Review of Land of the Lustrous
The most beautiful anime that will probably never receive a second season. Don't let the fact that this anime primarily uses CGI fool you- it is likely the BEST that CGI has ever looked in an anime- and the world that Houseki no Kuni resides in is equally as beautiful. Sprawling fields of green, the glistening ocean that surrounds a singular continent- and most of all the wondrous cast of characters all attributed to different kinds of "Gems". Set sometime in the distant future, Earth has been ravaged by 6 meteorites. Humanity was able to survive the hits of the first 5, but the 6th destroyed mostof everything- causing the race that ruled to flee into the ocean. Over time, in the deepest recesses of this new world, a new race emerged... An old myth describes ancient Humans who split to survive. Flesh, Bone, and Spirit. Bone, the Gems- immortal creatures made purely of Diamond, Jade, Alexandrite, etc. These creatures protect the Earth under their Master from the people who live on the Moon. The Spirit- Lunarians, striking their attacks to retrieve these Gems as "decorations". The Flesh, a race who has been subjugated on the Moon by the Lunarians.
The worldbuilding in this show is simply amazing. As you continue on, you learn more about the simplistic yet brilliant land that draws you nearer. I loved each and every one of these characters, and how they interact as a big family. Seriously, one of the most adorable anime I've watched. Our main character in this world is Phosphophyllite, the most useless of the Gems. Purpose. Phos is constantly trying to be useful, to find a purpose- to try and be more like her siblings- to be smarter, to be stronger, to be quicker- but with a hardness level of only 3, He breaks at a mere touch. At the ending of the first episode, Phos does receive a goal- to find a new job for Cinnabar, a Gem forced by their power into solitary, lacking PURPOSE aswell.
The fight scenes in this show are also top notch. The designs of the creatures they fight, Lunarians, are a mixture of pure beauty and terror. Every scene flows so well, it's candy for the eye. If you're a fan of this kinda stuff, you certainly wont be dissapointed by what Houseki no Kuni has to offer.
Over the course of this series, CHANGE is also a huge theme. Phos changes for others in many senses of the word- through trauma, he slowly loses the parts of himself that made him him. His joy fades away. Phos also loses parts of himself physically- and by grafting new materials onto himself becomes a stronger version- "but at what cost?" This imagery resonated with me heavily, and is an extremely tragic character study. I won't spoil anymore than that- but this series will BREAK YOU.
All of this culminates in a definite favorite for me. Though, it's been nearly 8 years and no news of a second season... I don't know why. HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!