Record of Ragnarok

Record of Ragnarok is a popular 2021 series hailing from Netflix. It's an adaptation of the 2017 seinen manga series Shūmatsu no Valkyrie, written by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui, and illustrated by Ajichika. The show has captured audiences globally with its captivating visuals, attention-grabbing script, and electrifying fight sequences.

Inherited directly from the manga, the plot of Record of Ragnarok is centered on an unusual premise: every 1000 years, all gods across multiple mythologies assemble in the heavens to attend a conference. This conference, known as the 'Valhalla Council,' decides the fate of mankind, and this time around, the deities are contemplating whether to let humanity live or annihilate it entirely due to their perception of humans as irredeemable.

Instead of embracing oblivion, the gods take a contrasting decision suggested by Brunhild, the eldest of thirteen demigod 'Valkyrie' sisters. She proposes that mankind be given a chance to defend themselves in an ultimate battle tournament – this battle royale is the 'Record of Ragnarok'. It's a thrilling 13 versus 13 match-up, where the best fighters from human history are pitted against the gods for the survival of the human race. The fundamental rule of this engagement is, either all participants of one side are eliminated, or a side achieves seven victories first.

The series features a spectrum of well-known figures from human history, including characters like Adam (as in Adam and Eve), the legendary samurai Sasaki Kojiro, and the infamous Greek hero, Heracles. Each character is meticulously crafted, boasting unique personalities, strengths, abilities, and storylines. The show takes a creative liberty by crafting a whole new persona for historical icons, including their looks, weaponry, motivations, and their reasons for battling gods, thereby giving the viewers a fresh and unique perspective to idolize their favorite characters.

On the other spectrum, the show boasts an exciting lineup of gods, ranging from Nordic to Greek to Indian mythology. One sees thrones filled with gods such as Thor, Zeus, and Shiva, each with their flavorful personality and power set, contributing to the thrilling bouts of battle. The 'epic' nature of these battles is powered by stellar animation and a high-octane soundtrack that compliments the dramatic complexity of these cosmic fights.

The major allure of this show lies within these implausible battles, garnished with rich animation and filled with an assortment of tactical maneuvers, raw strength, unexpected twists, and the unpredictability of the outcome. This ensures that every fight becomes a spectacle in itself, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The record of Ragnarok is also much about its vivid storytelling, complemented by well-executed flashbacks and a fair share of revelations. These story bits not only extend the show's emotional depth but also help the viewers understand the motivations, struggles, and the human or divine nature of the characters on display. While the intense battles form the heart of the series, it's through these narratives that the audience develops a genuine sense of connection with the characters.

In terms of graphics, the show stands out with its high-quality animation, fluid movements, and striking color palette. The detailed character designs, combined with visually stunning battle scenes, contribute greatly to the series' dramatic momentum. And to match the intensity of these battles, a powerful original score intensifies every moment, deeply immersing viewers in the action.

Riding on expressions of aspiration, valor, defiance, and survival, Record of Ragnarok celebrates the classic 'humans versus gods' theme. It holds a mirror to humanity, stimulating reflections about our weaknesses, aspirational struggle, and indomitable spirit against overwhelming odds. Despite the mythically epic scale, the series manages to resonate with the viewers on a human level.

In summary, Record of Ragnarok is a visually stunning, action-packed, and emotion-driven series that puts history's greatest figures against divine beings from various pantheons. It carries a powerful narrative that goes beyond typical action-packed anime, delving into the personality and backstory of each character. It’s a definitely must-watch for fight-based anime enthusiasts and those looking for a fresh take on historical and mythological figures.