Released By: Funimation

 

Release Date: August 28, 2018

 

Retail Price: $64.98

 

The anime series 18if is one that stands out among other series, but is rarely discussed by mainstream anime fans. It’s odd but alluring artwork, the almost cartoon-ish use of animation and over the top storytelling make the series unique to say the least – making 18if something memorable in multiple avenues. From the first few moments of 18if, there’s a quick introduction to the strange plot and premise, so one other plus is that there’s no waiting. 

 

Enter Haruto Tsukishiro, a young man (and our protagonist) who finds himself thrust into a world of unusual circumstances. Haruto is awoken in some sort of dream-like world that as it turns out is by a witch’s creation. When taking the time to explore this ‘dreamscape” (because what other options does he really have?) he meets professor Katsumi Kanzaki who is a specialist on real life witches. Katsumi explains that they are the consciousness of young women that have “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome” or are ensnared by their own doing. This knowledge and unusual pairing sends to two on a mission to form a partnership where they will search for answers regarding the witches effect on their own reality. 

 

As the series begins, you have a sense that 18if is more focused on a visual aid – which to an extent it is. There is a definitive art inclusion that can’t be ignored and deserves recognition for trying different things – but the surprisingly moving aspect of 18if is the incredible moments of powerful storytelling. At first glance, you may assume that 18if is going to be the story of Haruto – but for a vast majority of the time it’s the characters he encounters he steal the show. While the first (pilot like) episode introduces you to the concepts, over time you will experience a gradual increase of depth that pulls at an impressive range or spectrum of emotion. 

 

To elaborate, there are these witches with different abilities or that represent different ideas, before being presented in an episodic format. One in particular that could essentially tug at the heartstrings is “The Witch of First Love” a young girl who has suffered from a debilitating disease that could cut her life short. Haruto encounters her and they have an entire episode that delves into her feelings, struggles and life for the witch. Where many series use throwaway characters (just to advance the plot) 18if finds a purpose and each role forces Haruto to undergo a personal transformation while taking in pieces of their lives or consciousness. 

 

With each passing episode, there’s a distinct theme that carries the plot like the one listed above, or the struggles of youth and eating disorders. These ideas aren’t introduced without follow up – there is resolve or at the very least some sort of accomplishment with follow-through. It still contains plenty of the lighthearted fun nature in this exploration, but both directions appease viewers with different tastes. Where the series slips up stems from its chapters of importance followed by a disappointing shift to episodes that feel like filler material. It can go from a gripping story to one that isn’t as entertaining or fulfilling, making it feel like it sometimes falls short. 

 

The animation quality shifts drastically from beginning to end, with more over the top sequences coming from the series jovial moments. When things take darker or heavier turns, you will notice a change that dulls the color to reflect darker ambiances. The music inclusions are near perfect with a score that fulfills the intensity of particular scenes, making it compliment all directions that the 18if panders to marvelously. If you are hoping to find a new anime that doesn’t (always) include traditions we’ve become accustomed to – 18if by Funimation is certainly an interesting watch.

 

 

Aedan’s Final Thoughts: 

 

– I was actually surprised by the direction of the series, so give it more than an episode and I promise you’ll experience more than meets the eye. 

 

– The character writing in this was superb – specifically for the supporting roles of the series. 

 

– Deductions mostly stemmed from the episodes that became cliche anime qualities.