[General Discussion] Anime and Manga Recommendations

Name: Witch Hunter Robin
Viewing Information: 26 episodes
Publication Information: Sunrise Inc.: licensed by Bandai Entertainment
Original Release: 7-2-02
U.S. Television Debut: 2-16-04
Creator: Hajime Yatate


Synopsis:

Witch Hunter Robin follows the lives of the STN-J (STN Japan) team who protect the public from the powers of modern-day witches. To counteract the powers that the witches posses, the STN-J uses instruments called “Orbo’s”, which somehow nullifies the effect of most witches powers.

The story opens with the arrival of a Robin, a witch hunter, to replace a member of the STN-J who had died six months prior. Her abilities as a witch allow her to create and manipulate fire. She finds the STN-J team in the middle of a witch capture and uses her craft to immobilize the enemy. Throughout the series, she develops a special bond with each member of the STN-J, which ultimately leads to a truly thought-provoking conclusion.


Characters:

Robin Sena. Age: 15. Abilities: Craft-User (Fire)

Born in Japan and raised in a convent under the watchful eye of the STN, Robin returns to Japan as a replacement for a fallen member of the STN-J who had died six months earlier. Her craft allows her to create and control fire.


Amon. Age: 25. Abilities: None

Leader of the STN-J. His steely resolve and witch hunting skills are virtually unrivaled. He answers only to Zaizen for his orders. Although he does develop a somewhat soft spot for Robin. Amon is not known to have any soft of craft abilities and refuses to discuss such matters.


Miho Karasuma. Age: 19. Abilities: Craft-User (Psychic Scrying)

Like Amon, she takes her profession very seriously. Her craft abilities allow her to sense or learn information pertaining to a person or event that occurred there. Her attitude toward her job and ability make her seem a lot older than nineteen. (After watching there series I couldn’t believe she was that young)…


Haruto Sakaki. Age: 18. Abilities: None.

Somewhat brash and reckless, Sakaki usually ends up making a mess of situations and getting himself hurt most of the time. A newer member of the STN-J, he is full of energy and enthusiasm and is ready to take on any assignment.


Michael Lee. Age: 16. Abilities: Computer Expert (Hacker)

A computer specialist, Michael joined the STN-J after being caught trying to hack into the STN-J’s mainframe. Zaizen gave him and ultimatum; to either join the STN-J or face the consequences. Choosing to side with the hunters, Michael now is confined to the
office unable to leave under any circumstances. He spends his time there hacking into other networks mostly to provide information about certain cases that involve witches.


Yurika Dojima. Age: 18. Abilities: None

You can usually find Dojima being lazy around the STN-J office. Her parents pressure Zaizen into giving her a job there, and she takes advantage of that by slacking off. She is often reprimanded by Kosaka for her attitude toward her job.


Kosaka. Age: 45. Abilities: None

Chief Kosaka is un charge of operation at the STN-J office. He makes sure the jobs are doing quickly and efficiently. Dojima is usually on the receiving end of his disciplinary actions. His assistant, Hattori helps him manage things around the office. Kosaka is strict and overbearing, yet resourceful and understanding.


Takuma Zaizen. Age: 52. Abilities: None

Administrator Zaizen is responsible for all STN operations in Japan. He has given authority of the SN-J to Amon and trusts his judgment. He introduced the “Orbo” device and is overseeing it’s production from a new division of the STN-J called “The Factory”. He has equipped the STN-J with the Orbo amulets to reduce or negate the witches powers and the Orbo guns to immobilize the witches.


Series Overall:

Plot- The plot I took was very deep and involving. It was a lot easier to enjoy since the anime is targeted for somewhat older individuals. Loved the storyline as well, there really wasn’t a boring episode in this series in my opinion. It kept my attention. They kept the filler to a minimum, for which I am glad.

Character Development- This area was under constant evolution. Throughout the series the relationships of the characters between each other, their attitude toward their job, and their reactions to Robin’s arrival were highly emphasized.

Music- I really enjoyed the opening and closing themes, "SHell" and "Half-Pain" respectively. I suggest you download and at least listen to them. The background music was good and fit well with the show and in certain situations.


In Conclusion:

When I first began watching this anime I really didn’t know what to make of it. It has now become one of my favorite anime to watch. I recommend this to anyone and everyone with any slight interest in anime. This is a great one that shouldn’t be missed.

9.5/10



From Right to Left: Dojima, Amon, Robin, Sakaki, Karasuma, and Michael

Not to mention the DVD Box Set is awesome looking:



Jam it back in, in the dark.