Speed Grapher

Reviewed by Angie Quidim
June 2005

Studio: Gonzo/TAP
Original Script: Shin Yoshida/Yasuyuki Suzuki

It has been ten years after the Bubble War. The dichotomy between the rich and the poor in the world becomes more and more apparent with corrupt statesmen and celebrities feasting on the suffering of the common man. Japan is no exception. The rich seek to satisfy their desires and derive pleasure for themselves, and Tokyo has materialized into such a city as a result. Tatsumi Saiga was once a war photographer but is now a freelancer for Hibara Ginza in the capitalist state of Tokyo . He infiltrates the Roppongi Club, a secretive base located in the red district area of the city, to collect information about them. However, he gets caught in the process and is brought forward to a girl called Kagura (who is known as “the Goddess”). Instead of the scantily clad businessman receiving the blessings of Kagura, Saiga becomes the recipient of her precious gift. His contact with Kagura awakens his special ability: the power to make things explode once photographed. In order to unravel the mystery behind the Roppongi Club and Kagura, Saiga begins his solitary battle.

There are many stories within this first episode and Team Gonzo illustrates this beautifully with their rendering techniques. Saiga has many enemies, and each person he encounters divulges yet another secret to slowly reveal Kagura's cloudy past. This anime is of the suspense, murder-mystery genre and should be considered mature rated. The writing reminds me of Perfect Blue.

The evolution of this title looks very high as it has the makings of an excellent series including: a well written story, characters that are very complex, and illustration that does not make it feel like you are watching a "kiddie" toon. It can only get better with time.