Afterlost: A Journey Through a Vanished City
Afterlost: A Journey Through a Vanished City
, also known as Shoumetsu Toshi, is a Japanese anime series that has captured audiences with its captivating plot and emotional storytelling. Based on a mobile game by Wright Flyer Studios and published by GREE, the anime adaptation was produced by Madhouse. It aired from April 7, 2019, to June 23, 2019, and consists of 12 episodes. The series blends elements of thriller, drama, and fantasy, creating a unique experience for viewers.
The Premise
The story of Afterlost starts with a mysterious event that causes an entire city called Lost to disappear without a trace. The protagonist, Takuya, is a professional courier who works alone. His life changes dramatically when he meets Yuki, the only survivor of the city's disappearance. Yuki has mysterious powers and is determined to discover the truth behind the incident. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to find answers, guided by a message from Yuki's missing father.
Characters and Roles
The characters in Afterlost are well-developed and play essential roles in the narrative.
Yuki: Voiced by Kana Hanazawa (Japanese) and Lindsay Seidel (English), Yuki is a girl with mysterious powers who survived the city's destruction. She is determined to find her father and uncover the truth behind the incident.
Takuya: Voiced by Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese) and Jason Liebrecht (English), Takuya is a lone courier who becomes Yuki's protector. Despite his initial reluctance, he grows to care for Yuki and is committed to helping her.
Akira: Voiced by Yuichi Nakamura (Japanese) and Orion Pitts (English), Akira has been taking care of Yuki and her brother Soma since they were young. He went missing after the city's destruction.
Soma: Voiced by Ayaka Asai (Japanese) and Mikaela Krantz (English), Soma is Yuki's younger brother who also went missing after the incident.
Eiji: Voiced by Tarusuke Shingaki (Japanese) and Kyle Igneczi (English), Eiji tasked Takuya with taking Yuki to Lost. He once worked with Yuki's father researching parallel worlds.
Narrative Style and Themes
Afterlost uses a narrative style that blends mystery, action, and emotional drama. The series explores themes of loss, survival, and the search for truth. The characters' personal struggles and growth are central to the story, making it an emotional journey for viewers. Flashbacks and dream sequences add depth to the characters' backstories and motivations.
Animation and Music
The animation quality of Afterlost is impressive, with Madhouse delivering visually stunning scenes that enhance the storytelling. The character designs are detailed and expressive, capturing the emotions and personalities effectively. The action sequences are well-choreographed, adding excitement to the series.
The music, composed by Kenji Kawai, complements the anime's tone perfectly. The opening theme, "Kotae" by Mao Abe, sets the stage with its haunting melody and powerful lyrics. The ending themes, including "Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~" by Yuki (Kana Hanazawa) and "With Your Breath" by SPR5, provide a fitting conclusion to each episode, leaving a lasting impression.
Reception and Impact
Afterlost received mixed reviews. While some praised its intriguing plot and emotional depth, others felt that the pacing and character development could have been better. Despite this, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique blend of mystery, drama, and fantasy.
The anime adaptation also increased the popularity of the original mobile game. Fans were excited to see their favorite characters and storylines in the anime format. The series' availability on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll has made it accessible to a global audience, expanding its reach and impact.
Conclusion
In summary, Afterlost is an anime series that offers a compelling mix of mystery, drama, and fantasy. Its intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and emotional storytelling make it a memorable viewing experience. While it may have its flaws, the series' strengths lie in its ability to engage viewers and take them on a journey through a vanished city filled with secrets. Whether you're a fan of the original mobile game or new to the world of Afterlost, this anime is worth exploring for its unique narrative and emotional depth.
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