Famous for his military service in the 39th Asian War, the legendary Swiss robot Montblanc is violently murdered. Humans and robots around the world mourn for the beloved celebrity. Montblanc's popularity only grew in the years following the war, thanks to his dedication to nature conservation and his loving personality.
Fellow war veteran and robotic Europol detective Gesicht is sent to investigate Montblanc's tragic demise. In his pursuit, Gesicht uncovers evidence of a mysterious entity known only as "Pluto." He also learns of a conspiratorial plot to dismantle the eight specialized robots from around the world who participated in the war. Racing against time to save those who still remain, Gesicht grapples with his memory, morality, and a world full of hate, desperately attempting to defend the fragile coexistence of man and machine.
The Dark Enigma: Reviewing the Twisted World of Pluto
Pluto, written by Naoki Urasawa (a name synonymous with class and quality storytelling), is a sci-fi drama that tugs at our understandings of morality, justice, and what it means to be ‘alive’. The anime is entirely based on the famous Astro Boy story “The World’s Greatest Robot” by Osamu Tezuka’s, transporting us into a supra-futuristic universe where robots and humans co-exist side by side. The tale, however, is not as tranquil as it sounds; it’s a discursive journey into an unfolding mystery, an investigation that delves into the treacherous territories of identity, war, and death.
The story follows Gesicht, a Europol detective who happens to be an AI, charged to investigate a string of brutal murders targeting powerful robots and leading figures in the anti-robot movement. These meticulously planned events revolve around the enigmatic and fearsome ‘Pluto,’ straining proposals of peace and balance between humans and robots. The complicated thread of events that connect these incidents forms the backbone of an anime that is equal parts fascinating and disturbing.
Storyline & Setting
One cannot start a review about Pluto without mentioning the expert narrative and the intricate world-building. Urasawa crafts a future that feels real and lived-in, where AI rights are debated in parliaments, and prejudice towards robots is a reality. The plotline feels tense, keeping you on edge, while also providing subtle criticism of societal norms and injustices.
Character Development
The character development is another highlight of the series. Gesicht is a memorable character, a robot learning to deal with ambient human emotions while layering his personality with complex emotions. Each character you come across in Pluto gets under your skin, making you care about their stories, their motivations, and their fate.
Artwork
The artwork in Pluto is nothing short of extraordinary. Each environment, character design, and action sequence is filled with meticulous detail, enhancing the grim and gloomy atmosphere of the anime. The setting and characters are done in a realistic style, adding to the subtextual narrative the series offers.
Sound Design
Pluto’s sound design is an important part of a narrative devoted to immersive storytelling. The background score, dialogue delivery, and sound effects elevate the series’ thriller aspect, immersing the audience in Pluto’s world with ease and intensity.
Is Pluto worth your time?
Without a doubt, Pluto is well worth your time. Offering an amalgamation of detective suspense, political drama, and hard-hitting ethical questions, this anime/manga establishes itself as a definitive recommendation to any fan of the genre. This isn’t just a sci-fi story; it’s a philosophical exploration of what it means to be alive. So, whether you rent it, buy it, or stream it, make sure you don’t miss out on this gem!
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