Ajin: Demi-Human - Anime

It’s always good to try something new, whether it is new food, new places or in this case new types of anime. As an otaku I won’t lie and say I haven’t gotten used to a certain type of animation, due to my preference no doubt. However, recently I have come across a different style of animation that, though uncomfortable to view at first, turned out to be quite an experience. One I don’t regret. Just goes to show one shouldn’t be too set in their ways if they ever want to fully enjoy the world.

Ajin proved to be quite an interesting anime as it slowly grabbed my attention and forced me to enjoy its brilliance. The story follows Nagai Kei, a teenager just living and hoping to be a good human being, despite his rather cut throat way of looking at things. One day however, his life gets turned upside down as he gets run over by a truck and revives in front of many witnesses. This incident confirms him to be what the world has branded as demi-humans, immortal beings that have been introduced to the world a few years ago and are not necessarily welcomed with open arms.

Hunted by the government for heinous research purposes and sought after by the average human simply for the high rumored reward, we see as Nagai goes on the run for his life in search of a peaceful and quiet life. Though he gets help from various individuals along the way it becomes clear that his ideal quiet life is something of a distant dream and it doesn’t help as he gets unintentionally involved in what turns out to be an Ajin revolt by other immortals who are basically tired of living in fear and on the run.

The anime is really very interesting as you see various similarities of terrorist groups and a theme of acceptance that is sought after by the Ajin, while the world refuses to acknowledge them as anything human or worthy of human rights. Sporting a dark and somewhat graphic atmosphere, it makes for an interesting watch as you observe the curious personality of the protagonist who isn’t created as lovable as you would expect.

It creates an interesting world to observe, one that has many unfortunate similarities to the real world where acceptance isn’t always just handed out freely and people disregard the rights of those they view as ‘different’. These themes are quite difficult to confront but the anime does it relatively well as it tries to show us the ugliness of humanity in an artistic way. That isn’t to say it doesn’t have its drawbacks as it stumbles with the story just a tiny bit, being almost too predictable at times, but oh well, the idea is there.

So with an interesting type of animation and delicate subject matter the anime does prove to get better the more you watch and I admit to looking forward to the second season they promise at that end. I can imagine there are others like me who find the animation just a bit rough to get used to, but I can say the story helps overlook any discomfort you might feel. If it helps any, I recommend watching past the first few episodes, or better yet just watch the movie, Ajin part 1: Shodo, that combines the first few episodes for easy viewing. If you aren’t hooked by then, I suppose it’s just not your cup of tea.