Spiral

Publisher
None
Director
Shingo Kaneko
Production
J.C.Staff, Sony, Sotsu Agency, TV Tokyo
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
25 min x 25 Episodes
Year
2002

Spiral

By Bryan Hoang
20th Jun 04

According to Gage Canadian Dictionary, spiral is defined as "a plane curve formed by a points moving around a fixed central point in a continuously increasing or decreasing arc." This definition might sound confusing, and the anime Spiral can be mind boggling too. I admit, the first time I heard about Spiral being about detectives and mystery, I thought it was some boring TV show, kind of like the show Sherlock Homes in the 22nd century. But once I saw the first episode I was speechless; it was so good I had to watch another episode.

Spiral starts off with a mystery about a death at a Japanese high school, and the police accused a young boy named Ayumu Narumi to be the killer. Through a strange twist, it happens that Ayumu's sister works for the police/detective force and pleas innocence for her younger brother. It's up to Ayumu to solve this mysterious case (excited yet?). As Ayumu gathered up the clues to solving the mystery, a young girl (semi-attractive) named Kiyono Yuizaki, a nosey reporter, tags along and assists Ayumu. Together they solve mysterious murders that link to the mystery of the blade children and the secret that Ayumu's brother has. Many questions that come up are who are the blade children? What link does Ayumu brother have with the blade children? And could Ayumu save his brother and the blade children? These answers are within all the 25 episode of Spiral. Now I advise you to go watch it!

Spiral is a pretty good anime, (though it has to have one of the biggest let down endings in anime history). The coolest thing about Spiral is how Ayumu solves the mystery; it's very intriguing to see how he can put clues together and solve the mystery by using something he refers to as the melody of truth (or whatever). Spiral is mainly talking since it's an anime about mystery and detectives, but the story line is well built. The storyline is usually linked to most of the crimes and mystery, which can make it very entertaining and suspenseful. Though it does require you to think about the mystery to actually enjoy it, if you are the type that has a weak mind and are only amused by action, I suggest you watch Hellsing. But to those who have an intellectual mind, Spiral is good for you.

To conclude this review, Spiral is a worth while anime to watch. Although it does slow down after episode 15 or so. But to warn most viewers, the end of Spiral can give you a heart attack, but not to fear, you've still got 1-20 to entertain yourself before you die. ^^

-- Bryan Hoang 20th Jun 04

Spiral Images