Katanagatari

So let me go ahead and start with this. This is now my absolute favorite anime. There are so many incredible ones out there, but this one managed to completely take the cake. This series of 12 episodes came out in 2010. Each episode is about 45 minutes long which is a bit odd for most animes. There is no English dub for this anime.

The story follows Shichika and Togame. Togame comes to a remote island to find the heir to the fabled swordless swordsman technique. This technique uses extreme speed and using the weaknesses of others, or others equipment to your own advantage. Shichika falls for her and decided to become her sword in her quest to collect the 12 deviant blades created by Kiki Shikizaki that are imbued with incredible powers. But she gives him 3 rules he must follow.

1. Protect her.

2. Don't break any of the swords.

3. Protect yourself.

Now while that may seem simplistic in nature, it proves to be somewhat difficult as there are certain fights where it would have been much easier on Shichika if her were allowed to break the sword. 

Each episode is a different sword. But along side the fights there is a back story that grows and grows until the last 2 episodes to completely alter everything you thought. Now one of the things that separate this show from so many other animes of similar fashions is that our hero doesn't win through pure determination. There are so many that have this element; Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach, Gurren Lagann, One Piece, and so many more. But with this one our hero is already very powerful. His main struggles are in how not to break the swords, as well as not getting hurt himself. 

Now the animation isn't great, but it works just fine for how they do everything. But the most amazing thing about this show is the fights. They are both impressive on how they create a full understanding of the incredible characters, but it is also just entertaining. I came upon the show because I watched a youtube video on the most amazing anime fights and the final battle of the show absolutely qualifies under this dynamic.

Without trying to give anything away or give spoilers, the final episode is so incredible that words honestly fail me. The episode is a roller coaster of emotion. There is despair, hope, satisfaction, sadness, and pure awe.

This show earns itself a score of 11 out of 11. It lost some points on the animation, but easily got them back for the sure awe of the show. I highly recommend this anime to any and everyone who is interested in anime, or even just good shows.