Review of Parasyte: The Maxim

Parasyte the Maxim is an unsettling sci-fi/thriller about a student named Shinichi whose hand gets possessed by an alien life-form called a parasyte. As Shinichi finds these parasytes survive by consuming humans he’s tasked with protecting humans both forcefully and diplomatically as the parasyte that has possessed his harm, Migi, both aids and limits his ability to do so. This unique fusion of Shinichi and Migi as two antagonistically inclined beings highlights the mutual aid and mutual struggle of all living things. The daily events that occur due to this relationship psychologically break Shinichi a few times over in ways that entirely make sense giventhe situation. Every part of his normal life is approached with a new level of caution and almost appropriate paranoia. His relationship with Migi and other parasytes poses some heavy time-sensitive ethical questions that compellingly call into question the value of life, both human and not.

The art ranges from average to pretty good. Britney Karbowski & Adam Gibbs deliver stellar English voice acting performances. The characters are entirely unique, incredibly human to the point where it feels like this should absolutely be a live action title.

While I do feel like this title added something to my life that I’d definitely recommend, it doesn’t stand out as a show with much rewatch value.

FFO: Death Note, Steins;Gate, Welcome to the NHK, Tokyo Ghoul

80% Seinen Jump approval.