So I finished up the Witchblade anime this evening, and also finally got through vol 1 of The Complete Witchblade hardcover editions of the original comic. I have to say this is a really great watch. And the read is good too. Though the stories are unrelated (they take place in the same universe), they are both really good. And I definitely miss comics and anime that harken back to a time when the "edges" weren't rounded off of all media and everything made "safe". Not only does this series (and the comic books) have a good story, they also have plenty of titilation and edginess, that has kinda been lost in most media these days. So much media these days lacks good original story, is afraid of being sexy, and lacks any kind of edge. While I wouldn't exactly describe this anime as a "masterpiece", it's definitely leagues better in terms of originality and storytelling than 99% of the derivative anime that gets released these days.
What's really nice about it too, is not only is it sexy, but the main characters have a real feminine strength. Masane draws her strength from being a mom, and wanting to protect her kid. (A source of strength many women can relate to, and something some of the best heroines like Sarah Connor from Terminator 2, and Ripley from Aliens drew upon as sources of their own strength.) And when she transforms her character is not afraid to be sensual and sexy. It's a very primal, and raw form of feminine power that reminds me a lot of Dakinis in tantric Buddhism. If you're tired of just endlessly canned, derivative, isekai anime that are only slightly different from one another: and want to watch something truly original: you could do a lot worse than checking Witchblade out. I'd give it an 8 out of 10.
