Rascal

You're just too beautiful girl, that's why it'll never work, you'll have me Suicidal

*spoiler-lite review*

[Anime of the Season Edition]

Where oh where to start with Babylon. There's a reason it's my favorite anime of Fall 2019, but the thing is, it's hard to put my finger on it without spoilers. Babylon is one wacky ride, one minute you think you're watching another boring Novel adaptation, the next you realize there's some genuinely disturbing terror unfolding right before your eyes, one half baffling, the other half extrordinary, the whole thing intriguing to a fault.

The Story is pretty complex in its ideas yet linear in its constitution, meaning that while it's theoretically one single story on a timeline from start-to-end, the threads that make up its plot all weave themselves behind the scenes, as we view everything through the eyes of a lone public prosecutor working to unravel that very scheme that he's set against.

The best way to describe the type of story it is: Thriller, Conspiracy, Mystery, Political, Psychological, all that good stuff, with the numerous twists and unexpected turns that come with the genres. It takes a bit to set up, starting as an investigation into a pharmeseutical scandal in the first two episodes, gaining in tension and scale until you're so confused as to why these bizarre things are happening, and there's a whole bureau working against an elected government to fight its insane ideals. But even with reveal after reveal, you still won't know everything. The show keeps its hand perfectly obstructed and shrouded in mystery, exposing you to only the sexiest most disorienting parts to confuse you while taunting you with the promise of information. And that's how it gets you. Soon you'll be empathizing with things you never thought you would, the world turns on its head for the viewer just as much as for the characters.

The first few episodes may be a slow burn, which is probably what contributes to the lower scores this amazing show has on this website, but it's well worth it due to the buildup and atmosphere it has.

The Characters themselves aren't super defined or over the top, another thing that may contribute to the low scores, but it's how they're handled that makes them excellent. The main character's sense of justice in spite of terror is what propells the plot, his sidekick's innocence and willingness to help makes you care about him, and everyone who is actually loyal to our main man is automatically worth cherishing just due to how much confusion there is everywhere else. But I've hardly talked about the strongest central character a show like this could have. Amidst all the intriguing and great ones, we have this girl:

Every mind-bending show has to have that one character who just breaks all preconceived notions, turning justice and humanity on its head so the heroes can set it back upright, and Ai Magase is the most perfect of these I've ever seen. Enigmatic full on, she's one of the main reasons to watch. Captivating yet infuriating. I would reccomend this anime for her character alone.

Animation-wise, this anime is second to none for the type of story it is. Its style has been perfected to the last degree before its release by revoroot, and it shows not only in its production and release schedule but most importantly, visually. It's beautiful and stylish, having a more mature look to it while also being colorful and vivid. But that's only the artstyle, the way shot direction is used in this show is reminicent of Monster or Monogatari series, disorienting, feverish in some areas, perfectly complimenting its atmosphere and tone. But I could go on about that forever, so let's get to the surprisingly even more amazing thing about this show:

The Sound Design. Ho. Lee. SHIT. This show has some of the BEST voice acting and script writing. It's not even close, if anime could win oscars for voice acting this one would take the trophy. So many characters are voiced by such talented people, who can really sell you on their emotions through voice alone, it's staggering especially in recent episodes where it shines through.

The anime isn't over yet and it won't be until after christmas, so I don't know much more than you about how the story will resolve, which is exciting in itself, but it isn't too late to hop on this incredible ride. Its philosophically staggering, enchanting, disturbing, and everything you'd want it to be. Get on it!

It's hard to say why exactly I reccomend Babylon to all mystery/thriller lovers, I couldn't quite tell you why I'd say if you loved Monster and Psycho-pass you'd love this one... in fact it's hard to say what the point of that would be... why am I even writing this review, again? Why am I even alive? Do I want to be alive? Wouldn't I rather... die?

9/10