Full disclosure: I did not like anime. I’m a K-drama lover through and through: give me a swoon-worthy lead and a slow-burn romance any day! So, what I was doing watching this chaotic anime series is honestly beyond me.
I can't lie, it was a total culture shock. No "sekshy" male leads or standard romance tropes here. It was weird, new, and intense; this is exactly why you need to read this review. Stay with me; it gets really chaotic from here!
The Character Rollercoaster
My favorite character at first was Mumei (or Hozumi, if we’re being formal). She’s the literal definition of "don't judge a book by its cover." Tiny? Yes. Deadly? Absolutely.
But then, Lady Ayame entered the chat. Sorry not sorry, but watching her go from being pushed around by grumpy old men to standing her ground was incredible. That character development? *Chef’s kiss.*
On the flip side, Biba needs therapy, and those "yeye" Kabane need to chill. They kept my blood pressure rising and falling like the waves of the sea.
And then there's Ikoma... Omg, Ikoma! He would have been my #1, but the man has a death wish. I refused to get too attached because I didn't think my heart could handle him actually dying.
I mean, from episode one, the poor guy is abandoned in a jail cell. How did he manage to survive until the end? Let’s just call it a mix of pure luck and legendary stubbornness.
Steampunk Survival & Moral Dilemmas
Can we talk about the world-building? The concept of humanity hiding in fortified stations while steampunk trains navigate a zombie-infested wasteland is insane. The series kept me on the edge of my seat. The action scenes were fluid, and the animation made every fight feel really visceral and satisfying.
The series also has a way of making you question some of the characters' decisions. Sometimes I was angry, sometimes I understood why they did what they did, and sometimes I was just sitting there like, “Are you people actually okay?”
There was one scene that really messed with me: the pregnant woman on the train. I loved her desperation to protect her baby, but I hated that she endangered everyone else to do it. It’s one of those moments where you understand the character while simultaneously wanting to scream at the screen.
Kabaneri taught me two things: survival brings out the absolute worst in people, and I should probably stop getting emotionally attached to fictional characters. These writers clearly don't care about my mental stability!
This series is a must-watch.
If you haven't watched it, I'm not sorry for the spoilers because hopefully they'll make you remember this write-up while watching. And if you have, I'd love to hear your contrary opinions to any sentence I've made and your general thoughts on the series.
What did it teach you? Which character was your favourite? And would you gladly recommend it to your friends to enjoy or nah
The Final Verdict
So, is Kabaneri worth your time? Absolutely.
If you want high-stakes action, gorgeous animation, and characters that will make you shout at your monitor, this is a must-watch.
If you’re a first-timer who thinks anime isn't for you, it’s likely because you haven’t watched a truly great anime series yet. This is the perfect place to start. For the old-timers, it’s a high-octane classic that demands a rewatch. Just don't expect a peaceful K-drama ending!
DISCUSSION