Anime Review: To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Episode 1

To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Episode 1

Studio: MAPPA

Genre: Fantasy, Action

Streaming: Crunchyroll

Funnily enough, I picked up the first few manga volumes of this series a few years back and I remember thinking that it would translate much better in anime form.  I liked the story well enough but there was something definitely missing in the action which I hoped would be solved when put into animation. So, I was pretty happy to see this series was one of the new animes for the summer season… but is it any good?

In short, yes.  This first episode is mainly focused on backstory, examining the civil war between two opposing lands.  It isn’t subtle about showing the brutality and despair of this war either – the visceral violence as men are killed. Just when it seems like there is no possible way to victory for the Northland, a group of people appears dressed in striking white coats – particularly ethereal considering all the dark tones of the battlefield so far.

Here we are introduced to Hank and his troop of Incarnates -humans who have undergone an experimental program which enables them to transform into fantastical beasts. They have seemingly been employed by the government to help turn the tide of the war and turn it they do – few armies can stand against such creatures as a huge fire breathing dragon, a shrieking harpy or a huge wolf. After the battle, we see more of the Incarnates in their camp and they are surprisingly likable, just enough personality shown so that you can tell a few key members apart from the others.  We are also introduced to the scientist, Elaine, the person who has invented the experiment which transformed these people – and someone who Hank is clearly very much infatuated with.

But then, events take a darker turn and the Incarnates are no longer hailed as heroes but feared and hunted – even more heartbreaking to see after we’ve gotten to know them. Hank is probably changed the most by this change and the end of the episode sees him embark on a lonely journey to right past wrongs.

The animation is generally fluid and while not particularly stand out, it is reasonably attractive to look at. Whilst the story and characters are nothing particularly new – there are definite echoes of other dark fantasy series such as Owari no Seraph and Ao no Exorcist. This first episode is very much setting up the scene so it’s too early to tell how well it will progress in terms of the plot, especially considering the main heroine won’t be showing up until the next episode. Still, the series definitely shows potential even if it doesn’t immediately make a huge impression.  It remains to be seen if the story will keep holding interest as the series carries on, but it’s started off pretty decently.