Author: DarkLunarDude
Editor: KnightAvenger
Studio: CloverWorks
Watch at: HIDIVE or Crunchyroll
I find that I am drawn to shows of great mystery, whether they be science fiction or not. Starting off the year of anime, I chose to start with an odd but curious mystery horror anime known only as The Promised Neverland. This particular anime focuses on an orphanage where, at a certain age, children are sent off into the real world, or so the children are led to believe, but the truth behind these send offs is better left unsaid, since it’s discovered as the show goes on.
Starting off the first episode, we are brought into the eyes of Norman, Emma and Ray, first at a younger age as they talk about the world outside, and some years after when they have grown up and act as older siblings to the younger ones at the orphanage. The episode acts as one full episode, following the story from start to finish, as each episode follows suit from the previous, creating a linking effect that allows a “previously on” type of effect to occur within the story.
As to the show itself, I found it was mostly well paced and built up to its big reveal in a way that the viewer would not expect, giving a sense of the horror and deep-rooted mystery that hasn’t been explored yet. The characters themselves aren’t really built up thus far, leaving little to remark except their natural skills like being smart, for an example, but this was enough of a hook for me to want to see how they develop as characters in future episodes.
Now, I took the time to check on some remarks about the show, with the biggest criticisms being simply that people did not like the art style, alongside the show just not meeting the same effect of storytelling as the manga. Although I cannot say anything about the manga, as I have not read it, I do disagree about the art style complaint, as I feel like the art style is different enough to separate it from other anime this season. However, it might be a turn off for some viewers.
As a whole, I quite enjoyed the first episode of The Promised Neverland and think it is a good start to the deep and unknown mystery that has yet to be revealed. My hope is that this show finds some popularity, as I feel mystery fans, even with the horror elements in place, can enjoy this one.
