Tokyo Ravens
Magic anime? Trust me, we have a plethora of titles to captivate you right now, as the combination of the best of imagination and magic is a captivating combination that no one should miss. If all you have heard about magic anime is a specific 'Irregular' high schooler who, for whatever reason, appears to appeal to every other girl on campus, then, my friend, you have yet to witness a great deal! But don't worry, I'm here to assist you in finding a title that will captivate any viewer. With the name sounding as misleading as it gets, Tokyo Ravens is one hell of a thing, if I could say so myself.
A past, present, and future that simply don't add up.
Tokyo Ravens is an anime adaptation of the light novel series of the same name written by Kōhei Azano and illustrated by Sumihei. The light novels began publication in 2010 under Fujimi Shobo's Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint and are still ongoing, with 16 main volumes and 4 short story volumes released as of March 2019. A manga adaptation illustrated by Atsushi Suzumi was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Ace from April 2010 to July 2017, compiling 15 volumes. The manga follows the main story of the light novels.
The 24-episode anime series aired from October 9, 2013 to March 26, 2014. Eight Bit Studio produced it, Takaomi Kanasaki directed it, and Hideyuki Kurata composed the series. The anime adapts volumes 1 through 9 of the original light novels. Funimation licensed the series for an English release.
With the show going as far as to completely change history to bring us a World War II no one could ever foresee, the guys at the studio aren't slacking off one bit. But not a single soul knows what the future holds for any of us. In all honesty, most of us wouldn't be surprised to see tomorrow's panacea as today's poison.
A group of characters uses their magic to the fullest extent possible. Simultaneously, reality takes unexpected turns that challenge the spiral's dominance. Let's look at what distinguishes Tokyo Ravens as a title that remains competitive and underappreciated, especially with magic serving as its primary ally.
Picking up the pace without wasting any time at all.
Let's face it: banger first episodes are a must when it comes to the modern anime titles out there. But when you've got Onmyoudou magic kicking things off as the show makes its debut, things are about to get super interesting now, aren't they?
With Japan using their trump card to gain an advantage in the war, we can't help but hope that victory is imminent, bringing a sense of relief to everyone. However, as the saying goes, there is always this individual who is willing to disrupt the entire world on a dime. In this story, Yakou Tsuchimikado is prepared to seize the title for himself, seizing all the notoriety it carries, with the 'Great Spiritual Disaster' serving as the final nail that refuses to come out, even after an eternity of waiting.
From a different world war to the Onmyou Agency of today, working tirelessly to prevent such a madman from going on the loose again, to a future that appears to be the most 'happily ever after' setting anime has ever shown us, life is undoubtedly a bed of roses, as we might all suspect. But do the good times last forever? Especially in an anime with an opening packing that much heat?
A duo that makes rooting for the couple the easiest thing in the universe.
Perfect synergy—totally in sync while sharing a bond that's thicker than blood, water, or any liquid one can find in the galaxy out there—is what makes some anime titles the talk of the town in a couple of episodes at most. Tokyo Ravens is undoubtedly aware of this, and its unwavering commitment to character development ensures that the upcoming faces will leave a lasting impression.
With Bakatora and Natsume bringing their quirky personalities to the table, the rest of these names wouldn't get that much time to bask in the spotlight they've craved for, right? My friends, the lackluster protagonist, are back in the game, and Harutora is already struggling without magic. Throughout the anime, we witness the two cultivate a relationship that fills us with intense envy. Simultaneously, happiness and emotion consume our entire being in a single episode. The second half of the series is full of secrets and mysteries that explain the names.
It's truly captivating to follow their journey from humble beginnings to their current position; fate and time have bestowed upon them a unique twist that few characters have experienced. Furthermore, the show's offerings extend beyond their humble beginnings. Hokuto, Hishamaru, Jin, and many others—the show doesn't hold back any punches and delivers a roster that makes choosing favorites the hardest thing in the entire universe.
A genre blend that delivers everything in its entirety, all at the same time.
At this point, one could visualize the anime being similar to that magical high school setting that, for some reason, failed to pop off last year. Okay, I need to tone it down a little. However, if you think that's the show's only offering, you're wrong. It would not be a pipe dream to achieve a complete title and execute everything correctly, as action, comedy, and fantasy are all present in the mix.
Plus, with that sprinkle of romance here and there to spice things up, injecting us with adrenaline while making our hearts melt in the aftermath wouldn't be a feat that would take an eternity when Tokyo Ravens is taken into consideration. The show has a lot up its sleeve and keeps hitting you with the best that genre has to offer, over and over again, as you get to know more about the plot, the setting, and the entire universe down the road.
If you're looking for a show that captivates you with its lightning-fast combos and intense fights, or if romance is a must and you're left wondering what happened at the very last moment, Tokyo Ravens has you covered! The music is sometimes so good that it's scary, with opening and ending songs that will stay with you forever. Things happen because of magic!
Overall, Tokyo Ravens is a show that delivers what most people expect from a magic setting—mysteries that answer those over-the-top flows that the title follows in its entirety. The way the show incorporates such a unique, out-of-the-box, ‘assassination classroom’ level idea into the fantasy setting we love to pieces is just incredible and gives us a taste of how innovative people in the anime universe are.
The thing that hurts me the most about a title like this is how underrated it is. Like seriously? How can you all sleep on a show that’s so different? You need to see for yourself what the show has to offer and let it occupy one of those top spots you have in your MyAnimelist.
The show is a beautiful work of art, and as we approach the end, the things add up and the dots connect in such a mesmerizing manner that it’s all fulfilling and satisfying to the fullest. As you let the magic take over, see for yourself! If you haven't already, get the show ASAP. It's a must-watch for any anime fan, so tell the newbies to get it on their systems. It's too good to miss!
Originally Published 8/30/2021. Edited and Updated 9/25/24.
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