Katanagatari Review No Spoilers Nishio Ishin Light Novels are considered impossible to adapt since his light novels run a mockery of the readers with his cheeky wordplay and the level of depth he gives to the world and to the people is unfathomable but the anime adaptation of Katanagatari is one of the few proper adaptations of Nisios works being on the coveted list of top tier anime adaptations like the Monogatari series. https://i.pin.com/originals/25/1f/d7/251fd70f8329947d2b201f90a7018a19.jpg Plot The show takes place during Ancient Japan where the Shogunates self proclaimed Strategist Togame searches for the Kyoutouryuu the No Sword styles present head Shichika Yasuri who has been exiled to a remote island because of his father committing treason. Togames goal was to collect the master swordsmith Kiki Shikizakis 12 legendary swords called the Deviant Blades which were scattered all around Japan. Togame and Shichika proceeds on a journey which would change their lives forever. The plot of this anime is Nisio Ishin level which means beyond top tier. Simple premise but with plenty of plot twists heart touching moments and plenty of moments to laugh plenty of moments to feel bad and a plenty of moments to cry Katanagataris plot was truly a roller coaster ride at its finest. Fast paced and long conversation monologues and dialogues which are a staple of Nisios works are very prominent here as well. Characters This show introduces a new character every episode and all the characters are unique in their own way. Each one have their perks their motives and their goals. But the most noticable character had to be the protagonist himself Shichika a man who went from being a sword who lacked a resolve and fought whenever his owner said so to a human who felt remorse happiness and love. Togames character also has to be one of the best in the anime. Her charming and cunning personality making this duo very codependant. Shichika being the brawns and Togame being the brains. Katanagataris most biggest feature is the level of depth every character is given and how lovable every character is. The owners of the Deviant Blades arent truly evil but very human. They want to fulfill their wishes their goals and their dreams and the blades becomes the catalyst for them to achieve it. But everytime one of them is killed/defeated you feel hurt you feel pain if you have a soul that is and there are no characters thatll make you hate. Animation There isnt much to talk about the animation. Simple use of animation at fast pace making the fights quite short as it should be mocking overexaggerated long over the top fights. The fluid and fast paces movement of the characters during the fight goes well with the dynamic non existent camera angles helping the fights being thrilling and exciting. Art Work The art work in Katanagatari is unique and pretty to look at. A blend of Ancient Japanese Sculpture art and modern anime character designs Katanagataris minimalistic yet complex artwork which stays true to the premise/time period of the show complements the fast paced yet short fights of the anime. The character designs with the minor details showing the biggest characterists of that certain character for example Kiguchi one of the owners of the Deviant Blade who has a shogi shaped like figure in her eyes and a blade like hair showing us what she devotes her life on both shogi and a life with swords. Many characters follow this example making each of them colourful unique and attaractive. https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/katanagatari/images/8/82/31065d158e497ead6d0d39408c389d77.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180624053617 Soundtrack The anime blends in plenty of modern music during the fights and blends in traditional Japanese music in between to stay true to its premise. The music really complements what happens on screen completing a perfect audiovisual pairing. The ops however the first one being a bop the second one aint a favourite. The eds of the anime changes every ep complementing the tone of how every ep ends. But the OST might be one of the best Ive heard in anime. Verdict Katanagatari is an underrated masterpiece. A diamond in the rough road of Light Novel adaptations. I must say this show truly does deliver. Each episode is based on a certain topic and each episodes delivers to its fullest potential keeping you on edge and the last 2 eps being the best of the anime. If you have nothing to watch watch Katanagatari it is truly a ride you shouldnt miss. https://2.bp.blogspot.com/1UNrSmCcOJw/UP0z2TJYkVI/AAAAAAAACUI/qIRzS1ETB3Q/s1600/shichikatogame.jpg Scores Plot: 10/10 Characters: 10/10 Animation: 9/10 OST: 9.5/10 Enjoyment: 10/10 Overall: 10/10