We talked about it briefly in our guide to the Garo license. The anime Vanishing Line Garo has been finished for several months so why not come back to it?
The plot pushes us alongside several characters bonding with each other in order to discover what ELDORADO represents! Through, in particular, an orphan, a Makai knight and two Makai priests who fight horrors.
This review contains important elements of the anime and therefore, spoilers. To be read at your own risk.
Vanishing Line Garo
Original title: 牙狼<GARO>-VANISHING LINE-
Gender: Tokusatsu – Science fiction – Action
Timeframe: November 6, 2017 to March 30, 2018
Platform: Wakanim
Episodes : 24
Animation studio: Mappa (Yuri!!! on Ice)
Realization: SEONG Ho Park (Zankyou no Terror)
Scenario: YOSHIMURA Kiyoko (Akuma no Riddle)
Composer: MONACA (Wake Up, Girls! Shinshou)
Original work: Drama
Synopsis
The metropolis of Russell is under the daily yoke of demonic monsters from a magical dimension. Sword, the Makai knight, fights every day in secret to defend the city from these creatures who seek to take possession of its inhabitants. One day, in the middle of a fight, he makes a discovery that will upset his routine; that of a strange keyword: "El Dorado". Behind this term seems to hide a terrible plot orchestrated by demonic monsters. Thus begins a long-term investigation for Sword, supported by Sophie, a young woman he meets while she was also on the trail of "El Dorado", the only clue linking her to her missing brother. Sword is also affected by the disappearance of his little sister, creating a bond between the two young people. This is the beginning of a journey where feelings intertwine.
Spring: Wakanim
Modern Western
Vanishing Line Garo is the third anime of the license however, they do not really have a common link except that all take the codes specific to the genre. The first series was inspired by the Middle Ages through the Spanish Inquisition, the second was typically Japanese, taking place during the imperial era of Heian (794 – 1185). For this third production it was therefore necessary to stand out and what better than to return to a more modern era and close to the target audience. The story is still exotic. Indeed, Russell City looks like an American megalopolis and goes beyond by bringing desert landscapes, canyons … It is also found in the food gobbled up by Sword: often a good big steak and fries served by a waitress on roller skates.
The concept of the western is especially present in battles with horrors (creatures taking possession of humans before killing them); The tension is palpable during fast-paced but intense and well-executed fights. Knowing the license quite well, we had no trouble familiarizing ourselves with this new universe. Moreover, even neophytes should find their accounts. Indeed, the series follows a classic storyline where a group of fighters go in search of the big villain. The transformation of the knight at a time when superheroes and superpowers are commonplace will hardly surprise!
Quest for identity
The story does not just make us live a plot, it challenges us with its colorful characters . Whether it's Sword, the most powerful Garo knight, Sophie knowing nothing about the latter, Luke the solitary priest or Gina, the luscious priestess who does not shrink from any obstacle. Each of these different protagonists has its own goal: for some, a difficult past, questions that cannot be answered… but, all are looking for Eldorado.
The story, through this two-part anime, offers us a lot of feelings and psychology in heroes who, although strong, have also had their share of misfortunes. Their relationships, in addition to being complementary, evolve according to the rules of the art without forgetting the personality of each. However, they are recognizable in their behavior and will not surprise more than that; remaining within the standardized codes!
We thus find a strong and unattached hero helping a kid while accomplishing his mission. Let's not forget that a good number of enemies will be part of the game whether it is the famous King, his right-hand man Bishop, his secretary Queen or this dear Knight; No more, no less!
Toku well in his boots
Garo's universe is vast and is renewed with each new project thanks to AMEMIYA Keita, the creator of the series. In this anime, we are in familiar territory where man falls prey to horrors and no one can escape it. The pitch therefore proposes us to look at the vices and other desires of everyone whether they are innocent or not.The concept is aimed at a wide audience. Although it is sometimes violent, the series mainly plays on the approach of these very well developed characters. Fans of the license will not be disappointed by this new cutting that has regained all its glitz and usual charm.
The realization and chara design of the horrors are worked as well as the scenery of the city and its huge buildings or well the desert villages. The plot is fluid with moments sometimes centered on the action sometimes playing on the viewer's heartstrings. The common thread remains present until the final denouement well done. However, we regret the inconsistent appearance of the final boss somewhat falling by the wayside. On the side of the soundtrack, nothing to complain about the themes songs bring an undeniable plus to the series with an interesting electro air.
The anime Vanishing Line Garo is a nice surprise reconnecting with the genre while bringing modernity and questions about the human that we are. Wakanim offers us an exciting adventure full of emotion and action with its protagonists close to a certain realism. The codes of the Tokusatsu are there but bring a real plus to a plot more complex than it lets seem!
