As a reasonably common theme in sci-fi and anime alike, future-fiction has a reputation for being able to spout potent stories with all the creative freedom they have at hand. With it’s feet firmly on the ground and an enigmatic plot ala 1984, last years No. 6 is a bit of a sleeper hit. Does the future look inviting, or is this one flash-forward you don’t want to see?

Shion is a privileged young boy living in the beautiful Arcadian city of No.6. Here it’s all about being a worthy member of the beautiful society and the pampered prodigy is a student at a highly prestigious school. One stormy night an injured lad limps into Shion’s room, where he is treated and the boys begin to talk. The stranger calls himself “Rat” and is a fugitive on the run from the city’s disciplinary squad. 4 Years later Shion has left school, and upon beginning to question the fabric of “perfect city” he is abducted by brutes for interrogation. That is until Rat breaks him out, and the two run from the law together. Without anytime for a catch up, the two escape the city walls, and Shion is introduced to the dark truths of life. No.6 is not what it seems.

Though starting off a little slow and shapeless No.6 quickly straightens out into a fairly typical Sci-fi romp. Merging into the daily lives of the fugitive duo on the outside quickly takes hold, but several subplots sculpt a handful of relevant characters into heroes all their own. It goes through an even pace of exploring and detailing the world, expanding and explaining the mystery of it all little by little.

It feels kinda wishy-washy constantly hinting at a bigger picture, but you’re lead by the nose through increasingly bigger revelations. Despite being hard to keep track of at times, it remains light on sci-fi, and pleasantly prominent on the immediate interaction/drama between the characters. Not afraid to spill blood, the tale comes with some oomph, especially at the end.

Ramping up to a heart-pumping climax, No.6′s final episodes is where all the subtle potency comes back to punch you.

Sporting a tight-knit cast No.6 makes an effort for quality over quantity with it’s leading personalities. With a predominately male spearhead the pair of Shion and Rat are where the anime makes it’s mark. The two have a detailed and menacing relationship that’s emphasized by their conflicting personality. Watching Shion’s Naive good-hearted nature be carelessly pushed aside by the cynical life-hardened Rat proves engaging every time. When the two switch roles though, it becomes clear just how vindictive and volatile their relationship can be.

Sure there are some decent side characters like the Canine-caring Dogloan but Shion and Rat really do steal the show. Offering not only the shows most interesting and human interaction, they prove the weight of their personalities through everything from breakfast to bloodshed. In a slightly strange development, the guys actually seem to have a romantic tension building, but the result is all fluff. (Kinda happy ’bout that actually…)

It’s not really gay, but they undoubtedly share a very Intimate relationship.

Feeding back into the occasionally urgent feel of No.6′s drama is the bemused Mystery that it comes to reveal. As mentioned it leads you completely by the nose, unmasking hint by hint until the picture is all too clear. Though not as gripping as the plot of something like Higurashii, No. 6′s secrets have some dastardly tricks of their own. Rewarding people for reading between the lines, the shrouded truth of No.6 can be pretty damn satisfying to unravel.

Striking an impressive duality in it’s visual presentation No.6 is all about atmosphere. Sure the character models are cleanly drawn and nice to look at, but it’s the environments of this future world that really steal the show. Within the city’s walls loom mysterious skyscrapers, surrounded by stunning, Arcadian gardens of flowers. It’s supposed to be the perfect world, but the green fields house an eerie, sterile beauty that really sets the place on edge. Contrasted by the rusted chaotic bazaar of the outside vagrants, No.6 creates an earth that punctuates it’s era, as well as it’s suspicious hive-mind motif.

Audio is also good with some great voice work by leading roles. When Shion and Rat bickering you can really feel the emotion, and it’s an interesting experience to actually feel intrusive to an argument characters are having. Sound effects are great with the ominous cries of the “Moondrop” sounding especially creepy, and the various tunes/themes are nice, with their own ethereal orchestra vibes.

Sliding through in just 11 episodes No.6 is a fairly short story, but not without definition and detail. Fans of futuristic sci-fi will enjoy an intriguing mystery and vividly-realized world, while the great cast and character interaction can be enjoyed by just about everyone. On the downside it doesn’t score any big points for originality or even scale, and the plot can often feel lethargic for people who aren’t interested in more intricate events. But as a tight, well performed story, the anime does a great job. Not the easiest show to start but definitely rewarding in it’s own rights, No.6 makes for a decent watch.

It’s not breaking down any walls, but it might be worth peeping over.

Written by ChatterboxZombie.

Related Posts

• Rumbling Hearts
• C³ ~ Cube×Cursed×Curious
• Spice and Wolf II
• Seirei no Moribito
• Mayo Chiki!