THE JOURNAL
All images courtesy of Netflix
Anime might be Japanese, but, a little bit like people KonMari-ing their wardrobes, it’s a global pursuit. And whether you’re already a fully-fledged otaku or a total anime novice, there’s good news: Netflix is amplifying its anime offering and is launching a host of original content to cater to its increasingly diverse audience.
It’s been a long time coming. Anime might still be in the process or shaking off its nerds-only reputation (see the multiple “why are anime fans so weird?” threads on Reddit), but after Mr Kanye West’s obsession with Akira or Ghost In The Shell’s trajectory to Hollywood in 2017, anime’s transition from cult to mainstream is happening, and Netflix is placing its bets accordingly. “Netflix aims to be the most compelling and attractive home for anime fans, creators and production studios,” said Mr Jonathan Derderian, Netflix’s Japanese director of content, in a press release. “We are creating an environment where production houses can do their best work, and deliver their shows on a service where we connect anime fans from over 190 countries to content they love.”
The platform has some exciting shows in the pipeline, including an upcoming Ghost In The Shell sequel, SAC_2045, and a rebooted take on the popular 1990s manga series Spriggan, both slated for release in 2020. Until then, though, here are five of Netflix’s finest original anime releases to help get your otaku on.
BAKI
Been hitting the gym and want to see some depressingly unachievable gains for fitspiration? Watch Baki. Based on the Baki The Grappler manga series that ran in the 1990s, it follows the young Baki Hanma as he trains in the world champion of brutal underground martial arts, fighting opponents to the death in no-rules, hand-to-hand combat. With lots of beatings, insanity, daddy issues and pectorals, it’s a bloodbath of a show with a surprisingly sensitive heart.
ULTRAMAN
Ultraman is one of Japan’s most iconic retro exports, and first premiered as a sci-fi TV show way back in 1966. Now, Netflix is bringing it back with a supercharged bang. With visuals that are more akin to a videogame than an anime, it’s jam-packed with robot suits, aliens and electrifying fight scenes.
CASTLEVANIA
Magic, monsters, and a vampire who plans to scrub humanity from the earth, Castlevania’s themes aren’t exactly new, but it’s certainly a satisfying show to sink your teeth into. Often called the “animated Game Of Thrones”, it was originally a videogame, with Netflix morphing it into an anime in 2017. Since then, two seasons have premiered, with a 10-episode third season in the works.
B: THE BEGINNING
Don’t let the lush visuals fool you: this is a show about serial killers. Drawing comparisons with Dexter for its “killing other killers” theme, it follows the Royal Investigation Service (and its host of eminently likeable characters) as they attempt to find out whom’s killing who. A mishmash of captivating storylines, exquisite animation and refreshingly goofy humour, _B: The Beginning _might just be your new favourite Netflix binge.
DEVILMAN CRYBABY
From debauch parties to possession-hungry demons and shapeshifting body parts, Devilman Crybaby is… well, it’s a lot. A short crib sheet: in this world devils possess living hosts who, if they are strong enough, can overcome the demon and harness its power, becoming a “devilman”. You’ll have to watch it to find out the rest, but this is a clever show about more than just violence, delivering a searing commentary on everything from metaphysics to the media and international relations. A bit like Brexit, but with violent demon boobs.