Kazuya Kujou is a foreign student at Saint Marguerite Academy, a luxurious boarding school in the Southern European country of Sauville. Originally from Japan, his jet-black hair and dark brown eyes cause his peers to shun him and give him the nickname "Black Reaper," based on a popular urban legend about the traveler who brings death in the spring.
On a day like any other, Kujou visits the school's extravagant library in search of ghost stories. However, his focus soon changes as he becomes curious about a golden strand of hair on the stairs. The steps lead him to a large garden and a beautiful doll-like girl known as Victorique de Blois, whose complex and imaginative foresight allows her to predict their futures, now intertwined.
With more mysteries quickly developing—including the appearance of a ghost ship and an alchemist with the power of transmutation—Victorique and Kujou, bound by fate and their unique skills, have no choice but to rely on each other.
Gosick: An Anime Review by ‘The Anime Critic’
The early 20th century, a setting seldom explored in anime genre, finds its euphoria in Gosick, a series that blends history, romance, and drama, riveting enough to keep you glued to your screens till the very end. Painted with the backdrop of a fictitious European country of Saubure post World War I, the narrative intertwines the lives of two coming-of-age protagonists – Kazuya Kujou, a young Japanese exchange student, and Victorique de Blois, a mysterious, doll-like girl possessing a brilliant mind.
The story takes a fascinating turn, when our young Japanese spectacled protagonist, Kujou accidentally stumbles upon Victorique, a “Golden Fairy” of the Library. As they grow familiar, their camaraderie strengthens, bounding them into a series of baffling mysteries and cases, which they try to decipher together. Victorique with her exceptional deductive prowess that she refers as the ‘Wellspring of Wisdom’ and Kujou as her legs, do the groundwork or collection of evidence. These adventures not only unravel fascinating mysteries but also swirl up emotions leading to a gripping climax.
Art and Animation
Visually, Gosick is quite a treat. The animation by Studio Bones is top-notch and the artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. The character designs are flattering, Victorique’s gothic Lolita dress and her ever-changing expressions being the highlight. The setting, being Europe of the early 20th century, showcases magnificent architecture, spellbinding sceneries that infuses a unique charm to the series.
Character Development and Plot
Character development is another forte of Gosick. The bond between our stoic Kujou and eccentric Victorique thickens with each solved mystery, providing heartwarming moments. The initial episodic format gives way to intricate arcs, that not only reveal Victorique’s cloistered past but also Saubure’s intricate geopolitical and historical ties, keeping viewer’s interest piqued to the end.
Music and Sound Design
The accompanying OST is phenomenal and rightfully complements the series’ eeriness and grandiose. The forward-moving, cheerful tone of OP ‘Destin Histoire’ contrasts beautifully against the melancholy ED ‘Resuscitated Hope’. The voice acting does justice to the characters, especially Victorique’s melodramatic yet perfect articulation adds depth to her traits.
Conclusion
To conclude, Gosick is a brilliant mesh of dramatic storytelling, alluring art style, captivating characters, making it a worthy watch. It is tailored for viewers who appreciate a series of mysteries to get their gears running, while also craving for something tad different than the usual high-school drama. For anyone looking to indulge into a mystery-filled, romantic drama with repercussive historical elements, I wholeheartedly recommend Gosick.
Convinced to go on this mystery-solving ride with our dynamic duo Kujou and Victorique? Then don’t hesitate to rent, buy or stream this outstanding series and embark on your journey of unraveling the enthralling mysteries. Live into the world of ‘Gosick’, let the ‘Wellspring of Wisdom’ astound you!
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