Review of Durarara!!

I’ll start simple. Durarara!! is one of the best stories I have had the pleasure of experiencing. It is one of Narita Ryohgo’s works, and I tell you, this guy really makes wonders. There are 3 main aspects -that I can differentiate- in which his works are based. 1) Unique characters. In his stories he chooses to create a lot, yet, very unique set of characters. All of them are different and extraordinary in their own way. Not one or two, or three main characters, but a lot! Each character is a main character in their own story and we watch how these rather ordinary individuals’ storiescollide with each other’s in this city. From extravagant, intimidating characters like Izaya to shy, timid characters like Anri, it’s a myriad of personalities. Each one has their very own personality and you can feel how they are, you could maybe relate to some of their emotions, you could even predict how they are gonna act based on determined circumstances. You come to understand how they feel; if they will like or dislike something. Every character has their own problems and they cope with it in different manners, giving even more impression on how each one of them is unique, as we.

2) World setting. He chooses an environment, a world in which the events will unfold. He makes it feel alive. He throws all his characters in this world of his for us to see how they interact with each other and how common lives can result in extraordinary stories. The city of Ikebukuro feels alive. It’s just not an empty park, it’s a playground in which every decision has consequences in everybody else’s lives. People that otherwise are strangers to each others see their lives come together. Big city, small world.

3) Non-linear storytelling. Certainly, this is the cherry on top. This story -or rather set of stories- is told not exactly from beginning to end. We usually change perspectives, points of view, we go back in time, and then take a peek into the future, only to then go back to the present. We come to appreciate how a story is just not one tale, but a mix of different ones.

Durarara!! is amazing not just because it has unique and memorable characters, not just because we see them interact with each other and see how the story unfolds before us with a splendour worthy of reverence or how a very different, interesting and intriguing storytelling deliver us what could be a simple gathering of consequences and coincidences, but the mix of all these factors.

We see how the world is live. How a character decisions affects others. We see how each of them have their own lives and the fact that we see them taking part in another story gives a sensation that you are not watching an anime or reading the novel… it gives you something else.

A story that you can expect anything to happen. A story that uses supernatural elements to deliver a profound, beautiful, funny, complex, with substance, and amazing tale.

I’ve come to appreciate all characters and how their contribution to the story affects the fate of others, unfolding events, creating alliances, discovering secrets, or just keeping some truths buried.
I’ve come to value the characters, learn their names, enjoy what they enjoy, dislike what they dislike, understand their motives and will, be happy when they succeed and feel sorry when they don’t.

The music of Durarara!! is a matter I divide in two parts. The OP & ED and the general OST.
For the first part, the OPs and ED are glorious. They catched my attention to 100% and never skipped them. Being my favorites the first OP, Uragiri no Yuuyake by Theatre Brook and the ED, Trust me, by Yuta Matsushita. They both got me watching them, enjoying the beat, the imagery, they made me smile and, if I knew japanese, probably even singing along because hell, they are so catchy. The ED especially made me really happy. Seeing all the cast reunited and how every group has someone connected with the others.

The OST, while is repetitive, gives you a sharp notion of what feeling and message every track is trying to deliver. In the instant you hear certain track you get your mood set for the occasion. The tracks are easy to spot. While that could sound bad for some people, I particularly think it’s not a problem since the tracks are easy to the ear. Not annoying, not boring.

The Art style is not spectacular but certainly is not bad. Rich colors and variable palette depending on the time of the day. In Durarara!! we will watch the story develop in early day, dusk and night. Depending on the events we will see brighter colors or pale tones.
I have had no complains in the visual style because it is fair. It’s not top notch but sure is a very good style to deliver this story. Same with the animation.

So, to conclude, Durarara!! is sure a piece of art you have to see and value for yourself. As unique as you and me are, this story is and sure it can catch you in an unexpected way.
What are you waiting? The city of Ikebukuro is waiting for you.