Mar 7, 2016
Ergo Proxy is one of those anime you will either get sucked into and wanting more or just get bored and drop after a couple of episodes.
Story~
EP takes place in a post apocalyptic future where humans and autoreives (robots) co-exist. In the safe orderly domed city of Romdo, lives the main protagonist, Re-L Mayer. She works for the Intelligence Bureau as an investigator with her entourage-type autoreiv, Iggy. There's a virus called the Cogito Virus that's been effecting autoreivs that once infected, an autoreiv gets a "soul" and usually rebels it's master in an attempt to assert it's free will. Re-L's life takes a huge
...
turn when she gets involved in solving the mystery of the monster known as "Proxy". Unable to let her curiosity go, she sets off on a journey with an immigrant named Vincent Law, (who is the key) and the little girl companion-type autoreiv, Pino to find answers. The story doesn't rely heavily on action and flashy badass fight scenes(although there's just the right amount of action, and when it does happen, it has your attention!) but instead wants you to use your brain and interpret things in different ways. This is probably why some people either love how it makes them think and want to solve the mysteries, or they may find it boring and uninteresting.
Art~
The art is very dark and gloomy and goes well with a post apocalyptic theme. The anime uses both 2D and CGI animation that works well to get the full effect of the world, without it being distracting. The characters are all unique and have a certain charm to them, and are more on the "realistic" side (besides Pino). Albeit the characters themselves can be inconsistent at times, e.g. Re-L's eye brows or face can look thick or it just looks sloppy. The art is very beautiful overall, and mature. You won't see chibis or over exaggerated facial expressions.
Characters~
Every character has a different and interesting backstory to them. They all have their goals and motives and It's hard to dislike any of the characters, even if they're the "bad guy".
Re-L Mayer is a serious edgy 19 year old woman who doesn't like playing around and is seen as stuck up and mean. Her appearance is very unique and refreshing from the usual big breasted, high-pitched voice, overly sexualized "badass" trope. She's strong and very beautiful and can take care of herself.
Iggy is Re-L's loyal entourage and does basically everything for Re-L.
Vincent Law is an immigrant who works for the autoreiv disposal unit. He lacks self confidence and seems very timid at frist. It isn't until he (literally) opens his eyes that he becomes stronger and determined. He also claims to be in love with Re-L.
Pino is a high end companion-type autoreiv who looks and acts like a real little girl. She's very smart and knows things that even Vincent can't figure out! She also insists on wearing a ridiculous (but so cute!) pink bunny outfit.
Daedalus Yumeno is Re-L's doctor and sort of protector of the captive proxy, Monad. He has a weird obsession with Re-L and will even risk his job for her.
Raul Creed is the cheif of security bureau who is also the father of Pino. He can seem somewhat cold and vindictive, but you can't help but feel sorry for him in later episodes.
Sound~
As for the music, The opening is in English and is an alternative rock song called "Kiri" by Monoral. The ending is "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead. In the show is full of ambiance and serious tones that keep you engaged in what's going on. It's a nice change from high pitched fast and colorful openings/endings. As for the voices, the English dub is very fitting due to their Western names, Western appearance, and Western theme of the show. I have yet to watch it in Japanese, I just can't bring myself to watch it in their original voices because to me it just looks odd (specifically Daedalus).
Overall Enjoyment~
I can't help but make this anime my number one all time favorite. This is really the only anime I can score a perfect ten in all categories, because I really can't find anything wrong with it. So it has some sloppy animation at times, but even the fillers are entertaining! A part of me wishes it had a second season, but I also want it to be nice and preserved for all of time. This is an anime that can be serious, funny, and very sad. Not many anime can make me feel all of these emotions!
Conclusion~
If you like post apocalyptic scifi philosophical dark anime with really good music and have patience, I highly recommend you watch Ergo Proxy from beginning to end. It also has a very high re watch value and I even recommend you watch it several times to really absorb all the little things it has to offer!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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