Anime [Anime Blog Muyo!] Paranoia Agent - First Look

For a suspense anime, the last thing you would expect in the opening sequence is laughing people. It's a nice change from the usual stills, camera panning, or miscellaneous action sequences common in a typical opener. But exactly what are those people laughing at?

For a 13-episode series, Paranoia Agent quickly dives into the plot as viewers meet an array of characters. Sagi Tsukiko is a young woman best known for her creation of Marumi, a popular plush toy. Tsukiko's problems begin at work as she struggles to come up with her next plush design which is expected to rival Marumi's success. While heading home after a day in the office, she is attacked by a young assailant and winds up in hospital. Although Tsukiko remembers very little about the assault, her co-workers think she is faking the incident as a means of dodging her deadline. Struggling back into her daily routine, the toy designer meets a perverted freelance writer who wants nothing more than a hot story to sell to the press.

What follows next is a series of events which intertwine Tsukiko; freelance writer, Howard and his aging father; the two investigators assigned to Tsukiko's case; a homeless woman, and the mystery assailant.

Animated by Madhouse Studios (also working on Gokusen, Gungrave, and Gunslinger Girls this season), the quality of the piece is excellent. The use of lighting and music add an eerie ambience and feel which draws attention to the characters and storyline. Tsukiko looks very cute while Marumi is absolutely charming. Calling the shots behind Paranoia Agent is Kon Satoshi, known for his direction of Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress. Expect a good infusion of storytelling and character development making this a potential hit of the season.

For more details about Paranoia Agent, visit the official website. As always, feel free to visit us at the ABM! Forums for further discussion of this series and others currently airing.

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