I've just started watching, it's graphic and sound environment is quite detailed.
DURARARA!! tv,ova Review
In Tokyo's downtown district of Ikebukuro, amidst many strange rumors and warnings of anonymous gangs and dangerous occupants, one urban legend stands out above the rest – the existence of a headless “Black Rider” who is said to be seen driving a jet-black motorcycle through the city streets.
Ryuugamine Mikado has always longed for the excitement of the city life, and an invitation from a childhood friend convinces him to move to Tokyo. Witnessing the Black Rider on his first day in the city, his wishes already seem to have been granted. But as supernatural events begin to occur, ordinary citizens like himself, along with Ikebukuro's most colorful inhabitants, are mixed up in the commotion breaking out in their city.
Written by MAL Rewrite
Story & Playability
In Ikebeukuro things have finally calmed down, the color gangs(gangs who wear
the same color) have all but disappeared, but a new gang the Dollars have appeared but they have no color, and no one
knows any of the members and rumors of a "Headless Rider" on a jet black motorcycle are spreading throughout
Ikebukuro. Mikado Ryuugamine decides to move to Ikebukuro with his friend Masaomi Kida, hoping to find
"adventure" in city life.
Thankfully Durarara! Is a 24 episode series, unlike most new series being 12 episodes. This story is well spread along the 24 episodes and is almost always interesting. The anime doesn't feel rushed or to lengthy so there's no real frustration with the length.
In the first half of the anime or first 11 episodes. Each episode follows a different character, while still continuing the story at a good pace. The stories 3 main characters are (in my opinion) Mikado Ryuugamine, who has lived in a small town all of his life, Masaomi Kida, Mikado's childhood friend, and Anri Sonohara, a girl that Mikado and Masaomi become friends with at Raira Academy. There are several interesting side characters like Izaya, an information broker, Shizuo Heiwajima, the strongest man in Ikebukuro, Celty Sturluson, a Dullahan that is always in persuit our her lost head and Kyohei Kodata a friend of Masaomi. Still there are characters who I wish would have gotten more attention like Walker, Kazuka, Simon, Shinra, Shingen, and Erika. While these characters don't get center stage they still play important roles in the story and some of them even get an episode.Durarara!'s story does take an interesting turn in the second half, but I believe that this keeps the veiwer entertained. All in all the story is very compelling
Rating:
Graphics
The art style in Durarara! Is certainly different. Background art is reminiscent of "The World Ends With You" in which unimportant charaters are shaded grey. While the characters are very well designed and fit there rolls. Hair colors are all natural or if different from black looked realistically dyed, I.e. pink doesn't look cool. Even the more exaggerated and excentric characters are surprisingly believable, even some of the main characters look like someone who would be a bystander in any other anime, but I believe that this was intetionally done to stress the normal life aspect of the story.
Rating:
Sound
I've seen up to episode 10 dubbed and the rest subbed so I've heard both sides of the voice acting and
honestly they both were awsome. I liked the dub and sub equally, but I usually don't take sides on this.
Particularly in the dub Izaya's voice actor Johnny Young Bosch(lelouch, dark mousy) really fits the character well.
The openings both fit the mood of both halves of the show. While the endings are very upbeat. The background music
changed seamlessly and fit the mood.
Openings
Uragiri No yuuyake-theatre brook
Complication-rookiez is punk'd
Endings
Trust me-Matsushita Yuya
Butterfly-On/Off
Rating:
Fun
If you like a slice-of-life drama with supernatural twists look no further. Durarara! Delivers a story of the daily,but exaggerated, daily life in Tokyo. Especially in the second half the show becomes very compelling, and the supernatural elements are more stressed all making the show very enjoyable to watch. Honestly a 24 episode long anime is refreshing its long enough to get to know the characters without it feeling rushed. Durarara! Was compelling all the way through. Overall if nothing else durarara! Is original and enjoyable.
Rating:
Final Verdict
8.5000 (very good)
Reviewed by fallenkaze, Mar 11, 2011
Comments
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SchRita Mar 20, 2011
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aozoraskies Apr 20, 2011
Durarara! is one of my favourite series; and you've hit some of the points on why I liked it so much - animation, slice-of-life meets supernatural..
I do think that you might need to justify the high grade a bit more though. ^^; My personal opinion, is all. I know it's that good, but people who haven't seen it might not. :) Maybe more details on the sound section and touch on what makes the characters intriguing even though it's a slice-of-life..?
Still, I like your concise analysis in the art and fun sections. :3 -
kuryuki Apr 23, 2011
durarara is one of my fav series, but I have to add that. I think it's interesting because of the unpredictable-ness, the second time watching it takes a lot of the fun away because I know the ending already >.<
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lupinchan Apr 27, 2011
the series is original and imaginative but the plot was just not for my brain to understand at times.
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Baraka-Senpai Jul 05, 2011
good review!
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