(2022) This series is so good I'm writing my first official review. I admit: it's going to be a bit tricky to write because I want you to discover the surprises for yourself. This is one of the very few anime that, while it does peripherally have a modern twist to it, they don't beat you about the head with it. In fact, they only pull out the references every 10\20 episodes or so. So when you see it, you're genuinely surprised! They also *slowly* lead you to discovery the MC's back story. They spend far more time having really meaningful explorations of what's important. Iwill tell you that it took me multiple episodes that, also peripherally, this story is somewhat Dr. Who for a xanxia: he has female companions he deeply cares about, he uses his brain (and humor) to solve problems and the *space* he inhabits is (say it with me) bigger on the inside. And yes, he's a...wellll....you need to figure that one out yourself.

There is great character development across the board. MC tries his best to reason with those sent to kill him and, best of, he treats them right. Thus, he has one loyal band of followers because he isn't a {insert word here}.

Fun fact! He actually changes his outfit for *the right reason.* He doesn't wear either the same outfit for five seasons, nor does he change his outfit's color\keep it when he goes undercover. I really wish that the animators had actually shown a specific cross-anime shirt he referenced in the first or second episode.

Music: I have to hand it to the music director. It's not canned music from other animes. I've especially appreciated that he\she created *very thoughtful instrumentation* that complimented those deeper conversations. Even the "playful" pieces aren't ditzy.

If you gloss over this show, you're really going to miss some stellar, thoughtful interactions and plot development. Is it the best show I've ever, ever seen? Ehhhh maybe. I mean, I wish they had put this much thought (and upgraded 3DCGI) into Soul Land (eye roll).

BTTH has some of the same, thoughtful scenes (see the Gazebo in a rainstorm scene where MC is pouring his heart out to Dad while the storm crescendos and decrescendos as he lets it all out).

I'm surprised that I haven't seen this mentioned on more lists (esp. as I learned after the fact that it's one of the highest viewed shows in other parts of the world). It took me a *very* long time to understand and appreciate anime as I was long over screaming emo boys with spikey hair.

Now I spend my time loving and researching shows like this as I'm trying to write my own.

Pay attention to this one, and you'll be rewarded over and over.