D.N.Angel

Reviewed by Mike Xiong
September 12, 2006

Director: Nobuyoshi Habara Produced by: TV TOKYO dentsu XEBEC Distributor: ADV Films Genre: Fantasy, Romance Age Rating: 13+ Website: Click Here Review Rating: 9 out of 10

In times of stick figures and paper, in times of art and motion, in times of love and hate, nothing has ever been compromised to create on fine animation as that of the D.N. Angel series. Originally written by Yukiru Sugisaki, this tale of a young boy named Daisuke Niwa portrays more than just colored motion pictures, it brings you an incredible story that one won't forget. 

Daisuke Niwa, is a young teenager trapped in a situation of attraction. This situation is more than just an attraction; it leans a little more to the complicated world of love.  The Niwa family has a curse that all males have to endure on their fourteenth birthdays.  As soon as they reach that age, they become the Great Phantom Thief, Dark Mousy.  Dark Mousy is the master thief of collecting the most beautiful masterpieces of art.  He is able to steal with ease and get himself out of almost any position with his skills and his pretty boy looks.  For the last three hundred years, the Niwa family has had Dark live within each male member of the family.  Now it's time for Daisuke to become Dark, although, he doesn't want to be. Daisuke is just a kid one would see in middle school; nothing good about him.  He wishes to win the heart (or at the least, attention) of Risa Harada, one of two sisters. The other twin is Riku Harada.

There is another character, Satoshi Hiwatari who is out to capture Dark, but is also a friend to Daisuke.  Satoshi isn't one to really speak about who he is, and does what he wants.  Satoshi has an alter ego, the other part of him that is Dark's enemy. Krad (Dark's other half) becomes active and begins to take over Satoshi's body. Whenever that happens Dark and Krad end up in battle.

The story is best described in the beauty of the artwork and music. The comedy of the whole anime is when Dark decides to show up, Daisuke is pinned down with stealing the art every time and it's a situation of a job that he cannot refuse.  The only way to get rid of the transformations is if he is able to receive love from Risa Harada.  But in the meantime, whenever Daisuke comes into contact with her, he begins to transform into the Phantom Thief Dark.  His alter ego, Dark, is attracted to Risa's sister Riku. There is never any rest for the wicked! Daisuke/Dark finds himself getting into more mischief when he discovers another boy who has Dark's alter ego. This anime series is great fun and worth every penny spent. One can never get tired of the story and definitely is one for all ages.