GeGeGe no Kitaro
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
Hey Guys.
Welcome to another anime review.
And today, I am going to make a review of another anime that I really wanted to do from the very beginning. And I mean… since it was released in April, 2018.
From Shigeru Mizuki (Showa: A his tory of Japan, Hitler), here comes…
GeGeGe no Kitaro (Sixth series)
But before I continue, I must ask you guys, the typical question…
Are you guys Ok? Feeling healthy?
If the answer is yes, then I am happy, especially because in these times, the coronavirus is still creating so much misery and death around the world. So please… I beg you… DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE CORONAVIRUS!! Because the consequences will be disastrous.
With that said, let’s go with the review.
PREMISE
Based on the manga written and illustrated by Shigure Mizuki (1922-2015), GeGeGe no Kitaro (In English Kitaro of the Graveyard), tells the history of Kitaro, a yokai boy and one of the last members of the Ghost Tribe, who takes care of the balance and peace between humans and yokai.
And, only for those who don’t know, Yokai is the name of some ghosts, monsters and spirits from the Japanese Mythology (Kappa, Oni, Kitsune, Bakemono, Obake, etc.).
Now, many consider GeGeGe no Kitaro as the series that introduced Yokai to both Japanese and Western audiences. Furthermore, this version of 2018 (that’s correct) had another previous series since its release in 1968.
Let me give you the roster.
- 1st series (1968-1969)
- 2nd series (1971-1972)
- 3rd series (1985-1988)
- 4th series (1996-1997)
- 5th series (2007-2009)
Also, it has two live-action films, released in 2007 and 2008, and an anime film, from 2008 as well. And all of the series have been animated by Toei Animation. In other words, it is a landmark Japanese franchise (Like Godzilla, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Devilman, Mazinger Z, etc.). But, to be honest, I am surprised that it has not been more popular with Western audiences.
At least, from my perspective.
Anyway. This new series has already got more than 90 episodes. (90 episodes!!!). It kind of reminds me of Black Clover, in the sense that it has completely got such a big presence with almost no effort.
STORY
Forgive me guys, but I must repeat myself.
The story is all of these wonderful characters trying to get the peace between humans and yokai. And the sixth series adapts many of the original manga written by Shigeru Mizuki (Vampire Tree, Miage-Nyudo, Yokai Castle, Electric Yokai, etc), with some anime-exclusive story arcs.
To those unfamiliar to GeGeGe no Kitaro, perhaps it will be hard to locate some of these stories, especially since the original manga was published between 1960-1969, by Kodansha; however, I want to assure that the tone, along with this beautiful animation, are enough for hooking up the fan with some of these interesting stories, along with the beautiful characters, but I will get to there later.
Back to the story, there is a great balance between comedy, fantasy, horror, and mystery…. A GOOD ONE, NOT THE MONSTROSITY THAT IS…
GHOST STORIES DUBBED BY ADV FILMS
All of these stories are self-contained, but they contribute in an amazing way to all the mythos of the work of Shigeru Mizuki, along with the understanding of the Japanese mythology. Now I see why GeGeGe no Kitaro became so popular. And I apologise with all of those for being so harsh with Ghost Stories, but I still can’t believe that that English Dub even exists.
Well. At least it brings hips of amazing guilty laughs.
Anyway. every episode from GeGeGe no Kitaro has a good rhythm and a character development that is solid enough that helps you to sympathise with each of these characters, especially, because there are not bad guys or good guys… No! I will change my words!
There is no black or white in GeGeGe no Kitaro, there is always… grey. Of course there are bad guys and good guys, but with most of the cast, there are many complex issues that you can say.
«Wow! This is the kind of problems that the yokai would face in real-life, especially in the 21st Century.»
And that’s one of the best qualities of this sixth anime. It will be hard to tell, for this is my first GeGeGe no Kitaro experience, but indeed is one I will always remember.
Nevertheless the story is not the only element that makes GeGeGe no Kitaro so endearing.
CHARACTERS
GeGeGe No Kitaro has a lot of memorable characters, including…
Neko-Musume
Medama-Oyaji (The picture speaks for itself)
Nezumi-Otoko
Mana Inuyama
And of course…
OUR HERO… Kitaro
All of them with their own personalities and qualities, something that makes them so interesting. There are also others, like…
AGNES, THE SCARLET WITCH… (HAHA, JUST KIDDING)
There are still many things to say about them. But it is better to watch the series, for it is a very compelling ghost anime that teaches you so much about folklore and mythology. And yes, we have Inuyasha, In/Spectre, Jigoku Shoujo, but GeGeGe no Kitaro offers its own vision.
If you don’t believe me, just ask Neko-Musume. She will say…
CONCLUSION
GeGeGe no Kitaro is a beautiful story that will hook you from the start. And with almost 97 episodes, just imagine all the fun that will give you. Ok, I have to admit that this is not for everybody, but if you are those who enjoy this weird balance between comedy and horror, then I suggest to take a look.
It is available on Crunchyroll.
And remember…
Ge, Ge, GeGeGe no Ge…
Slumbering in bed in the morning
Zzz-zzz-zzz
It’s so fun,
It’s so fun,
Jainituos Presents 