The anime landscape is ever-evolving, yet sometimes, a new series arrives that feels less like a fresh discovery and more like a comfortable, well-worn path. Such is the initial impression left by Tougen Anki, or “Dark Demon,” the latest action-packed shonen from Studio Hibari. As it steps onto the stage, one can`t help but ponder: is this a bold new take on a classic formula, or merely another echo in a genre already brimming with similar melodies?
Unveiling the Premise: Bloodlines and Betrayal
Tougen Anki plunges viewers into a world steeped in ancient conflict: the enduring struggle between humanity and the formidable Oni, human-like demons from Japanese mythology. For centuries, fear defined the human experience under the shadow of these destructive beings. That is, until the legendary warrior Momotaro rose, cutting a swathe through the Oni ranks and weakening their dominion. His descendants then formed the “Momotaro” organization, ensuring the fight continued through the ages.
Our introduction to this embattled reality comes through Shiki Ichinose, a seemingly carefree high school student more concerned with his firearm collection than his grades. His world, however, is violently upended when he discovers he`s been expelled—a minor inconvenience compared to the sudden, brutal assault by a member of the Momotaro organization. The chilling revelation: Shiki himself carries the blood of the Oni. Stripped of his former life, he is thrust into a new existence, attending an institution for Oni to master his demonic powers and confront the very organization that seeks his eradication.
The Persistent Shonen Template: A Deja Vu Experience
In an era saturated with shonen narratives, crafting something truly unique is akin to reinventing the wheel. Many attempt it, but the outcome often defaults to a collection of familiar tropes, occasionally redeemed by a striking visual flair. Tougen Anki, in its initial offering, walks this well-trodden path. It presents a protagonist who awakens dormant powers, embarks on a training regimen, and prepares to face formidable adversaries. A formula, certainly, that has proven its efficacy, but also one that carries a heavy burden of expectation.
“The plot of `Dark Demon` is very similar to the anime `Blue Exorcist`. Looking at the two series, you immediately think that the new one was created according to the template of the second. And it`s not just about the setup of the story, but also the character, appearance, and even phrases of the main character.”
Indeed, the parallels to series like Blue Exorcist are difficult to ignore. The foundational premise of a protagonist discovering a demonic heritage and being thrust into a hidden world feels remarkably similar. Even Shiki Ichinose`s personality, demeanor, and certain lines of dialogue evoke a strong sense of déjà vu for fans of Rin Okumura. It`s almost as if the creative brief for Tougen Anki began with “What if Blue Exorcist, but… darker?”
Beyond this principal comparison, other elements hint at influences from modern shonen titans. The visual style, character designs, and the very concept of a specialized school for supernatural beings to hone their powers can evoke a distinct echo of Jujutsu Kaisen. While similarities are not inherently negative, they do position Tougen Anki as a series that leans heavily on established, successful blueprints.
The Visuals and the 3D Conundrum
Visually, Tougen Anki offers a mixed bag. The series promises a darker, more blood-soaked experience than some of its predecessors, a promise it begins to deliver on early. Shiki`s demonic transformation, where his body is covered in dark-red blood, horns sprout, and a monstrous maw forms, is conceptually intriguing. His unique ability to conjure firearms from his own blood, connected by sinuous tendrils, certainly stands out as an imaginative combat mechanic, appearing genuinely effective and stylish on screen.
However, the animation choices quickly become a point of discussion. The noticeable reliance on 3D CGI, particularly during action sequences, is a design decision that elicits strong opinions among anime aficionados. While certainly an improvement over the infamous 2016 Berserk, its application in standard character skirmishes can inadvertently cheapen the dynamism, often pulling viewers out of the immersion. While 3D can brilliantly enhance large-scale monsters or complex environmental effects (as seen in some other contemporary releases), its use for close-quarters combat between characters can sometimes feel like a shortcut, leading many to long for the fluid artistry of traditional 2D animation.
Who is Tougen Anki For?
Despite its familiar narrative beats and polarizing animation choices, Tougen Anki does offer certain appeals. Its emphasis on intense action, coupled with the unique visual spectacle of Shiki`s blood-based weaponry and the overall darker tone, might compensate for its narrative predictability for some. The series prioritizes spectacle over groundbreaking plot development, a common trend in many modern shonen titles.
For seasoned anime viewers, the abundant plot conveniences and striking resemblances to series like Blue Exorcist might render Tougen Anki a somewhat uninspired watch. The twists are often foreseeable, and the journey feels like one already undertaken. However, for those new to the expansive world of Japanese animation, or for fans simply seeking a new series to fill the void between seasons of their current favorites (say, waiting for more Jujutsu Kaisen), Tougen Anki could serve as an accessible, action-oriented entry point. It might not redefine the genre, but it reliably delivers on the core elements of a dark fantasy shonen.
Ultimately, Tougen Anki enters a competitive field with a distinct identity rooted in established genre conventions. While its immediate impact might not be revolutionary, its blend of dark themes, unique abilities, and relentless action could well carve out a niche for itself. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the shonen formula, even when it sometimes feels like a familiar, yet still entertaining, performance.
