Kiba
Kiba, a fantasy anime by Madhouse and Aniplex, began broadcasting on TV Tokyo on April 5, 2006. The series is directed by Hiroshi Kōjina with Upper Deck Japan, a trading card game company, as the main sponsor. The anime has been licensed by Upper Deck USA and produced by ADV Films for North American distribution. The series is more violent than other trading-card-game-tie-in animations with many characters being killed. According to an interview with the March 2006 issue of Animage, Hiroshi Kamishina, the show's director, noted that the show "absolutely will not have any plot elements that curry favor to children". The producers of the show has also commented that Kiba will not be the type of show to put "human drama" on the back burner while concentrating on promotional tie-ins. While Upper Deck owns the rights to the series, ADV Films is the distributor and their production studio Amusement Park Media is producing the dub. Kiba aired on Toonami Jetstream from July 14, 2008 to January 21, 2009 and is now showing on The Anime Network's Video on Demand service.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the distant future, a young man named Zed awakens with amnesia and the ability to transform into a powerful beast. He discovers he is a member of the "Inukami," a race of dog-like beings with supernatural powers. Zed becomes embroiled in a conflict between warring factions of Inukami and humans, all while trying to uncover his past and master his abilities.
Critical Reception
Kiba is a generally well-received anime series, praised for its fast-paced action, unique creature designs, and compelling storyline that explores themes of identity and destiny. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it found a dedicated audience within the anime community for its blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its imaginative world-building and diverse cast of characters.
- Appreciated for its dynamic action sequences and monster transformations.
- Some viewers found the plot pacing to be inconsistent at times.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Kiba are generally positive, with many viewers enjoying the anime's distinct art style and the evolution of the protagonist's powers. Specific praise is often given to the character designs and the engaging, albeit sometimes complex, plot.
Fun Fact
The series was animated by Studio Madhouse, known for its high-quality animation in other notable anime titles such as "Death Note" and "One-Punch Man."
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