Review of Parasyte: The Maxim

While this show has been out for a few years, I've only recently got round to watching it, and I have to say, i'm happy that I did! Story: The show's premise is similar to shows like Tokyo ghoul. Your average teenage male protagonist gets a very strong power that he didn't ask for, and must overcome the difficulties and dangers that come with it. while it's certainly not a new theme, This show does a very good job of portraying the struggles that Shinichi must endure, as well as how it affects his family and close friends. Art: The show had a good art style,and the animation was fluid and enjoyable to watch. especially during fight scenes. certain other scenes, such as dream sequences, are animated and drawn in a different style, this adds to the mystery often found within these sequences.

Sound:

As a metal fan. I really enjoyed the opening theme. (Let Me Hear by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). it had a great blend of guitar and harsh vocals, but with an electronic instrumental and autotuned vocals. This is an odd mix but it works well.

The music in the show itself is a little hit or miss, some tracks did an amazing job of elevating the scene, while at other times, it was a little distracting. This was especially true during some fight sequences, where the backing music was heavy dubstep instrumental. I couldn't help but think of montage parodies during these scenes.

Characters:

The show had a good range of characters. Shinichi, while not dissimilar to many other male protagonists in anime, had very likeable qualities. Seeing the transformation from normal guy to Parasyte killing badass was very entertaining to watch, however even towards the very end of the show you could tell he was conflicted whenever he was in a fight or flight situation.

Migi; the parasyte that tried and failed to take over Shinichi's body, was a good contrast to him. Migi had little to no compassion for human life, and often questioned the human morals of Shinichi.

There were also a slew of supporting characters that ranged from the comic relief character Uda, to the love interest Murano, who is definitely the one most affected by the change in Shinichi.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. it blended an interesting, albeit somewhat unoriginal plot with a great cast of characters and some solid animation and art direction. If you like action/horror anime and you haven't given this show a chance, then I highly recommend it!

I give Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu (Parasyte: The Maxim) 8/10.