Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist

Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist, first broadcasted by TV Tokyo in 2013, is a riveting anime series that bridges the gap between the material and spiritual world with a thrilling narrative and multifaceted characters. Rooted in a diverse blend of elements like mystery, fantasy, theology, supernatural, and comedy, this series offers an exceptional viewing experience to different anime aficionados.

The storyline centers around William Twining, an exceptional English nobleman with assertive principles concerning realism and rationality. A student at Stradford School, he is renowned for his brilliant mind and exceptional prowess in academics. There's something unique in this protagonist—his commitment towards realism, which anchors him not to believe in anything that can't be supported by logic and evidence. However, his life dramatically transforms when he inadvertently summons a devil named Dantalion during a financial crisis.

Having accidentally summoned Dantalion, who claims to be the elected representative of Lucifer to rule in Hell, William finds himself entangled in a determined war for power involving the underworld. The irony is striking as William, a firm believer of realism, finds himself drown deeper into the world of supernatural entities, thrown into deciding the ruler of the spiritual realm.

As the tale unfolds, Dantalion is not the only celestial entity who has appeared before William - more supernatural beings manifest, each claiming leverage of William's "Elector" status to become Hell's interim ruler, contributing to more chaos in his life. However, maintaining his principles, William refuses to accept this surrealistic reality and aims to continue his mundane lifestyle.

Adapted from a Japanese manga series written by Madoka Takadono and illustrated by Utako Yukihiro, Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist intricately explores intricate themes which are rarely found in mainstream anime series. Through the sheer brilliance of wit and logic of its protagonist, it digs deep into theology and supernatural phenomena from distinct perspectives.

The charm and elegance of the series lay not only within its engaging plot but in its well-rounded and relatable characters as well. Each character, from the realistic yet stubborn William to the heckling devil Dantalion and various other mystical creatures, brings a unique flavor to this fascinating series, making it an enthralling experience for the audience.

Visually, the anime is a masterpiece. The artists masterfully convey the contrast between the worlds of reality and mystical realms. There's an outstanding fusion of detailed and accurate Victorian-era backgrounds with flamboyant other-worldly effects, contributing to the anime's overall grandeur. The character design, too, is elaborate and captures the attributes of each character impeccably.

The soundtrack and vocal performance also significantly contribute to the show's overall ambience, with music supporting the story's shifting tones – from the comical to the eerie. The voice actors have done an excellent job, their performances adding depth and dimensions to their respective characters, pulling the audience even deeper into the narrative.

In essence, Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist is a series that pushes the boundaries of the anime medium with its distinct blend of realism and supernatural elements. It's not just a tale about devils and the supernatural, but also a story that explores the value of realism in a world filled with unexplained mysteries and phenomena. A perfect blend of theological elements, supernatural twists, dashing characters, and splendid animation makes it a compelling watch for those who admire diversity and depth in anime.