This is part of my Effort to Use This Journal For Something.
Darker than Black 1-10
From ANN:
“In Tokyo, an impenetrable field known as “Hell’s Gate” appeared ten years ago. At the same time, psychics who wield paranormal powers at the cost of their conscience also emerged. Hei is one of the most powerful of these psychic agents, and along with his blind associate, Yin, works for one of the many rival agencies vying to unlock the mysteries of Hell’s Gate.”
The action/spy movie aspect is pretty cool, although the babe-of-the-week idea feels rather out of date to me. (It’s so…1978 
) Animation-wise, BONES pays close attention to details, one of the things I like about them. For example, in a scene where a grown woman is walking together with a young boy, his legs move faster than hers because a child has shorter legs and therefore walking faster is only logical. Stuff like that. The colors are bright, bordering – just a little – on bold.
The worldbuilding unfolds at a rather brisk pace, and we’re left wanting to learn more details. Most if not all of the characters are stereotypes fashioned in new and interesting ways, a trick that the anime/manga industry excels at. The series does a pretty good job at keeping the viewers’ attention on the main character without keeping him on the spotlight longer than necessary. The sidekicks are intriguing, as well, even Huang. (Why does he seem to dislike Contractors? Has one of them ever done something personally or professionally harmful to him?) Mao is amusing to watch in the perfume company casefile.
Would I recommend the series? I would, with a small warning that babes in distress may not appeal to everyone. Other than that, it’s a fun ride.
(I could have watched more episodes if they weren’t .mkv files, for which I have SO MUCH H8 right now, roar)
