I enjoyed the series and hope you do too. The review is based on the Shinsen-Subs fansubs, which are very good. If you took the time to read this, I'd appreciate it if you'd rate the review, and maybe leave a comment or two. Thanks for stopping by!
If only they'd had more time! Mononoke is an offshoot of Ayakashi-Samurai Horror Tales, and if you liked Bake Neko arc in that series, you're sure to like this one. "Mononoke" continues the story of the medicine seller from the "Bakeneko" arc of "Ayakashi," as he continues to exorcise various mononoke, or vengeful spirits. It's visually different from almost every other anime out there. But don't let the ukiyoye-inspired visuals drive you away, because there are wonderful stories here. The Japanese staple of ghost stories is marvelously fleshed out, and the series only suffers from a shortage of time ( and perhaps money) as it reaches its too-soon end. There are 5 main arcs in the 12 episodes. If only they had a little longer run, this might have been a modern masterpiece.
Animation: 8
This might be the highest variation among reviewers, because it's intentionally stylized, non-fluid, almost choppy animation. The style will remind you of Japanese woodblocks from the ukiyoye school, and as a result, immediately you understand it's a completely Japanese story. Faces are not fully animated, and tend to flatness. Motion is somewhat limited, so don't expect samurai sword-fights. But given what the director Kenji Nakamura (Cowboy Bebop) was going for, it sets atmosphere and establishes style.
The color palate is full to the point of riot. The character designs are unique and (except for Baka Neko in Ayakashi) nobody looks like anyone else. It took a while for me to understand what Chief Animation Director Takahashi Hashimoto (Ayakashi, Karas) was attempting to do. Almost hallucinogenic, it's a visual feast, but don't expect any cinematics (lens flare, forced perspective, etc). Given the limitations that the style imposes, I think they succeeded. It gets an 8.
Sound: 9
Technicals: The sound is amazingly well matched. Foley work is superb, and the sound stage is expansive and directional. The OP runs after the "setup" of of the story. I am not completely sold on the choices for sound effects, so I'd rate this an 8.
Seuiuu: Voice actors are very competent, expecially the main character of the medicine seller (is he ever named?), as voiced by Takahiro Sakurai (
in .hack/Roots,
Robspierre in Chevalier d'Eon). 9 for seiyuu.
Music: OP is "Kagen no Tsuki" by Ryouta Komatsu and Charlie Kosei, and reminds me of a French gypsy band; very interesting. Lots of Japanese flutes and drums and atmospheric music in every episode, not much seems repeated but there are thematic elements in every arc. ED is "Natsu no Hana" by JUJU, and is an effective ballad JPOP. 9 for music.
I can't fault the sound at all, and I love Japanese cultural music, but then again, there was nothing "totally amazing" about it, so I give it a 9.
Story: 10
With the exception of one arc, I found the stories compelling and fully realized. The theme is that the medicine seller (as in Mushi-shi) can exorcize a mononoke when he knows the "essence" of the mononoke. each story arc stands more-or-less alone. There is a little bit of character development, but not enough to say it drives what is otherwise a plot-driven series. I think this is the strongest part of this short series, so it gets a 9+ to 10-. It misses only a bit from having full marks.
Character: 8
The series is too short to have much character development, and the main character has entirely too much mystery around him, and not enough background to give him depth. However, every story has a considerable amount of character built into the story, so it's not absent, just not a notable strength. There are not many children or teens in it, as most of the characters are over 21, so the moe factor is limited to what you think of men with makeup. The character design by Takashi Hashimoto is unusual, but very effective. It's a horror story series, after all. I generously rate it an 8- because I'd like to see more.
Value and Enjoyment: 8 and 9
The acid test of a series is: would you like to see another flight (12-13 episodes)? The answer for me is yes, I'd like to visit with the characters, as long as the stories are as good as the first 3 or Bake Neko. The second test is, would it sell on DVD in R1? I think it's an acquired taste, and possibly have trouble finding it's market, but I'd buy it just because it's so unusual (as was Texhnolyze, for that matter). 8 on value.
Did I have fun watching? Yes! And I'd do it again, because there is a certain amount of density to every story, as well as visual treats. 9 on Enjoyment.
Conclusion Mononoke is the equivalent of a night spent telling ghost stories on campout. It's fun, interesting, and compelling stories told without slash or creep. Like a trip to the funhouse: loads of fun for the family.
