Witch Hunter Robin
Witch Hunter Robin – you may call it a slow burn show that attempts to provoke the audience’s thoughts with subtle explosive action. Back in the 2000s, this anime series was the hottest property around. However, if you enjoy gothic, thriller, and horror genera like me, you will find WHR somewhat predictable.
WHR is a dark and mysterious anime centering on the story of a witch Robin Sena. Robin isn’t a witch; she is a craft user. In case you didn’t know, craft users hunt witch users. You will be following Robin as she figures out the secrets of the witch-hunting organization she works for.
Before you decide to quit the show, let me tell you it doesn’t pick up until the episodes reach double digits, but I guarantee you will love the rest. Witch Hunter Robin rewards the patient watchers!
For those watching witch series for the first time, witches aren’t magic-users by choice; they are born with this supernatural power. These abilities are often uncontrollable, which is why most become violent, and someone has to stop them. That’s what STN (Solomon Executive Organization) is, the fictional secret global organization that fights the harmful use of witchcraft.
They have a database of witches, mainly the ones who have received this power through genetics. Other users are the ones who carry this gene called the seed. STN arrests or eliminates them. The show’s main character, Robin, happens to be employed by this organization.
Now that you are familiar with the background, let’s review the show’s plot.
The show starts with Robin’s visit to Japan about an item that holds the craft’s secrets going undercover as a new STN hunter. An orphan raised in a convent, Robin may be 15 years old but is wiser than her age.
She struggles to work out the kinks in her relationship with her associates, the STN gang she has to work with. Yes, she is not a solo hunter.
Amon, the unfriendly partner, a computer guy, Michael (duh, because there always has to be a computer geek who never leaves his seat), and a few more characters, then there is Harry, the guy who owns the shop where the STN gang hangs out. You may call harry his mentor or well-wisher.
As her character grows, robin realizes her potential and finds out that her job may not be as generous as it looks.
The show’s title is not that intriguing. The visuals are grayish, which might be repelling and keep you from watching the show (guilty). WHR was a low-budget series, so don’t expect an intriguing animation. It’s average. However, I liked the background music; it was unique. You might have to listen to the tune again and again until it grows upon you. Given the budget, all that is forgivable.
I admire how the show gives a practical introduction to each character, and no wonder the story doesn’t kick in fast. If you expect it to be a horror fest or an action-packed series, I suggest you look elsewhere. Though there is action here and there, it’s not that intense or frequent. I wouldn’t say the show is a horror, and it’s rather creepy. But when the drama kicks in, the show suddenly becomes meaningful.
This anime is not for everyone, especially kids, not because it has a fan base, but because it demands lots of brainpower to process things. You would have to pay attention to everything to make sense out of the scenes.
Let’s talk about WHR’s characters.
Robin
Miss Robin, the main character of the show, has a gothic appeal. She wears an odd hairdo and a dark red trench coat. Like Robin, most characters of the series step away from anime norms. Throughout the series, she is composed and proves to be a tough woman trying to deal with the agency’s uncomfortable truth bombs. She is the titular female protagonist and an introvert.
It was hard for me to believe that Robin was a 15-year-old. The character’s appearance and maturity would make you highly doubt her age.
Amon
Amon is Robin’s partner on the mission. He is profound and mysterious. Like most hunters (or detectives) assigned a partner, Amon wasn’t fond of Robin. But when she discovers her powerful witch abilities, he helps robin to maximize her powers.
Apart from a great fashion sense, Amon has no personality at all. His emotional expressions are restrained.
Tōko Masaki
She is the daughter of STN’s administrator. She is in a relationship with Amon, but the two break up. She sports curly brown hair and dark eyes.
Miho Karasuma
Miho replaces Amon as the leader of the gang. She mentors Robin as well. She can sense the feelings of others by touching objects. Sometimes, she can also see past events.
Michael Lee
He is the computer geek who hacks into the computers of others to access files. He can’t leave the building without his boss’s permission, who happened to save his life.
Yuji Kobari
Everyone call’s him, Master. He goes by the name Harry, and he owns the cafe where Robin and the members have their huddles. Harry helps the team by providing them with information about the one-eyed witch.
If you are a patient content watcher, you will enjoy watching Witch Hunter Robin because the show is prolonged.
The story is vague; you might not be happy with Robin’s character evolution because even after the show ends, some truths remain unanswered.
WHR may be dark and intense, but here is a good amount of humor, which is clever and situational – nothing juvenile or goofy. Once you make it to the plot, you will regain faith in the story. I found the evil witches are creepy. The main characters are attractive, and so is their wardrobe.
This is a mature anime, so unless you want intriguing content that forces your brain to form connections, Witch Hunter Robin isn’t for you.
