Review of Den-noh Coil

First of all I'm a BIG FAN of DENSUKE! I want a huge poster of him. Because of a busy schedule it is rare for me to stick to an anime after the 2nd or 3rd episode premise without it showing early on as something that is unique, or have at least flawless animation/execution and above all hints of a rewarding series to finish. Actually, I never write reviews unless a series has tugged my heart strings and inspired me to do so. Nowadays, I am more skeptical of the quality of anime that is out there now. A lot of shows are easy to categorizeand just scarcely inspired or would end up with a mediocre ending.

Well, Denno Coil [Ureshii fansubs] definitely awakened the long-lost anime fan in me. My first impressions of the first episode is the 'unique' character design : the eyes are not too big, with heavy eye lashes and too much glitter.. One of the few downsides i found though is the hair-styles look too similar.. haha. (maybe they want it more realistic - because in real life people don't have too varying hairstyles?) Next, the very fluid, genuine-to-life with anime flair movement of the characters. The execution and the vision of this is quite flawless and very believable. In short, it is something I haven't seen before. The non-human characters too are designed very much unlike the typical sanrio/clamp cuteness but something of 'ugly-cute'. I think the message is : 'imperfect, clumsy-looking creatures are cute as long as they show heart.' I totally love the dog Densuke for his bravery and loyalty, although what first got my attention is Oyagi - maybe because anyone not wearing pants is automatically high in my list. (jk!)

Speaking of which such non-human characters, DC gives 'personalities'. In the first episode, Oyagi is introduced as 'different' for being 'shy' - blushing and bowing politely when he was first introduced. He was also shown as someone who felt pain when a 'metatag' was rudely slapped on his back. Nonetheless, he didn't mind such treatment - like Densuke - he shows only loyalty and fondness for his master. The Moji's are cute too but they fall in third. The Micet I couldn't care less if it gets blasted in a beat for they are boring. Haha. Conversely, the 'illegals' are more fun to watch because it reminds very well of miyazaki's creatures. I remember the first time I saw the character run - and 'Ghibli' came to mind in an instant. And of course Satchii the villain you just looove to hate! :)

Actually, all of the characters in DC have certain flaws (personality-wise), imperfections that doesn't stop the viewer from liking them. I think it was the ability of the characters not to be one-dimensional that made them endearing and interesting - and as the story progresses they unfold their hearts, their pasts… how each are related to one another, combined with lively dialog and conversations that suck the viewer in. It is simply a 'delight' to get to know each character and their personal hurdles as the story progresses. I have to commend here the voice actors for lending the emotion needed as well as Ureshii for the fan subbing effort.

Among the characters I immediately liked Kyoko and Densuke - their relationship of owner/pet is child-like innocence wonderfully captured. I also appreciate the missing tooth for the 'too-young/old' characters in DC. Next is Megabaa for being clever and funny and a smart-a** for her old age. Then Daichi - I'm glad he didn't fall to the one-dimensional bully that is often seen in many shows. Like the rest of the characters he shows his own incompetence for summoning up the courage and be liked by his crush that he ends up being a jerk. His being the unwilling guardian for Kyoko in some key parts are also one of the most enjoyable and almost heartwarming scenes I've seen in an anime for the realism and again the excellent capture of child-like awkwardness and innocence. It also goes to say that Daichi (like Megabaa) often steals the scene and makes me howl in laughter every so often. PS: I LOL'd when Tamako called for 'reinforcements'. There are a few instances that I have to pause the player and admire the meticulous design they spent on Tamako being hot and edgy, btw. As you know, I am a fan of good animation skills you can check out my art gallery at http://chisaikame.deviantart.com/gallery/

I have to take a moment too for the kind of expressions the animators used when showing distress or funny faces. It is not as 'grotesque' like in GTO but it is toned down as well. I also liked Denpa kun, Akira kun… as they seem to be the kind of folks you'd want to grow up with, protect from bullies and share the same loyalty, honesty and esteem of friendship they have. Akira may not be the same as Denpa but he helps when he can.

I also liked the story of cyberspace as being visually present in the Denno Coil world. And the terms most people in the internet generation are aware of and rearranging them to make a new plot/story line. Highlights for me is the 'war' not the 'duel' around episode 4? Another thing I liked about DC is the attention to detail… even the 'still shots' for whatever episode: may it be the characters having a great time in the local festival, or treading in a group these 'still shots' are not run-of-the-mill pictures.

*very mild spoiler*

(eg. When Akira and a friend was in the 'duel' episode and a booby trap of a skinned human anatomy model swung at them - Akira and his friend can be seen as wetting their pants in horror.)

Overall DC would develop in a nice plot of mystery, surprise, intensity, sadness, loss, philosophy of the meaning of life, Truth itself. I like how such critical questions like 'where are we (civilization) heading to'… and the simplistic desire of being able to communicate to a Supreme Being and ask this question would satisfy the deep longing in our hearts. And that to define something as real is not literally something that could be touched/felt. Right now I am in episode 24 - and couldn't wait to finish it, moreover I felt a review is merited because it has clearly surpassed my expectations. *edit* I just finished it - and i can't urge you enough to watch it - you're in for a sure treat! As far as theme goes, I also like the message that the 'path' that 'connects us all' is the path our hearts take to achieve what is Good and what is best.. the path where we can show our love and care for one another, in every possible way - I think there is genuine reflection there. At this point too the story deals with heavy-drama and wistful longing for the things that we lost and the hope to regain once more, that is sure to get those tear ducts workin. DC is one of the rare animes that will easily get me to trouble for delaying work and watching a dozen episodes in a single sitting. All I can say is omedeto to the production team of Denno Coil and for the excellent fansubbing from Ureshii! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and unforgettable masterpiece as DC. I could't quite get enough of it - but it is upper-tier, excellence as it is. Ganbatteyo!