KIZNAIVER
Studio Trigger
Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Hey guys.
Welcome to another anime review.
And today, I am going to talk about some interesting project that I saw years ago, but I really wanted to review it, especially since soon we are going to see the new project from Studio Trigger.
BNA – BRAND NEW ANIMAL
OH YES… I am announcing that I am going to do reviews from all of the Studio Trigger works.
Now… with that said, I bring you…
But before I continue, I must ask the typical question.
Are you guys ok? Washing your hands? Maintaining Social Distancing?
If the answer is yes, then I am happy, especially because of these difficult times from the coronavirus. We must have faith and rest assured that we will overcome this trauma together, just follow the instructions from the doctors and WHO (World Health Organization; but mostly importantly…
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE CORONAVIRUS!!!!
Having said that, lets continue.
PREMISE
Released in 2016, and based on the manga written by Roji Karegishi, Kiznaiver takes place on the futuristic city of Sugomori City, where technology has apparently reached its peak; however, one of the most «interesting» inventions of Sugomori is the Kizna System, a special connection that allows people to understand themselves by sharing their own suffering, both physical and mental.
And now, it is the turn of high schooler, Katsuhira Agata, and some of his classmates, to be part of this Kizna System, all under the leadership of a beautiful, yet mysterious girl, called Noriko Sonozaki.
The anime of Kiznaiver is written by the renowned Mari Okada, and the music is composed by Yuki Hayashi. Do you which other anime he composed for?
That’s right. My Hero Academia
Anyway. Kiznaiver consists of 12 episodes, directed by Hiroshi Kobayashi, who also worked as director in many episodes of Kill la Kill.
Now… how is the…
STORY
Well. Before I continue, I must start reviewing the story with the element that, just like with any Studio Trigger work, becomes a very significant trademark of Kiznaiver. And that is… the animation.
Most likely, many fans from Studio Trigger will expect a very vivid, crazy, and expressive animation, of the same caliber of Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, or Space Patrol Luluco. However, when you see half of Kiznaiver, you understand that is more similar from animes like Darling in the Franxx and SSSS Gridman. I comprehend of why for many people that detail will be a bit disappointing, and at the beginning, I was sad too, especially because I thought that the story was kind of slow.
But… Don’t worry, because at the second half of Kiznaiver, you meet with some pretty decent character development, from all of them, and some of revelations of why the Kizna System is the way it is. That alone is what gives to both their characters and story their own identity, especially in comparison to other Studio Trigger works.
Well… What else can you expect from the sensitivity of Mari Okada? Also, check Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, and you will become a fan of hers. In fact, there is something I must share with you, the word «Kiznaiver» is derived from «wound/scar» (傷, kizu), and «bond/connection» (絆, kizuna). You see? There is a deeper meaning from the terminology of the story. (Thanks Wikipedia.) And, to be honest… This is one of the things that I end up enjoying from Kiznaiver, a mixture between art and storytelling that encourages to think to reflex about life.
But if you are expecting some like Kill la Kill, Space Patrol Luluco or Little Witch Academia in terms of animation. you might get disappointed.
On the other hand, the music is really wonderful. Yuki Hayashi does a really good job with the soundtrack; moreover, the opening song, Lay your hands on me, is performed by BOOM BOOM SATELLITES, which has a beautiful mix of techno and pop that makes it sounique. And the ending is Hajimari no Sokudo (はじまりの速度) by Sangatsu no Phantasia. Another beautiful song. (Again… Thanks Wikipedia).
Overall, I must commend Studio Trigger for taking a new kind of story for Kiznaiver.
CHARACTERS
And just like with the story, the characters from Kiznaiver are capable to inspire some curiosity. At first sight, it seems that the cast is just a bunch of stock characters from anime, like the aloof white-haired pretty boy (Katushira), the tsunderish childhood friend (Chidori), the brute, jerk with a heart of gold (Hajime), the Genki Girl (Nico),
And No… Not this Nico!!
The arrogant, blue haired top student (Tsuguhito), the quiet meganekko (Honoka). But with the development of the series, we know more about the past of all of them, as well as their motivations, so you will definitely start taking interest on them. And also you start liking them a lot, especially Nico.
Of course we got Noriko too. Personally this is one of my favourite characters, because she is so mysterious, but the story and plot take time to focus on her development, and during almost the end of the series, there is a big twist from Noriko that definitely will change your perception of the character, for good or bad.
Also… I can’t stop comparing her with Esdeath.
There!! Hail to the Ice Queens.
Nevertheless, the only character that I really despised was Yoshiharu. Basically, he is a masochist, but I didn’t really found anything else. The other characters are fascinating, but Yoshiharu is just irritating.
Why? You ask… Let me put this like this…
HE AIN’T DARKNESS
CONCLUSION
To sum up, Kiznaiver has a lot of cool elements, even though it might not be the most well-known of the projects released by Studio Trigger. Definitely with such a great stuff and talented people behind, it definitely earns the title of A MUST-SEE.
So thanks guys. This is the first one of my many reviews of the works from Studio Trigger. Tomorrow I will come up with another one. And because I love you all, I will give you a hint of my next Trigger Review.
But first, I must consult with a certain darling… Oops.
Jainituos Presents 