Talentless Nana
A good anime is one where there is a clear antagonist and protagonist. A protagonist who is OP or works their way up the ranks is also a plus. But what about an anime with no clear lines that denote who the viewer should root for or not?
An anime where the viewer finds themselves sympathizing with the devil and loathing the angel. If there is a straightforward plot and compelling characters, it may be safe to give it a try. Even more so if it’s binge-able at, say, thirteen episodes, many may give it a try, especially if the anime can make its case in under three episodes.
Talentless Nana is a thirteen-episode anime released in the Fall of 2020. It is based on the manga by the same name. Still, ongoing the manga Talentless Nana was written by Looseboy and illustrated by Iori Furuya. It is currently serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan and has been in publication since May 2016. Talentless Nana (manga) is also available digitally via Crunchyroll.com in English.
Talentless Nana (anime) was written by Fumihiko Shimo and directed by Shinji Ishihira. Bridge Studios handled the art and animation for Talentless Nana. The anime is rated R and features the genres of Shonen, psychological, superpower, supernatural, and suspense. Funimation currently licenses it in North America and Muse Communication in Asia.
Muno na Nana is set in the present day (20XX). Many years ago, beings known as the Enemies of Humanity suddenly appeared. Special schools were created for teenagers with extraordinary powers such as ice wielding and flame creation. They are believed to be humanity's salvation against this threat. Known as "Talents" or the "Talented," they are sent to a remote island to train to combat this threat.
Muno na Nana opens on a remote island outside of Japan. Nanao Nakajia, a student at the school, is the focus of taunting and bullying from several of his classmates. Moguo Iijima, whose talent is his ability to manipulate fire, tends to give Nanao special attention. He constantly picks on Nanao because Nanao is a student at a school for the Talented but has no special powers. Though he is presumed Talentless, Nanao received the same red-letter informing him of his duty to report to the island.
Nanao’s confidence is boosted by the new transfer Nana Hiragi. Nanao is shy and quiet, an introvert but has a good heart. He lives in the shadow of his family, especially his father, who pushes Nanao to be a person of virtue despite Nanao’s lack of ability. Due to his fear, he loathes his Father but desires to earn his respect.
Nana is a bubbly pink-haired Talented who can read minds. Because of her cheerful personality and beautiful features, she attracts both the boys and the girls. Nana quickly notices and befriends Nanao, even coming to his rescue when Moguo berates him. The two quickly bond though the bond is clearly one-sided as she probes Nanao regarding his Talent and his relationship with his father, much to the annoyance of Nanao.
Nana presses Nanao to come out of his shell and run for class president; disinterested, Nanao chooses to sit on the sidelines when class contenders Moguo and Seiya engage in a battle to determine the winner. Seiya was the other popular student in school, most noted for his handsome appearance and ability to manipulate ice.
He defeated his rival; enraged Moguo creates a fireball so giant that it complex Nanao to put aside his shortcomings and intervene. It would be Nanao who became the school’s leader. Nanao’s tenure would be short-lived as the newly chosen leader mysteriously disappears. The once social outcast now socialite’s disappearance does not go unnoticed, and suspicions arise, Nana becomes suspect.
Some time ago, rumors began to surface that the Enemies of Humanity were present on the island. According to the textbooks, these beings resemble monsters or enormous Kaiju and can evolve, taking human form. Their purpose was to destroy the Talented. The Talented were the heroes of humanity, right?
Nana is sent from the mainland to the island to infiltrate the Talented. A Talentless herself, Nana uses her cheery attitude and beauty to befriend the many students on the island. Her mission is to destroy the Enemies of Humanity before they threaten humanity.
Nana must use guile, deception, and determination coupled with her combat prowess to defeat a superior foe. Will her attachments be her downfall, or would Kyouya Onodera, a Talented who transferred to the island the same day as she expose her secret and end her existence. A straightforward mission for sure if all of her targets were morally bankrupt.
In a game of cat and mouse, Nana must stay one step ahead of Kyouya, who is a bit of a social misfit. He is knowledgeable and focused and, on multiple occasions, comes close to pinning her to the deaths of several Talented. His weakness is Nana’s ability to cover her tracks and her use of deflection when the cover-up is less than perfect.
As Nana slowly learns about her targets, and as her mission progresses, more about the island is revealed. Questions that the viewer would generally have are slowly answered, such as who is Nana, who are the Talented, and what is the history of this island. These questions led to more questions, and being that Talentless Nana ends on a cliffhanger, a second season is to be expected if not demanded.
Talentless Nana is a well-illustrated and animated series, and while Bridge is a newer studio founded in 2007, it managed to animate an aesthetically pleasing product. The animators played conservatively with their budget, so fans may notice that some characters resemble characters from other anime and western animation. This is a plus in their favor as characters are distinguishable, and it helps with memory when watching a show with a large supporting cast.
In addition to the animation, Bridge does a great job with its sound department. The music for Mono na Nana was handled by Yasuharu Takanashi, an industry legend who has worked on too many titles to list. The opening theme, "Broken Sky,” is performed by Miyu Tomita, while the ending music, "Bakemono to Yobarete, "Known as a Monster,” is performed by Chiai Fujikawa. They are good themes and fit the show well but lack the emotional content to remain memorable years later.
Talentless Nana is available in English dubbing. The quality is good, although listening to Michelle Maria, who voiced Nana, at times became unbearable. Her voice is similar to Cheryl Chase, the voice of Angelica Pickles from the cartoon Rugrats and there was the expectation that any moment the other students would be called “dumb babies.”
While Talentless Nana is rated R, it’s not a psychologically heavy or dark anime. It shares the lightheartedness of Assisantion Classroom while dabbling with Akuma no Riddle's edginess. It gives off the Magical Girl vibe because of Nana but remains enjoyable.
It is an anime that managed to make its case in the first three episodes though it stumbled initially when the presumed protagonist was killed. It picks itself up and moves quickly, building to a climax that will have to be spoiled by reading the manga. Is it worth a watch? Yes. The pacing is good, and there are enough supporting players to keep this show interesting. The viewer can finish it in one day, which gives it a recommendation.
