Kurumi. This unexpected action awakens Kurumi, sparking an unusual and captivating chain of events. Once awoken, Kurumi wholeheartedly believes that Nakahito is her new master and pledges her unwavering loyalty to him. Soon, she moves into Nakahito's home, turning his once calm life into a new norm brimming with lively and unpredictable interactions.

The anime series is unique because at its heart, it’s a bizarre love triangle, with a twist. Along with Kurumi, two other Steel Angels make their presence. We have Saki, who is entirely devoted to Kurumi while harboring her feelings, and then there's Karinka, a manipulative and ambitious android who adds an extra dash of chaos to an already chaotic household. The three Steel Angels bring action, drama, comedy and, most importantly, a myriad of human-like emotions to this exciting anime series.

Next to the vivid character depictions, the world-building of Steel Angel Kurumi is simply brilliant. Set in an alternate universe where Japanese Imperialism has made a fast-paced technological advancement, the anime takes place in Taisho Era. This era setting is marked by striking juxtaposition where the culture and fashion represent a traditional Japan, and yet the society embraces the steampunk technology that has surpassed our modern world's capacity. This unfamiliar world and its intricacies allow for fascinating storylines that explore the boundaries between man-made creations and emotions.

A noteworthy point about Steel Angel Kurumi is its commendable animation. Even after two decades, it remains impressive with its vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and smooth transitions that make fight scenes a spectacle. The design for each Steel Angel stands out – they do not only possess unique character designs, but their costumes, panels, and movements are all indicative of their distinct personalities. The use of stunning visual metaphoric sequences to translate heavy, emotional moments evokes a surreal atmosphere.

In terms of sound, the anime comes alive with music that resonates with the story's emotions and intensities. The voice acting is excellent, expressing each character's emotions perfectly and contributing to their distinctive personalities. The background score is beautifully composed, adding depth to both the calm and stormy events. The series also makes the best use of sound effects, particularly during the battle scenes, to create the ultimate immersive atmosphere.

As far as themes go, Steel Angel Kurumi delves into deeply philosophical territories. It questions the limits of creation, and by granting robots human-like sentiments, it prods at the understanding of sentience and emotions. It also explores a range of interpersonal relationships, including the dynamics in a household, friendship, loyalty, rivalry and even romantic love, making it an anime that manages to tap into every human emotion worth exploring.

With steel clashing, colors flying, and hearts pounding, the series offers a roller coaster ride of events that are not too serious to weigh you down nor too light to make you yawn. The result is an enjoyable anime that leaves you captivated by its charm.

Steel Angel Kurumi is a perfect choice for anime fans who love a good laugh, enjoy engaging storyline, appreciate well-developed characters, and are intrigued by the aesthetic sensibilities of the anime medium. Bursting with laughter, action, adventure, and occasional moments of intense drama, this series is a unique blend that’s equally visually stunning and metaphorically thought-provoking. All in all, Steel Angel Kurumi is a series worth discovering and savoring.