7.8 / 10 (based on 13510 reviews)
Set in the Shinigami technical school for weapon meisters, the series revolves around 3 duo’s. These pairs are a partnership between a weapon meister and a human weapon. Trying to reach a ranking of “Death Scythe” (and thus fit for use by the Shinigami) they must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and 1 witch. However, forces outside of the Academy make it more challenging of a feat causing trouble around the world.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Main Cast: Laura Bailey, Chiaki Omigawa, Micah Solusod, Brittney Karbowski
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 51 episodes, 24-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Sôru îtâ (2008)
Kiru ra kiru: KILL la KILL (2013)
7.9 / 10 (based on 15224 reviews)
A young girl arrives at a school of superhumans to find out the truth behind her father’s murder.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Ami Koshimizu, Aya Suzaki, Toshihiko Seki, Shin’ichirô Miki
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 25 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Soul Eater Not! (2014)
5.6 / 10 (based on 545 reviews)
“Soul Eater Not!” is a spin off series from the main series “Soul Eater”. Tsugumi Harudori from the NOT class must choose between Anya and Meme for a partner, while fighting a dangerous foe.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
Main Cast: Haruka Chisuga, Aoi Yûki, Saori Hayami, Bryn Apprill
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Noragami (2014)
7.9 / 10 (based on 16802 reviews)
A minor god seeking to gain widespread worship teams up with a human girl he saved to gain fame, recognition and at least one shrine dedicated to him.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Uchida, Yûki Kaji, Jason Liebrecht
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 29 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Soul Eater (2008): A Unique Blend of Dark Fantasy and Comedy
When it comes to anime, there’s a fine line between the darkly fascinating and the outright bizarre. “Soul Eater,” which hit the screens in 2008, walks this line with the grace of a tightrope walker in a hurricane. It’s a show that refuses to be pigeonholed, blending elements of dark fantasy, comedy, and action in a way that’s as refreshing as it is unique.
The World of Soul Eater
At the heart of “Soul Eater” is the Death City, home to the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA). Here, under the watchful eye of the enigmatic and somewhat whimsical Death himself, students are trained to become Meisters and Demon Weapons. The goal? To hunt down evil souls and witches, maintaining the balance between good and evil. It’s a premise that offers a rich playground for storytelling, and “Soul Eater” exploits this to the fullest.
The city and academy are steeped in gothic aesthetics, with architecture and landscapes that seem to twist and contort in impossible ways. It’s a visual treat, with character designs and settings that are both eerie and captivating.
Characters That Stick
What truly sets “Soul Eater” apart are its characters. They’re not your typical anime archetypes. Sure, they have their quirks, but there’s depth here that’s often missing in similar shows.
Maka and Soul
Take Maka Albarn and her Demon Weapon partner, Soul Eater Evans. Maka is the determined, book-smart meister with a strong moral compass, while Soul is the laid-back, cool-as-ice weapon with a penchant for jazz. Their dynamic is the backbone of the series, showcasing a partnership based on mutual respect and growth. It’s their journey, both individually and together, that drives much of the narrative.
Black☆Star and Tsubaki
Then there’s Black☆Star, a ninja with an ego the size of Death City itself, and his weapon partner, Tsubaki, who can transform into multiple ninja weapons. Black☆Star’s boisterous nature and constant quest for attention could easily become grating, but it’s balanced by Tsubaki’s calm and patient demeanor. Their relationship provides some of the series’ best moments of comic relief and character development.
Death the Kid, Liz, and Patty
And let’s not forget Death the Kid, the son of Death himself, with his crippling obsession with symmetry. He’s accompanied by the Thompson sisters, Liz and Patty, who transform into dual pistols. Kid’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies are played for laughs, but they also reveal vulnerabilities that add layers to his character.
Themes and Narratives
“Soul Eater” is more than just its characters and setting. The show delves into themes of bravery, friendship, and the nature of evil in ways that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. It explores the idea that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to confront and overcome it. The characters are frequently faced with their own insecurities and fears, which they must overcome to protect those they care about.
The nature of evil is another recurring theme, with the show questioning whether evil is an inherent trait or a product of one’s environment and choices. Through its array of villains, from the deranged witch Medusa to the sinister Asura, “Soul Eater” examines the motivations behind evil actions, often blurring the lines between good and bad.
The Style
Visually, “Soul Eater” is a feast for the eyes. Its unique art style, with its bold lines and dynamic use of color, sets it apart from other anime of its time. The action sequences are fluid and exhilarating, making each battle a spectacle. The show’s use of visual metaphors and surreal imagery adds to its distinct feel, creating a world that’s both otherworldly and grounded.
The soundtrack deserves a special mention. It complements the show’s tone perfectly, with tracks that range from haunting melodies to upbeat jazz numbers. It’s a testament to the show’s commitment to its unique aesthetic.
Impact and Legacy
“Soul Eater” has left a lasting impact on the anime landscape. Its blend of genres, unique art style, and compelling characters have made it a fan favorite. The show has inspired countless cosplayers, fan artists, and even other creators in the anime and manga industry.
Its influence can be seen in later works that dare to blend genres and styles in unconventional ways. “Soul Eater” proved that an anime could be dark and thought-provoking while still being wildly entertaining and visually stunning.
In Conclusion
“Soul Eater” is a show that defies easy categorization. It’s at once a dark fantasy, a comedy, and an action-packed adventure. It’s a show that takes risks, both in its storytelling and its visual style, and these risks pay off in a big way.
For those looking for an anime that’s different from the norm, “Soul Eater” is a must-watch. It’s a series that entertains, challenges, and surprises, proving that in the world of anime, there’s still room for shows that dare to be different.