Sankarea is a Japanese manga and anime series that was written and illustrated by Mitsuru Hattori. The story follows the life of Chihiro Furuya, a high school student who has an obsession with zombies. He is fascinated by the idea of bringing the dead back to life and his obsession only grows stronger when his cat, Babu, dies. He attempts to resurrect his cat using an ancient manuscript, but instead, he brings a girl named Rea Sanka back to life. The story then follows their journey as they navigate their way through life and love.
Sankarea has received mixed reviews from anime enthusiasts and critics alike. Some have praised the show for its unique storyline, interesting characters, and beautiful animation. Others have criticized it for its slow pacing, lack of character development, and inconsistent tone. Despite the mixed reviews, Sankarea has managed to amass a loyal fanbase, and its popularity continues to grow with each passing year.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the positives and criticisms of Sankarea, analyze the characters, compare it to other anime in its genre, and come to a conclusion about whether or not it is worth watching. Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or someone who is just looking for something new to watch, this review will provide you with all the information you need to decide if Sankarea is right for you.
Positive Aspects
Sankarea is an anime that offers a unique blend of horror, romance, and comedy. Here are some of the positive aspects of the show:
- Interesting Premise: The premise of the show is intriguing and unique. The idea of a zombie girl falling in love with a human boy is something that hasn’t been explored much in anime, and Sankarea does a great job of making it work.
- Well-Developed Characters: The characters in Sankarea are well-developed and have distinct personalities. The main character, Chihiro, is relatable and likable, and the supporting characters all have their own quirks and charms.
- Beautiful Animation: The animation in Sankarea is beautiful and detailed. The character designs are unique and memorable, and the backgrounds are rich and immersive.
- Good Balance of Genres: Sankarea strikes a good balance between horror, romance, and comedy. The horror elements are genuinely creepy, the romance is sweet and heartwarming, and the comedy provides some much-needed levity.
Overall, Sankarea is a well-crafted anime that offers a unique and interesting story, well-developed characters, beautiful animation, and a good balance of genres. Fans of horror, romance, and comedy will all find something to enjoy in this show.
Criticism
Despite its unique premise, Sankarea is not without its flaws. One of the biggest criticisms of the series is its pacing. The story takes a while to get going, and there are several episodes in the middle that feel like filler. This can make it difficult for viewers to stay engaged and invested in the plot.
Another issue with Sankarea is its treatment of some of its female characters. While Rea, the main female lead, is well-developed and complex, other female characters are often reduced to one-dimensional stereotypes. For example, Chihiro’s sister Mero is portrayed as a hypersexualized “big sister” character, while his childhood friend Ranko is little more than a love interest.
Finally, some viewers have criticized Sankarea for its ending. Without giving too much away, the final episode takes a somewhat unexpected turn that some fans found unsatisfying. While it’s clear that the writers were trying to do something different, the execution left some viewers feeling disappointed.
Character Analysis
Sankarea is a character-driven story that explores the complexities of adolescence and the human condition.
The show’s main character, Chihiro Furuya, is a high school student who is obsessed with zombies. He is socially awkward and introverted, and his love for zombies is a way for him to escape from reality.
Rea Sanka, the female lead, is the daughter of a wealthy family who is trapped in a loveless and abusive household. She is initially introduced as a stereotypical “perfect” girl, but as the story progresses, her character becomes more complex and nuanced. Rea’s relationship with Chihiro is the driving force of the show, and their interactions are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
One of the most interesting characters in Sankarea is Ranko Saouji, Chihiro’s childhood friend. Ranko is a tomboyish girl who is in love with Chihiro, but her feelings are not reciprocated. Despite this, she remains a loyal friend to Chihiro and is always there to support him. Her character provides a refreshing contrast to the other female characters in the show.
Another standout character is Mero Furuya, Chihiro’s younger sister. Mero is a precocious and intelligent girl who is obsessed with her brother. Her character is played for laughs, but she also provides insight into Chihiro’s family dynamics and adds a layer of depth to the story.
Overall, the characters in Sankarea are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Each character has their own unique struggles and motivations, and their interactions with each other are what make the show so compelling.
Comparison
When it comes to comparing Sankarea with other anime series, there are several factors to consider. One of the most notable is the unique premise of the show, which revolves around the concept of zombies. While other anime series have touched upon the idea of the undead, few have explored it in the same depth and with the same level of nuance as Sankarea.
Another factor to consider is the character development. Sankarea does an excellent job of fleshing out its characters and giving them depth and complexity. The main character, Chihiro, is a particularly interesting case, as he is both relatable and flawed. This is in contrast to some other anime series, which may feature characters that are one-dimensional or overly stereotypical.
Additionally, the animation and art style of Sankarea are noteworthy. The show has a distinct visual style that is both eye-catching and memorable. The character designs are unique and well-executed, and the animation is fluid and dynamic. This is in contrast to some other anime series, which may have more generic or uninspired art styles.
Finally, it’s worth comparing Sankarea with other anime series in terms of its overall tone and themes. While the show has its share of comedic moments, it also deals with some heavy and mature subject matter. This is in contrast to some other anime series, which may be more lighthearted or geared towards a younger audience.
Overall, when compared to other anime series, Sankarea stands out for its unique premise, well-developed characters, distinctive art style, and mature themes. While it may not be for everyone, it is certainly a show worth checking out for fans of the medium.
Conclusion
Overall, Sankarea is a unique anime that combines romance, comedy, and horror elements. The story follows Chihiro’s obsession with zombies and his quest to resurrect his cat, Baabu. Along the way, he meets Rea, a girl who becomes a zombie, and they develop a strong bond.
The anime covers about 30% of what there is to the story, and the manga provides a more complete picture. The anime also changes some aspects of the story and omits certain characters, such as Darin-chan. However, the heartwarming love between Chihiro and Rea shines through in both the anime and manga.
The characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities. Chihiro’s obsession with zombies is both endearing and amusing, and Rea’s tragic backstory adds depth to her character. The supporting cast, such as Chihiro’s friends and family, also provide comic relief and contribute to the overall story.
Comparing Sankarea to other romance anime, it stands out due to its unique premise and blend of genres. It also avoids many of the cliches and tropes that are common in the genre, making it a refreshing watch for fans of romance anime.
In conclusion, Sankarea is a must-watch for fans of romance, comedy, and horror anime. Although the anime only covers a portion of the story, it still manages to capture the heart of the manga and provide an enjoyable viewing experience. The characters are well-developed, the story is engaging, and the blend of genres makes it a standout anime in the genre.
