Brief Synopsis
Released: Jan 10, 2012 to Mar 27, 2012
Episode Count: 12
Rating: R-17+ (MyAnimeList) / TV-14 (Crunchyroll)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (& Netflix depending on region of the world)
Koichi Sakakibara transfers from Tokyo to the town he was born in because his father is working abroad in India. He will be living with his grandparents and his aunt, however, due to a lung issue, he spends the first month he is in town in the hospital. In the hospital, he meets a pale girl with an eyepatch over one of her eyes named Mei Misaki. She ignores him at first but after a while begins to talk with him. After Koichi is released from the hospital, he attends North Yomiyama Middle School: the same school his aunt and deceased mother attended. The only advice his aunt gave to him, which is also repeated by his homeroom teacher, is “follow the rules.” Early on Koichi realizes something is strange with this school. The students in his class (Class 3) are distant from the other four classes in their grade and they are all in a constant state of varying anxiety. Mei Misaki is also in Class 3, but no one seems to notice her, except Koichi.
BEGINNING SPOILERS: Everyone in Class 3 act the way they do because there is a curse on this class. 26 years ago, a student named Misaki in class 3 tragically died. But for some reason, some students in that class could still see Misaki. Ever since then, year after year, a curse is constantly on Class 3. If the curse is triggered, at least one person in or connected to the class will die.
Kolb’s Actual Thoughts
This show was something else. I am not usually a watcher of the horror genre, but the Dad’s escapades into AOT may have given me a taste for it. I say that because this is a horror show. From the very start, even before anything happens, the show has an eerie feeling. I believe those film experts call that atmosphere. The music is spooky and the imagery is unsettling. The mystery draws you in and in a very macabre way, you are very curious when and how the curse will strike next. I enjoyed how this show was presented to us as an audience. It was slower to start (just the way I like it) but also didn’t wait too long for the first death. 12 episodes is the perfect length for this kind of story. Anything more would have felt indulgent and unnecessary. Anything less would not have given enough to adequately tell the story. In many ways, this show is a winner and I have no real gripes with Another as a horror show. If I had to choose a negative, it would be that it uses the trope that is in many anime shows and Japanese movies where characters are driven to such a state of fear that they go murderously crazy. An example of this would be “Battle Royal.” But at the same time, that trope is realistic in the life and death scenarios that are depicted in both the example and Another. So, does that make it a negative? I’d say no. Chest might say yes. You might say “why even talk about this?” And we are all correct.
Recommendation: Go for it.
The content is not for kids, but since it is a horror show I feel like you all should know that. I will say it is tragic how people need everything spelled out for them these days. Personal discernment and critical thinking are going the way of the dodo. So, for those who need their hands held, here is why it is not for younger audiences: mostly, horrific violence and gore. From suicide, to murder, to Final Destination-style accidents; uncensored death is closely stalking our characters. For those who can handle such material, the show is worth the watch. Enjoy! … but not too much. Otherwise, you might be someone I don’t want to invite into my home.