Cireus Anime of the Month - KARAS - April 2008

[Cireus]

Karas

Alternate Title(s): 鴉 -KARAS-; The Karas
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Sueric/Screens/karas.jpg
Official Website: http://www.thekaras.net/
Age Rating: --
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Archive: 25.03.2005 - ?
Episodes: 6
Ending Theme(s): "Selenite" - Rurutia
Licensed in US: YES
Summary: The old Karas is dead, killed by an evil ex-Karas who now named himself Ekou. He started a series of murders against humanity by making his loyal youkai drain the body fluids from humans. Otoha ,a young man who just woke from a coma, is chosen to be the new Karas. Him and his trainer, Yurine, start the fight against the evil forces of darkness that are triyng to conquer the city of Shijuku.
~ANN, src (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5002)

Downloads can be found here. (http://forum.cireus-anime.com/showthread.php?t=1060)

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I really enjoyed this anime. The story is good and smart, the characters are interesting, the plot is done well. Though admittedly, the first couple episodes are a little vague, I definitely think that this anime is well worth seeing!

[Riesling]

I'm very grateful to Cireus-san for this thread, thanks to which I've made a decision to watch "Karas".

I've a bad habit to read reviews of anime before watching it. The most part of "Karas" reviews (in english) was a continuous stream of criticism (unless animation that has been estimated as something unworthy the harshest criticism). Blurry plot, unclear motivation of main characters, bad dubbing etc. After reading all these reviews I had doubts. To watch or not to watch? I've watched "Karas" and I don't regret about it.
Currently I'm under impression... This is one of the best anime I've ever seen. High quality animation, for me it was «aesthetic pleasure» (I'm not sure about my last phrase in english and I'm very sorry if it sounds weird). thought the 5 OAV wasn't very aesthetic, all these bloody scenes... but even they are well made, and there was a very beautiful scene (in my opinion) with birth of new Yurine The plot is interesting (yes, it has many stamps, but that isn't so bad in this case), not clear in the beginning, but intriguing, so I was watching "Karas" on one breath. Maybe, characters aren't so bright and unique that would run into memory for a long time. In the same time I haven't noticed irritating characters with illogical behaviour (which ones can spoil common impression).

My conclusion: it's very good noteworthy anime.

P.S. Though my objectivity is disputable when it deals with anime about yokai, japanese swords, with beautiful animation, classical music and favorite seiyū.

P.P.S. The only thing that disappointed me: lack of the Ekou's story (he's the main villian! he should have something interesting in his past... I suppose...)

[Sasami86]

Cireus, thank you for choosing Karas as this month's anime of the month. :D

I've always been intrigued by the plot, but never really made to attempt to watch since there are so many other animes I'm currently watching, but now I will definitely watch it. So far I've watch ep1 and like it a lot. Once I finish watching the other five I'll post back a better opinion. ^^

[thyella]

Sounds a bit like a vampire plot.
I'll make sure to watch it :D

[shaelyn]

I really liked this anime also, though it is hard to understand what's going in some places. There is a second OVA - Karas: The Revelation out now also, here:http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/karas-the-revelation/dvd-2

[olinatasha]

I personally loved this anime. It was beautifully done, the art is superb. The sword fights and battles are truly amazing. Grant you it is true that the anime requires the watcher to be at their utmost attention and following every last word and scene. If you miss even the slightest line or word, you're left behind in it's dust dazed and confused. But, if you are hanging onto every last detail, you will truly follow and be amazed. A lot of things left you curious and wondering for answers which the second film answers. That is Karas: the revolution. The one thing that really bugged me about this anime is the one demon machine that has all the blades and a synthesized robot voice. I still can't understand a word he says; it's completely incoherent. The only thing I can make out is the laughing parts. They should have picked a better synthesizer for his lines. That aside, the plot was dynamic and the characters developed. A mystery of each of their lives, their paths unfold before you. They all end up tied together. The story is good and unique. But again the art is wonderfully rendered. You will really enjoy this anime if you do your part and hang onto every detail without distraction.

[Sasami86]

I just finished watching the eps 2-6. I must say that I'm really looking forward to watching the movie cuz the ending of ep 6 leaves me with a lot of questions. All in all the anime was AWESOME!!! :D