D.N.Angel TV Series

WJ · July 24th, 2007 12:44 AM

Major Credits:

Directors: Yoshikawa Koji, Habara Nobuyoshi
Producers: Itou Atsushi, Matsuyama Susumu, Yamanishi Taihei
Script: Arakawa Naruhisa
Character Design: Yamaoka Shin'ichi
Animation Directors: Motohashi Hideyuki, Yamaoka Shin'ichi
Art Director: Umino Yoshimi
Music: Eguchi Takahito, Hasegawa Tomoki
Based on the manga by: Sugisaki Yukiru

Summary: (from THEM Anime Reviews)

Niwa Daisuke is a fourteen-year-old boy with a really weird family. Despite his family's, er, odd customs, he tries not to let that bring him down and on his fourteenth birthday he decides that he is going to change his fate. On his birthday, he confesses to his crush, Harada Risa, that he loves her. Unfortunately Risa rebukes him and says that she really wants somebody "tall, dark, and dangerous".

On the same day, his family reveals to him that he is, in fact, the reincarnation of a thief. Not just any thief, but the famous thief, Dark Mousy. When Daisuke feels romantic feelings towards a girl, he will instantly transform into Dark. And if he doesn't steal the object that he is assigned to steal, he will stay in that form forever.

Review:

Although D.N.Angel can be considered a shoujo anime, it avoids some aspects of shoujo character traits that I personally find annoying. Although the series has its share of "pretty boys," Daisuke breaks the "norm" of male protagonists (looking prettier than the girls) and actually looks somewhat plain. He can come off as a bit too nice sometimes (and ticked me off a number of times with his naive decisions), but he's a refreshing alternative to the angsty anti-heroes we're inundated with these days. As for the female characters, most of them (especially the Harada twins) are adorable outwardly AND inwardly. So despite the apparently dark and gloomy premises, it's easy to be drawn in by the lovely cast of characters and their interactions.

As in all shoujo series, romantic tension takes center stage in the tale, and everything else pretty much is a collective plot device. Given that the story revolves around a bunch of 14-year-olds, abundance of violent rages or psychological breakdowns could collectively become a potentially uncomfortable prospect. But remarkably, the love story not only does without those disturbing elements (leaving them to feature in other plot devices appropriately), but it still successfully keeps the audience at the edge of the seat with just a deep portrayal of simple human emotions. And in spite of the fact that the manga had not yet finished (and is still unfinished) by the time last episode aired, the audience is treated to a dramatic and satisfying closure.

The artwork leaves a little to be desired, as any set of "trained" eyes can tell the not-so-subtle drop-off in the quality of "farmed-out" episodes. The BGM does seem to be a bit too repetitive, even if it's based on the fabulous OP theme. But if you're like me, you'll forgive some shortcomings in the A/V, if the story is solid and characters are lovable. And in those two areas, this series absolutely shines.

Overall Impression:

Simply said, I'm glad I took a "risk" on buying the entire DVD set even before referring to many other reviews online. This series is proof that one does not need to resort to bizarre plot twists (e.g. Fruits Basket manga) or graphic violence (e.g. Ceres) to tell a quality story full of tense emotions and heart-tugging moments. And I just loved how the ending was done, something rare for a manga-based anime TV series. D.N.Angel quickly takes its deserved place in the list of WJ Seal of Approval receipients.

Screenshots:

LostJounin · July 24th, 2007 12:48 AM

I also really loved this series. Not only was the animation very well done, but I liked the direction it took. I've never read the manga but I'm sure its amazing as well. The OP is very good as well, the guys voice is heavenly... o.O Good review. Now you just need some screen-shots and a header picture.

Gene · July 24th, 2007 10:05 PM

I actually re watched this series like a month ago.
I have to say that I loved it a lot more the second time I watched it, as opposed to the first time when I though it was just another good anime out there.

-gene

#1 July 24th, 2007 12:44 AM

D.N.Angel TV Series

#2 July 24th, 2007 12:48 AM

Re: D.N.Angel TV Series

#3 July 24th, 2007 10:05 PM

Re: D.N.Angel TV Series

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