Devouring Casshern
There’s an awful lot of great stuff you could say about Casshern Sins if you were one of those people who watched it. And surely you’re out there… right? It’s atmospheric, it’s well-animated by Madhouse, the action is hot, and the show is sexy and kind of… “adult” in the way that Masaaki Yuasa’s Kaiba (also by Madhouse) was earlier this year. But one thing that sets it apart from the rest of a quality season is its odd backward chronology that uncovers the plot in reverse. Spoilers may follow.
The timeline’s very interesting because:
- We know the beginning
- We (roughly) know the end.
- Somewhere along the line, shit gets fragmented.
The unique situation here is that the fragmentation, for us, happens first. We’re presented with cosmic WTF from minute one. After that comes the 1970s series Neo-Human Casshern, in which C-man, Luna, and Friender fight the Braiking Boss and his fiendish plan to take over the world with robots.
We, as viewers, especially those with knowledge of the original series (whether that knowledge comes from an actual viewing of the series, the live action movie, or just, uh… Wikipedia), have a unique advantage over Casshern. Thankfully, the mystery fragmentation element — the death of Luna — keeps us from knowing too much and keeps the truth at bay.
That truth is fundamental to the series. Not just because (glory be to the anime gods of cliché) we’re dealing with some amnesia and discovery of the past, but also because that Truth is the sole means by which we’ll find true Hope.
Some robots find false hope in the idea that devouring Casshern will give them immortality. That’s probably the result of long Chinese Whispers rooted in the knowledge that Casshern was the bringer of their destruction. Other robots, ironically, find hope in the rumor that Luna can restore them. Does their misplaced hope come from the fact that Luna provided hope to humanity, way back in the day — and robots now are the only things that pass for humanity in the world?
Either way, true hope comes in small doses, but it’s becoming more and more prevalent through the episodes. Episode 8’s Sheryl Janis let robots feel hope with her song. Episode 9 especially gave us not only our first true dose of color in a mostly monochromatic animation, but also the obvious picture of the flowers blooming among the ruin.
So what’s next for Casshern? Is Luna still alive for real, or is this all just more false hope? Can Casshern even atone for his “sins,” or is he done with life, living in a robotic Hell that tortures him with visions of his past? And are any of our readers actually watching this nifty-keen show?
Please proceed into Android Hell!
No matter how much I like this post, you’re not tricking me into watching this show!
And curse you and your sexy banner!!
I do love this show. It is the closest thing to visual poetry that I have seen in a while.
wait, there are people not watching Casshern? Damn them! (is only on ep 2)
@Lolikit:
I just got back! this guy says hi:
@Riex:
Next time I will make an ugly banner. Maybe then you will watch Casshern.
@Lester:
I feel you. There is a visual sense of purpose you can feel off the series that so many others don’t bother with.
@digitalboy:
Two?? I expected better from you…
Ugh, in a moment of weakness, I grabbed the first 10 eps to give it another chance… damn you.
People aren’t watching Casshern? Gah, why! You should of mentioned that Casshern has easily teh sexiest harem of the year
You should have posted a sexy picture of a Futurama robot for me. Maybe then I’d change my mind.
Gomen! I’ve been hooked on moe anime!
KYAASHAARN!
Also, the show is good for those who would love to see a touch of humanity, its weaknesses and strengths shown, albeit in the form of robots who now finally realize they have death ahead of them. I would highly recommend it too but it seems to be meant for only half the people out there. :\
Dark anime is dark. Mighty slow. Atmospheric as hell. With an awesome dog too.
Friender is made of full win.
I wonder why do I forgive Casshern for the e-x-t-e-n-d-e-d emo moments that I would RAEG about if I found it on a Gundam character.
Maybe it’s because Casshern is a robot, Setsuna just wants to become one.
It’s real pretty too.
I knew there was a series I forgot to add to my digital will-watch list from my handwritten version which got lost in the sea of mess known as my room.
Um…
yeah.
^^v
That first flashback with Luna reminds me of the days of constant Naruto flashbacks where it would take 10 episodes to have one conversation. Seriously, that whole thing took place in the time it took Liza to walk down the hall.