Anime Review: Angels of Death Episode 1

Angels of Death Episode 1

Studio: J.C.Staff 

Genre: Horror, Adventure

Stream: Crunchyroll

Angels of Death was an anime I was aware of going into the summer season, and one that I had my eye on. Although I’m unfamiliar with its source material video game or manga, it still looked like something that could be interesting, albeit a bit on the edgy side. Unfortunately, what I was met with this first episode was something straight from the mind of a goth 13-year-old who spends their time writing anime fanfiction while listening to My Chemical Romance.

The story follows Rachel Gardner, who through a set of unfortunate and mysterious circumstances has amnesia and is also being stalked by multiple killers after being labeled a “sacrifice”, including an unnamed assailant wrapped in bandages and wielding a scythe of all things, as well as Danny who claims to be Rachel’s doctor but has an unhealthy obsession with the girl’s eyeballs.

As of now, the story doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing considering it’s the first episode and the mystery surrounding everything could potentially increase hype for the next episode. The main problem with the show right now is it just feels like it’s a child’s interpretation of what a dark and twisted anime should be rather than anything truly horrifying. The characters are overdramatic, and when the show wants you to know someone’s crazy they really let you know (I’ll be glad not to hear Scythe Boy’s laugh for the week until episode 2). A lot of the scenes are strange and uncomfortable in spots, but most of the horror that’s supposed to be conveyed just comes off as over-the-top and comical. I found myself laughing at this show more than a few comedy series I’d watched the same day.

While the show leaves enough intrigue on the table for me to give episode 2 a chance, if next week’s episode can’t deliver something more interesting and compelling it’s getting dropped. This show took me back to 2005 when I thought Shadow the Hedgehog was a compelling and intense portrayal of my favorite anti-hero. 13 years later, I’m able to recognize just how tryhard the whole experience feels.