Studio: CloverWorks
Episodes: 4 (ongoing)
Director: Mamoru Kanbe
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror
Summary
In the Grace Field House orphanage, every kid is fully fed and runs at the fields happily. The caretaker, “Mama” is caring towards the orphaned children and they love each other as one big family. They are well educated with daily tests and at a certain age or at 12 years old, each children will be adopted. Though, not all is what it seems as two children, Emma and Norman, found out as they venture to the forbidden gate. Now, Emman, Norman and another top scorer, Ray have to figure out together to escape the orphanage with the other children.
What you need to know about Yakusoku no Neverland
- This anime is more of a tactical mystery rather than an action-packed adventure. It can be considered a “Game of Thrones” anime with the three children finding a way to escape the orphanage.
- The animation is superb as it is like watching the manga’s art style come to life. The movements are fluid, moving from one scene to another, although certain drawings and details sometimes seem out of place due to imperfections in the original manga.
- Each move the protagonists make is punctuated perfectly by the anime’s soundtrack. From the hope they feel when escaping and finding a new place, to a tense and suspenseful mood when the antagonist tries to stop them.
- Almost each episode ends in a cliff hanger ending that leaves the viewers at the edge of their seats wanting more. The suspense of escape and the tension between the protagonist and antagonist gives a shroud of mystery. Thus, it’s no surprise that viewers will be binging the next available episode to find out what has happened to their favorite character.
Trivia about Yakusoku no Neverland
- Originally published as a manga and adapted into an anime in 2019. The first episode premiered on 11th January 2019.
- Recently, Season 2 of the anime was announced to release in 2020.
- The series is available on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funmination Now, Hidive and Amazaon video Japan. It is also simulcasted on Animelab in Australia and New Zealand.
Verdict: Watch it!
The first episode of the anime sets the tone and mood of the story without getting into details too much. It’s worth noting that nothing is being revealed except that the orphanage is not what it seems. This is a good start to a good mystery anime, and the story has a lot of plot twists in store that will leave the viewers shocked and intrigued.
If you’re more interested in reading, the manga is still ongoing and I have been reading each new chapter and finding new puzzle pieces to be fit together into the mystery. If you love a good mystery story, go watch Yakusoku no Neverland and you will not be disappointed.
