Ajin: Demi-Human - Reviews

As usual, I'm adding a disclaimer: while I don't have great skills of analysis (meaning deeper meaning) I can reliably determine whether or not an anime has a good story or characters. In particular, I'm very partial to their realism, not necessarily how likable they are.

My verdict is: WORTH THE WATCH

The story is a bit fresh to me. It still has the classic "shy protagonist suddenly coming to terms with a new, frightening power not totally under his control" but I think it plays around with it pretty well. The power itself is the biggest interest factor for me. What are Ajin? Where did they come from? How does one work? I feel like these questions are answered and unanswered in a way that piques interest enough to keep you watching. In particular, I find the storyline depicts Ajin in a way that frames them neither as monsters nor as totally human. 

SPOILERS AHEAD - CHECK FOR NEXT BOLDED PART FOR END

Now, that isn't to say that any of this is necessarily realistic. It doesn't seem like the creators can decide whether or not the Ajin follow basic conservation of matter/energy principles. I watched this a little while back, so some of this might be false, but my understanding of the Ajin was this:

• they can bring you back to life
• they are some kind of molecule shit
• which means they aren't magical, but scientific
• but... also they can have a mind of their own?
• also there's a limit to how many times a day you can produce them
• and you can usually only have one
• but they bring you back to life??
• also for the simple reason that a person can't die, the government randomly tortures them?
• also for some reason the protagonist is able to subvert the daily limit and the number limit

Some of those may be resolved in the future, but some are basic principles of the series. Like, the protagonist is obviously going to be special, and it's clear that the government is supposed to be seen as a kind of lawful evil, or something. Anyways.

SPOILERS OVER

The main character is nothing special. I mentioned that already. His best friend also doesn't seem to be particularly interesting, but he hasn't really been shown enough to be sure of that. There is, however, an interesting dynamic when considering the antagonist. I won't say much more than that to avoid spoiling (I mean, I did just end my spoilers) but it's hard to necessarily pin anyone as necessarily "evil" in this series, and that allows for a much more interesting storyline. They might not go in a good direction with it (do the movies cover more of the story or just recap it?) but they've set it up in a way that makes this anime worth the watch. Meaning, they have nice enough characters already delved into and enough freedom with the ones they haven't to make a pretty good anime.

The animation might put you off. I can't say it wasn't uncomfortable to me, but I'm a person who doesn't really care too much for animation in the first place, so I was able to bear with it. In that sense, I'm able to offer something I usually can't --  an opinion on whether or not the animation was good. Here it is: it wasn't. Every moment it was awful. I think another review mentioned that it was "robotic." I think that sums it up rather well. It's not smooth and there's something unnerving about the shadowing and the ways it tries to convey depth. It also makes the texture feel a little gross. That said, I don't think it's enough to ruin the storyline, so if you still want to watch, I would.

The story about an immortal may sound boring but trust me it's extremely fun to watch. If you ever thought about what it would be like to be immortal, so you should definitely watch it. 

"Ajin: Demi-Human" first season delves into a fascinating and dark world where immortality isn't a blessing but a curse. The series introduces us to Ajins, individuals who cannot die and are feared, hunted, and experimented upon by society. The protagonist, Kei Nagai, discovers he is an Ajin after surviving a supposedly fatal accident, catapulting him into a life on the run. Here's a look at what the series does well, where it falters, and some of its more glaring issues.

The Good:

• Engrossing Plot: "Ajin: Demi-Human" hooks viewers with its thrilling premise and high stakes. The concept of immortality is explored in a fresh, intriguing way, raising questions about humanity, ethics, and the value of life.
• Complex Characters: Kei, in particular, is a complex character whose motivations and moral compass are not black and white. The series excels in creating multifaceted characters, including the antagonist, Sato, whose charismatic yet ruthless pursuit of Ajin rights makes him a compelling figure.
• Animation and Action Sequences: While the CGI animation style received mixed reactions, it allows for fluid and intense action scenes. The battles are well choreographed, showcasing the unique abilities of Ajins in visually dynamic ways.

The Bad:

• CGI Animation Style: The choice to use CGI for the entire series is one of its most divisive aspects. While it lends itself well to action sequences, it can feel jarring during quieter moments, and not all viewers appreciate the aesthetic.
• Pacing Issues: The first season has its share of pacing problems, with some episodes feeling slow or dragging as they set up the larger conflict. This sometimes interrupts the momentum built by the more action-packed sequences.

The Glaring Issues:

• Character Development: While the series introduces compelling characters, not all receive the development they deserve. Kei's emotional journey and the depth of his transformation can feel underexplored, leaving viewers wanting more insight into his and others' internal struggles.
• World-Building Inconsistencies: "Ajin: Demi-Human" sets up an intriguing world but sometimes falls short in fully fleshing out the societal and governmental responses to the existence of Ajins. The lack of detail about how the world has adapted to Ajins can detract from the overall believability of the setting.

Overall: "Ajin: Demi-Human" is a gripping series that stands out for its dark themes, moral quandaries, and intense action. Its exploration of immortality, coupled with a societal fear of the unknown, offers a rich narrative ripe with tension and conflict. Despite the mixed reception to its CGI animation and some narrative pacing issues, the series succeeds in drawing viewers into its unsettling world. It poses thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human and the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation. For fans of darker, more mature anime that blend supernatural elements with real-world dilemmas, "Ajin: Demi-Human" is a compelling watch that promises excitement and philosophical depth, even if it leaves some narrative potentials untapped.

actually wasn't that bad just lost interest 

Ajin the first series is very good.  It catches you off guard quite a few times.  Almost everyone is bad at some point.  I love the character Kei Nagai not like many protaginists.  My only regret is that there is not a love interest.  2016 series finishes the story well but at times drags a little bit.  Unlike the 1st series which each episode you discover something important.  They leave an opening for a third series but if they did that I would like to seem them take it in a different direction a New bad guy.