I couldn't forget the time I first read its manga because it was in my online class during the height of the pandemic. I was bored at that time because I didn't really connect well with online classes. Even though I'm a great introvert, being confined 24/7 in our house just doesn't sit well with me. So to keep myself from snoozing, I just opened another tab and scrolled through my FB feed. While scrolling through it, I came across the updated cover photo of my otaku schoolmate. It really looks cool—a boy with a katana and a megane with a gun—ahhhh the megane immediately caught my eye! Without wasting time, I immediately searched for its title and that's the day I started reading its manga.
And yesterday, I just finished watching its first season. Up until now, I'm still quite hyped about it because it really felt satisfying that I finally got to see how the first parts of its story got adapted, and with that, I'm thrilled to share with you my review about it. So be with me as we take a peek at the first part of Rin and Yukio's journey toward discovery and acceptance of their true nature in Blue Exorcist.
About the Anime
Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist) is a shounen anime that first premiered in the spring of 2011. This action and supernatural anime series first aired from April 17, 2011, to October 2, 2011, and was animated by A-1 Pictures. Its first season consisted of 25 episodes that revolved around school and mythology which really hooked me up. It already had more than a couple of anime sequels but for now, I'll focus on its first season which was based on the earlier parts of its manga written and illustrated by Kazue Katou.
Not all twins are alike and Rin and Yukio are one of them. Although they were both raised in the same way, the differences in them were evident. Yukio, the younger brother, was the courteous and talented one. He excels in almost everything he does and he's known for his calm and respectable demeanor. However, Rin, the older brother, was the opposite. He's far from the perfect child Yukio for it seems trouble and violence are always on his tail. He easily loses control of his emotions and he's often at the center of trouble, in short—he's a problem child—and because of that he dropped out of school.
Everything was at its usual pace—with Yukio achieving something, Rin getting into a job then later losing it because of something careless he did and so on—but that night something unusual happened. The guy he beat up earlier that day came back to him in revenge, but it seemed there was something different with him. It turned out that guy was possessed by a demon, and thankfully Shiro, his foster father, saved Rin in a nick of time. However, it was too late for him to conceal the truth that came out when Rin burst into blue flames. Unwillingly, Shiro revealed the truth of Rin's nature—that he wasn't a mere human at all, but a son of the demon among all demons—Satan.
Now that the truth is out, it's not only the trouble that's after him but the demons as well. He certainly can't process everything immediately, so he spited Shiro for hiding that from him, and with that slightest wavering of Shiro's resolve, Satan used it to take over him. Using Shiro's body, Satan tried to convince his son to side with him, but with the last ounce of his will, Shiro sacrificed his life to protect Rin. After mourning for his Shiro's death, Rin decided to take the path that demons like him aren't supposed to take—he decided to be an exorcist who'll kick Satan's ass!
I was indeed not disappointed with my decision to watch it. Until now my mind has been reeling with thoughts about it like yes, I already read its manga and I know what will happen next, but there's that certain newfound excitement that I really feel whenever I watch a manga, that I like, getting animated. Seeing them move and hearing their voice was oddly satisfying, and I'm also happy that the plot was adapted well with no major changes. Of 'course, there are those filler scenes that aren't in manga, and also scenes I think they changed a little (or a tad more). Anyway, same as its manga, the plot was promising and I know that in later seasons, the lore about the church and demons will get more interesting.
The pacing was fine because it didn't feel dragging or rushed which was a good thing because it kept me from being bored or confused. Also, I like that they featured some of the characters' backstories, though for now, not all backstories were revealed during the 25 episodes, anyway it's a nice thing that they didn't leave them out. Further, I like the foreshadowing they gave in the first parts of the anime—especially small details that easily blend in the background. Although I'm already aware of how it'll progress, nevertheless, I still think those details were cool and I really appreciate them.
As for its visuals, I like how they portrayed and animated Rin's chaotic personality. I think I laughed more when I saw his goofy faces and gestures animated, especially in the earlier parts of the story where things aren't that heavy yet. Also, the colors! I'm really anticipating how they'll portray Mephisto because in the manga his get-ups were both queer and cute so I'm curious about what colors would they give to his clothes, accessories and umbrella and I wasn't disappointed because the colors palette they use on him matches his quirky personality! And ultimately my favorite part—its fighting scenes! Even though its quality wasn't that really great, still I couldn't take my eyes away from those kind of scenes.
As for its background music—it was indeed emotionally provoking. The background music, even at the beginning of the first episode, already amazed me and gave me goosebumps. For me, how the voices and background music matched perfectly to portray that scene was enthralling. Moreover, the voice actors did well in portraying the personalities of their characters—especially Mephisto~ It sparks joy in my heart and collywobbles in my stomach whenever I hear his Eins, Zwei, Drei!
Ahhhhhh I know you already know who's my favorite character, so before I could lose myself blabbering about my admiration for him, I'm gonna go back to the stuff about its soundtrack. The opening and ending songs were also fine though it's probably not my taste in music, some of them are fun to listen. The sound effects were utilized and placed well, so I guess all in all, the soundtrack was decent and nice.
Overall, I rate this anime 9/10! I enjoyed almost the entirety of the hours I watched it, and yes, I'm definitely looking forward to its next which I'll surely watch soon. So if you're looking for an anime series with interesting lore and quirky characters, then stress yourself no more, for this review is your sign to try watching Blue Exorcist.
Before I end this review, I'll share with you its trailer, so—
Have you already watched this anime? Or is it just familiar to you? Not at all? Well, if you have something to share, feel free to comment them down. That's all for now, minna! I hope you enjoyed reading my review.
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the anime while the last picture was edited in Canva.