Review 9! Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

Summary:
Rin and Yukio Okumura are twin brothers who are also the sons of Satan. Born of a human woman, these boys were hidden at birth from an organisation of exorcists who work to combat the forces of 'Gehenna'- the demon world. Raised by Father Fujimoto - the highest ranked exorcist of the True Cross, Rin and Yukio grow up mostly unaware of their history or capabilities. Although both boys previously showed no signs of demonic power, Rin soon finds himself inheriting his fathers supernatural abilities. However, after Father Fujimoto's death, Rin soon finds himself joining the True Cross academy with his brother in an effort to carry on Fujimoto's legacy and fight the forces of Satan himself. Yet in this effort can the boys keep their history a secret amongst the True Cross?

Opinions:

I've recently found that anime seems to be taking a drastic turn to either end of a spectrum. On one side falls the obvious 'Naruto, Bleach, Dragonball' genre  which , don't get me wrong, i do love to watch. Yet on the other side of the spectrum is the constant comedy and 'fan-service' we all know and most hate. However, in my opinion, although both have postive aspects, i feel anime has become something that we can predict to a certain extent. Although ' Ao No Exorcist' isn't ground-breaking, it certainly takes an honest stab at the aspects of other genres that anime fans enjoy.

The storyline although fairly predictable becomes instantly enthralling and grips you from the first episode. We soon find that the characters support the storyline ultimately creating a brilliantly entertaining anime. Comedy, action, fantasy and perhaps a mild bit of fanservice, 'Ao No Exorcist' is definately a huge contender with the other huge franchises at the moment. I believe it is already being created into a second series with the first series coming to the UK on dvd next year. I would also highly recommend the manga if you can't wait that long. An honest, action packed adventure for any range of the spectrum and newcomers alike.

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Excellent

 Ao No Exorcist [April 2011]
 Story by Kazue Kato

Directed by	Tensai Okamura
Produced by	Hiro Maruyama

 A-1 Pictures, Madman Entertainment