Country: Japan
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Year released: 2007
Running time: 13 Episodes
Director: Takeshi Mori
Cast: Hiroshi Tsuchida / Ayako Kawasuma / Fumiko Orikasa
Review by: A. Alryo
Date of review: 04/16/08
Synopsis
Set in an alternate history of Japan, freelance photographer Minagami Hayato returns to his hometown of Ootomo to investigate rumors of a man wearing a skull mask committing murders there. Once in the city, he discovers connections between the victims and a local pharmaceutical company, a new religious sect, and strange half human, half animal creatures. Along with a young photographer, he decides to find out who the Skull Man really is.
Review
The story takes place in an alternate history period in Japan where the Japanese military exists as a powerful entity. Ootomo city is a territory controlled and regulated by the military. Journalist Hayato Mikogami travels from Tokyo to his hometown Ootomo city to get the scoop about murders committed by someone wearing a skull mask.
The Skull Man is an anime series based on the popular 70s manga of the same name by the legendary Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kikaider). In this adaptation of the story we follow journalist Hayato Mikogami in his search to uncover the mysterious murders. The anime starts off with the murder of an actress by the skull man helped by a werewolf. In his way to Ootomo Hayato meets a young photographer named Kiriko Mamiya and detective Kyoichiro Tachigi. Hayato helps out Kiriko to enter the city with his influencial connections, but does it with some reluctance. Once inside Kiriko sticks around Hayato (against Hayato’s will) and both start investigating murders connected to the skull man. From there on you have to watch the show to find out the resolution of the plot.
I have to say The Skull Man is a dark story indeed. The storytelling in this series is slow paced and involved. As the story progresses the audience must keep close attention to the clues, events, characters, and connections among them. Elements of film noir create the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the show spiced with some comedic moments in the first few episodes. There are some violent scenes depicting murders and fights which are very bloody. Thankfully all these elements are used wisely for storytelling and not as fan-service.
Let me tell you about the music in this show. I loved the opening song for this show as well as the ending. The rest of the music doesn’t stand out that much. The background music has your typical film noir mysterious feel to it. It fits perfectly with the storytelling and portrayals of the events.
In the area of the character design I have to compliment the character designer for a job well done. For those of you who are familiar with Osamu Tezuka and Shotaro Ishinomori’s character designs you probably know that they are not very appealing to today’s anime fans. I was pleased to see the characters looking more attractive for the new audience while keeping Ishinomori’s touch on them. Still someone out there might not like them because at the end is just about personal taste.
Also, in the animation department Bones does a great job for this show. Even though the animation is not extraordinary still is enjoyable watch. Action sequences, backgrounds, vehicles, and hand-to-hand combat are smoothly rendered. Don’t expect anything fancy just a simple well done animation. I still wonder about whether Bones animating The Skull Man is a mere coincidence or a conspiracy (bones and skulls you know, lame joke).
Lastly, I’m sad to tell you there are some aspects of the show that alienates some from enjoying this show thoroughly. The main one I remember is the ending of the show which will only make sense if you’re familiarized with Ishinomori’s other works. So, that is a biggie right there. The other problem has to do with the difficulty in remembering names from secondary characters, organizations and leaderships. That is, unless you’re accustomed to Japanese names you will find it very hard to connect people with a given event. In conclusion, The Skull Man is an above average dark show that requires the use of your detective mind, patience, and familiarity with Ishinomori’s works in order to enjoy it to the fullest.
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Final Score
B+
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Trailer
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