Sousei no Onmyouji [Review]
“Magano, a parallel realm filled with monsters known as “Kegare,” is a place where exorcists deal with all impurities. Benio Adashino is a prodigy exorcist who is recognized for her strength and is summoned to Tokyo by the Exorcist Union. On her way, she plummets into the arms of Rokuro Enmadou, a young exorcist with a troubled past. But the impurities of Magano do not rest. When these two exorcists witness a couple of children stolen by a Kegare, Benio rushes to save them, dragging Rokuro along with her into Magano. Engaged in a fight she is on the verge of being defeated in, Benio is saved by Rokuro, revealing himself capable of being her rival in talent. Sousei no Onmyouji tells the story of two talented exorcists who are destined to become the “Twin Star Exorcists” and the prophesized parents of the Miko—the reincarnation of Abe no Seimei—who will cleanse the world of all impurities.”
I got a lot more emotionally attached to this anime that I would have ever imagined. All the characters, their bonds, painful pasts, and the story itself all melded together in perfect harmony. It even has a God-tier main villain! There’s little to complain about Sousei no Omnyouji an anime that’s great for both beginners and veterans.
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Story:
What started out to be a boring, cliche, shounen type story, turns out to be a story rich with character development, understandable villains, and a ship for the ages. Character development plays a big role in why the story is as good as it is. We observe Rokuro and Benio’s relationship and how they progress through both the good and the bad times. With episode ending in a closer bond between the two, we begin to emotionally invest ourselves in them. Expecting the birth of the Twin Star Exorcist, and of course, it’s gonna happen. But we want to confirm it with our own eyes. And that leads into cheering them on in fights or worrying about them when they get in a fight. The story tells their bond in such an endearing way that it’s hard not to root for them until the end. Next is the villain, as to avoid any unnecessary spoiler, I won’t be mentioning names. But the villains, and the final villain, in particular, have to reason behind their actions. And that’s not all, you’ll find it hard to find fault in their views. And that’s what makes a convincing antagonist. And last but not least, the relationship and bond between Rokuro and Benio are too darn cute to pass up, please watch it for them!
Artwork & Animation:
Fantastic art, there were a lot of very memorable animation and characters. But the opening animations were what caught my attention, the second opening especially. The openings not only pump you up for the show but it emulates the current mental state of both Benio and Rokuro within that story arc. Back that up with excellent music and beautiful animation and you’ve got something special. That said, the art isn’t perfect. In the beginning of the show, the art is very bland, but as the show progresses, it gets better, the climax being the final episode. The art for the final episode is stunning, if you were to compare it to the first episode, I’m sure it would seem like two different studios animated it.
Character(s):
Goodness gracious, the amount of character development is phenomenal! The growth that occurs within Rokuro and Benio is clear to see not only in their actions and words but their artwork as well. Their character design changes to accommodate their growth and it’s powerful because if you were to watch the series again, Rokuro is this small child in his rebellious stage. Defying rules and falling for any girl he finds somewhat cute. The same can be said for Benio. And compare that to the final episode, it’s staggering how much they’ve matured both as their own person and as exorcists.
Sound (OST & Voice Acting):
As mentioned above, the OST is well thought out and the artists asked to perform the opening and endings were excellent choices. Wagakki Band’s modern take on traditional Japanese music sets the tone for the entire show, and they did an amazing job!
Enjoyment:
I enjoyed every second of Sousei no Omnyouji though there are quirks here and there, it doesn’t bring the overall quality of the anime at all.
Overall: score 10
With a diverse cast of character, an interesting plot, and a wonderful ship Sousei no Omnyouji is sure to please both the veteran and the beginners.
KiritoNarukami 