A Train wreck that you can't help but look atWith several anime series being produced each year, it’s difficult to find one that is both unique and engaging. In 2007, Brain’s Base released a 16 episode series that was truly inspiring, innovative, and full of twists. That series was Baccano!Baccano! was adapted from the first few volumes of a light novel series. It was written by Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami, the duo responsible for Vamp! The first volume of Baccano!, The Rolling Bootlegs, was the recipient of the gold prize of the 9th annual Dengeki Novel Prize. This would lead to a dozen sequels, as well as the creation of the anime series. The light novel series has not yet been released in America. The first two volumes of the anime have been released by FUNimaton, with the third coming in May. If the series does well enough, it may persuade companies such as Dark Horse or Seven Seas to translate the novels.
The plot of Baccano! is a play on the title, which means “ruckus” in Italian. Throughout the series, several unrelated plots intersect with one another in an extremely disjointed narrative. As the story progresses, the events spiral further and further out of control into a brilliantly crafted story centered around a three way train robbery. The time frame of the series is also a ruckus. It’s set between four periods of time: several years before the robbery, the year before the robbery, the robbery, and the year after the robbery.
At first the confusing Tarentino-esque time manipulation style of story is a bit unusual, and at times, infuriating. But as each sub-plot provides more information, the pieces begin fall together into a complete and coherent narrative of what is going on. The circumstances which lead to the robbery are mysterious, compelling, and vital to the story, but in order to fully appreciate and understand the plot you need to pay close attention to what is going on at all times. Everything in this series has a purpose.
The linchpin to this story are the characters, each with their own flaws and dreams. They put together a prohibition era world that is made rich with each of their different backgrounds and ways of life. From the pair of idiot savant thieves, to the sadomasochistic couple, each provide a different perspective to view this situation and uncover its secrets. Unlike many other shows, each character in Baccano! is distinctive and memorable. They each have unique designs and mannerisms that breath life into the characters. For a series with over 16 main characters this is an accomplishment indeed.
Besides the characters, the world itself is beautifully designed. It captures the 1930's feel of the series with period piece clothing as well as architecture and objects that seem to fit perfectly. The colorful world depicted in this series has a life of its own and it enhances the characters that dwell within.
Baccano is an enjoyable series that is both well designed and fun to watch. With its crazy characters and unsettling mystery behind why everyone is involved, Baccano! is a must see series. Just like a train wreck, once you see this series you will not be able to take your eyes off of it until it is over. However, this is not a show for people that don’t like gore. This is an incredibly violent series with plenty of blood and guts to go around, but if that doesn’t bother you, then you have no reason to ignore this show.
Bottom line: A+
Anime 3000 reviews anime, manga, and games based on specific criteria designated by each medium's respective editor. Anime is reviewed on a scale from F to A+. Series or movies that receive a score of A- or above are considered outstanding, B- to B+ recommendable, C- to C+ average, D- to D+ unrecommended, and F terrible.
All in all: Baccano! is a full of insane plot twists, fascinating dialogue, and zany character, plenty of violence and it belongs on your shelf.
Cheapskate: You can stream the first few episodes for free on FUNimation’s site.
Podcast: Xan and John-Paul review Baccano! on the latest episode of the Fightbait Anime/Gamin Podcast. They don’t spoil any of plot twists, but they go into a little bit more detail on a few of the characters
Studio: Brain’s Base
Director: Takahiro Omori
No. of episodes: 16
