Noragami

Synopsis:

Yato is a minor deity who lacks even a single shrine. In order to build his own shrine and gain recognition as a god, he scrawls his cell number on the wall of a downtown bathroom telling people he will help them in exchange for a 5-yen offering, becoming a self-styled "delivery god." Hiyori, the daughter of a respectable family, is almost killed in a traffic accident, but is rescued by Yato. This causes her to become a "hanyou," a person who can exit her body in soul form. She chases Yato down, and they begin to work together to help Yato be recognized. Yato also finds a boy named Yukine who becomes a Regalia, a "sacred treasure" that can be used by a god as a weapon to fight. The three of them battle phantoms who bring harm to humans as Yato's dark hidden history is gradually revealed.

- ANN

My Take:

I saw this anime when it aired on the spring of this year. This was on the line-up of the (then) upcoming titles and I got intrigued with it's synopsis.With all the mediocre anime that seem to pop up lately, I have to say that this did not disappoint me as I am also currently updated with the manga.

First off, the anime is good visually and it’s quite pleasing to the eyes. Comparing the anime from the manga, I have to say that the art is equally good. I wouldn’t really say that it’s uber stunning, but everything looks clean and the background looks very detailed. The animation also looks fast-paced: from the transformation of weapons to the actual fight scenes.

Similar to most titles, Noragami has arcs that are intertwined with one another. Although, I’m disappointed to say that the anime only touched one arc (the introduction arc) and then followed by a filler arc (Rabou arc). Then again, I suppose it’s only fitting since the Bishamon arc is extremely profound for just a remainder of its 12 episodes. It stands as a great looksie to the whole series and to the whole characters as a whole. I just don’t like how they followed up the anime with an OVA that's basically set at the end of the Bishamon arc. The pacing of the anime is good, though, and it doesn’t bore the viewer with excessive explanations.

For a shounen anime, the plot of this title is definitely deep and it doesn’t focus on mere exchanging of blows. The whole series and the characters alike are enshrouded with deeper backgrounds that make you want to know more of their stories, including side characters alike. As of the latest chapter released, Yukine’s personal story has not been revealed yet.

Though, a lot (if not most) of the stories revolve around the character’s background stories, Noragami does not let you brush off side-characters as Yato and his comrades meet them along the way. Most of the characters in this title are given traits and personalities that makes you remember them, and it gives more meaning as to why they were introduced in the story. In a way, they are not easily forgettable and each is truly unique of their own.

Yato, as a loser in terms of how gods are ranked, serves well for both as a shounen-type main character and comic relief. He switches between being god-like (that is, how gods are supposed to act like gods), and being not the best role-model for children. Though not having multiple personas per se, it’s fun watching him switching between different sides as he comes out with good character development.

Yukine, for me, is a character who stands somewhere along being the bland “default” character whom everyone can relate to. His character development is rather obvious since it’s practically being shoved in your face starting from the first arc, and him still wanting to improve as a shinki (sacred treasures aka weapons) that Yato can use.

Hyori is the third main protagonist that I’m torn between liking and not. There are often times that I’m annoyed with her personality, and yet she provides massive help to the main characters. Not to mention she plays a major role in their character developments. That being said, it’s safe to say that she plays an important part to Yato’s very existence.

There are other notable characters, namely Bishamon whom I’ve already mentioned, that are significant in the series. However, enumerating them all would probably give too much details of the plot.

For its art and genre, it’s quite surprising that the authors, Adachitoka, are both (yes, there are two of them) biologically female. I’m always intrigued with female authors who contribute to the shounen genre (Magi, Natsume Yuujinchou, etc) since it kind of breaks the stereotype. If you’re looking for a shounen anime that’s not typical and not hell-bent on exchanging complicated techniques, then I would definitely recommend Noragami. Yato could really use your faith in him, and he would undoubtedly deliver entertainment. After all, he’s fast, affordable, and reliable!