In this anime there is a legend that human's were created from wolves, though most humans are skeptical at best considering that wolves have supposedly been extinct for 200 years. However, some wolves remain and are living side by side with the humans. The wolves are able to conceal thier identity by creating an illusion of the human form... although, there are some who can see through the illusion. The world is in a desolate state with hardly any nature remaining outside the various domed citiy limits. Through random run-ins a group of wolves emerge, they are united through physical and psychological obstacles, and are eventually dedicated to the same goal... to find paradise. However, finding paradise means the destruction of the world for all other creatures... and does it really exist anyways?
This anime comes from the makers of Cowboy Bebop. It is stylish, as is Bebop, but in a less obvious way. It also has more emotional and psychological depth to the characters... which truely makes this anime a winner. It can sometimes feel vague or slow moving for those used to action packed anime. However, the way in which the story unravels suits the wolves journey well and contributes to the desolate yet beautifully hopeful ambiance.

Story & Characters

It is said that humans were created from wolves, and that only they will be able to find Paradise when the world is near its end.

In the near future, most of nature has been destroyed. There are no trees, and you will not find a lot of forests. Wolves have been extinct for 200 years, and most people have been believing that. Most, however, do not include Quent Yaiden. He believes the wolves are real, and that they have been deceiving humans for the past 200 years, living amongst them.
One day a wolf comes into town, Kiba. Almost dead and exhausted, Kiba attracts other wolves to him and togetherthey will be the onse that will fulfill the prophecy of leading the wolves to the legendary Paradise. With scientists, a mad hunter, and other obstacles in the way, will they find Paradise before the world ends?

Very original plot, although the apocalyptic thing has been done before. However, usually in those times the cities lay in ruins (if there are any cities at all) and you're trying to find hope and survival. Also, the fact that there is little/no nature left at all - also done before but that doesn't mean that the creators didn't do a bad job of it. I also rather like the suspence they put in with finding Paradise before the world ends, because it *is* a really close call that has you holding your breath.
Also, I like the legends and the "Book of the Moon". There are usually prophecies in other anime, but not a lot that I've seen. The prophecies themselves include something dark and spooky, but it's more of something positive here. (who wouldn't want to be the one to open the door to Paradise?)

Rating: 9

Art

Ferkin awesome art, one of the best I've seen. The only complaint I have is that osmetimes when the characteres move too fast it's pixellated, but my dvd quality was bad so I won't blame the artists. :o Also, the art is *almost* perfect because there are rare moments when you see goofy faces.
The art done for the characters matches them relaly well. The main character, strong and silent Kiba is cute as he should be. (Main characteres not cute is almost against the law o_o) He also doesn't look like some hoob who runs around without his shirt open all the time (Not a yaoi series either), but also not someone who is too dark and unexposed. In other words, a nicely done balance for Kiba's character.
Tsume wears tight clothing which looked quite funny to me, but what I would like to bring up are the scars on his face and chest. They're exactly the same and I've seen it about a hundred times on other characters, like Rurouni Kenshin for instance. I think the scars could have been more original, but other than that Tsume is alright.
Toboe kind-of looked like a girl when I saw him, but I suppose it's his hair that made me think so. Heh. His outfit is pretty normal, although it's nothing special and certainly realistic.
Hige has quite the interesting collar, which has an X on it. It's pretty cool-looking, maybe because it reminds me of the ninja headbnands in Naruto. (although you don't wear it on your face like they do)
Everyone else in the show has clothing that matches them as well, so overall this show gets good points. The human and wolf forms are quite nice, I especially like Kiba's colour. (white)

Rating: 9

Sound

The voices of the characters fit them well, Tsume had a rough voice while Toboe had a nice and cute one. Kiba didn't say much, but when he did speak it sounded like something he would say. (along with the voice of course!) I would say hHige had the toughest voice role, from the time he he was laid back to the time he was losing his mind, I was believing it.
Also, there was a lot of gunfire and you could hear that quite clearly. It was very believable in those scenes, not something fake. I was surprised at the guns themselves, it wasn't something that could only fire a bullet at a time. Rather, it was one of those machine guns that kept firing and firing. (one of the scenes with the miliary)
Now then, I would love to point out that this show has a lot of beautiful (the best) music. Cheza's song is quite something, a soft and lucious tinkling voice, it's hard to explain in words but if you hear it you will know what I mean.
Also, the opening/closing credits songs are amazing. I especially like "Gravity" and "Tell me what the rain knows". Like Cheza's song, they're calm and serenic songs. Quite beautiful, you have to download them! <3
The other times there is music in the anime itself, it really fits the moods. I would say a wide variety if instruments are used each time, so that brings about the nice effect that is wanted for the scene.

Rating: 10

Presentation

Overall, the anime was awesome. From the very beginning that Kiba stumbled into town to the very end of the anime when-I loved it all. The presentation of the anie is very nicely done, and you really sympathize with the characters as they go along their journey to Paradise. Quite njoyable, I also like the lessons the show gives us (won't say anything) rather than just the mindless watching.
What I also love about this anime is the Russian. I've seen it quite a few times, from signs to books to maps. I was a little surprised to see Russian too, because I'm used to seeing Japanese kanji and things taking place in Japan. This was definetely a nice twist to the whole thing, and I think artists should try to incorporate other languages in their anime like this one has done. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a closer look to see if the Book of the Moon had Russian or not, but oh wells, everything else does so there might be a chance.
Some of thes scenes in the anime are very emotional and sad, and they were done so ferkin good (especially the scond last episode) that I actually cried. This is how emotionally attached I got to the characters nad I hope others had the same experience. I can't say much, but I will say this, a lot of beautiful flowers withered in the show, which is something that is also true in life itself.

*claps* Definetely one of the best anime I've seen by far, if you ever get a chance to come across it buy it! (or burn it)

Rating: 9

Final Verdict

9.17 (very good)

Reviewed by daos, Jan 31, 2006

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