Both a movie and graphic novel. The graphic novel came first, by Taiyo Matsumoto. I started it with reluctance; I though it was just another violent fantasy comic, another ‘beat things up’ and ‘beat ‘em up again.’
But nooooooo, this shizz is amazing. I have to go back and reread the book, it has such depth that it requires revisiting. And the art!! So original. I am moved like a newfound beat on a dancefloor.
Then I watched the movie. Lately I just let it play while I work on a painting. It isn’t your typical anime by any means. It’s art. The producers held true to Taiyo’s aesthetic and story, and made it breathe, so I’m in love…
What I realized last night is that it’s a lullaby. That the bad monsters have a way of disappearing and what is important, anyway?? I’ll let the story tell you. Here’s a preview:
