Project Scard: Praeter no Kizu (First Impression)

Posted on January 24, 2021 by KiritoNarukami One comment

Studios: GoHands

Source: Other

Genres: Action, Super Power

Synopsis: “Project Scard depicts the encounters and battles of those who have tattoos which possess the sealed powers of divine beasts and gods. The story is set in the Akatsuki Special Zone, a lawless zone in Tokyo. “Helios” are those who use the ability of the tattoos to protect the city, “Artemis” are committed to maintain security and control, whilst having a strong commercial motive, and the “Public Security Special Service” are Scard Staff of the metropolitan police department. They live through the turbulent days to keep on going.”

-MAL News

First Impression:

GoHands has been a studio that i’ve kept my eye on throughout the years. After their production of Handshakers, I couldn’t help but get interested in their future productions! The use of CGI on all background elements in combination with the 2D character animations and dynamic cinematography makes for a memorable show, even if the story didn’t quite hit the spot. Let’s dive in!

The CGI constructed background has a more refined look compared to their previous works, and I love the cinematography! The views are quite striking and hard to peel your eyes from. Though I will say that I’m not a fan of the way they rendered the water, it’s a bit chunky but that’s just me be picky.

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ANIMATION CHECKPOINT

It’s another double feature today! There is a massive improvement in how GoHands animates with their unique style, mostly in regards to how the 2D characters “fit” within the CGI backgrounds. While I do enjoy seeing this style of animation, there’s a LOT of information in each frame because of the use of CGI backgrounds. The detail of each of building, the texture of the ground, the gaps within the low wall, the balconies on each floor of the buildings. It’s a bit overwhelming, which may make the show hard to watch for some. But is this the future of Japanese animation or is it a fad that will disappear over time? It’s an interesting thing to think about because it pushes pass the “Norm” for anime, what’s next for anime?

Asuza Yuki

Arashiba Eiji

Arashiba Kazuma

Kai Yamato

The characters designs are nice and much less flashy than what we saw in Handshakers with it’s very flashy and colorful character design. Which is great as less details will make animating these characters a bit easier, though I couldn’t actually tell you how much. The story is a bit calmer as well in a more realistic sense. It pulls on themes of authoritative oppression on an impoverished city as well as super natural powers in the form of tattoos, with combat focused around fire arms with occasional martial arts to keep the combat fresh and exciting!

Recommendation:

NO

This is a bit of wildcard, I’m watching purely for my own curiosity and amusement for it’s animation. There’s no telling if the story will actually be something worth watching. If you’re up for an experimental show, then give it a go, but regular anime watcher may not fancy these types of shows.

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