Mature Themes on my Anime?
Erased anime
In my opinion, Erased was the best anime of 2016. Granted, Yuri on Ice may have taken the award, but Erased was simply better.
Erased is the perfect example of what happens when anime grows up and tackles adult themes.
In that regard, it is no different than Orange, another anime that came out last year and also dealt with mature themes. But instead of dealing with suicide and depression, Erased addressed the controversial topics of child abduction, child neglect, and child abuse.
Erased may be best described as a psychological thriller with paranormal elements. Based on the manga by Kei Sanbe, and showed by both, Crunchyroll and Funimation in the USA, it is twelve episodes long.
The main character is Satoru, an aspiring manga artist and pizza delivery boy who has an ability he calls revival, which allows him to know when something bad is about to happen and he can go back a few minutes in time and fix it.
The problem is when his mother gets murdered, he goes back 18 years in time. He realizes he must solve the mystery of who murdered his classmate Kayo and other children in the past to change the future.
At times, the show seems like a detective novel due to its ‘whodunit‘ kind of plot.
What is so Special about Erased?
Erased anime wallpaper/Wallpaper Access
Besides the plot and the time travel element? What else do you want?
First, may we just agree that Sachiko, Satoru’s mother, is easily the coolest mom ever in anime. She was a TV reporter and has a keen eye while been there for Satoru and his friends.
The villain (I won’t spoil who he or she is if you haven’t seen the show) did win the villain of the year award. In fact, I guessed who the villain was about four or five episodes before the finale, but it was just as chilling. Chillier yet was the villain’s motivation.
Additionally, let’s look at the themes. Through Kayo and her mother, we get to experience child abuse and child neglect and it is not pretty. There is one heartbreaking scene in which Kayo experiences her first-ever home cook meal and it has to be the most touching and bittersweet moment ever in anime.
Another thing is how the events in the past and the present are intertwined despite not being so apparent and how the anime and manga use the butterfly effect as a unifying theme (literally, you can see the holograms of butterflies flying around).
Finally, I heard several people complain about the ending. I loved the ending and how it tricked me. Twice. Enough said.
This is the kind of anime you want to sit down and watch without spoilers.
Highly Recommended
Erased anime wallpaper/Wallpaper Access
I cannot recommend Erased enough. Even if you are not into psychological thrillers, detective shows (I am not) or time travel and paranormal stuff (which means you are probably reading the wrong blog, by the way) this is the kind of show you want to watch all twelve episodes in one weekend.
This is an example of anime growing up and not being afraid of mature themes. This show is smart and walks a fine line of dealing with such touchy subjects respectfully and responsibly.
I love anime and I wish more people would respect this artform. Which is not easy due to some of the immature characterization and pervy artwork.
Regardless, there is more to anime than harem and hentai anime. If you want to convince someone of the merit of anime and show how much it has grown up, show them Erased.
I will rate it a 9.6/10. A must watch for any serious or casual fan. But do not take my word for it. Go watch Erased and thank me later. It is that good.
Reader, have you watch Erased? What was your impression?
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