InsaneJournal

I thought I'd do a few posts on stuff I like.
Title: +Anima (plus Anima)
Format: manga
Favorite Character: Husky

Volume 8 is rated Teen (13+), probably due to the harem full of concubines, the discussion of slavery, and the implication of attempted murder. And yet there's no swearing, no violent on-screen deaths (there were some deaths, but they happened in the past and none were gruesomely depicted), not even the ultra-heavy angst that's been hitting the shelves lately. There aren't even any relationships because three of the main characters are under the age of twelve (and the fourth is, um, not mentally together enough to actively pursue one anyway).

And if that hasn't thrown you for enough of a loop, while it's cute and fluffy, it isn't completely brainless. This is not your typical High School Pointless Romance type fluff; this is an upbeat, happy story about a bunch of kids who have special powers because they almost died and therefore have to face persecution from the rest of the populace. Yes, Cooro is eleven and the biggest thought in his brain is where he can find another apple orchard. But Sailand enslaves +Anima outright, the Astorian government controls their country's supply of iron ore - it is far from a perfect world. It's still a beautifully rich world with a wonderfully told storyline. I read this when I need something comforting - not because it's improbably heaven-like, but because it contains a force of optimism through sheer belief (mainly in the form of Cooro) that never fails to lift my spirits.