Introduction of “Another”
Another is a Japanese horror anime and light novel series that tells a gripping story of mystery, suspense, and supernatural events. Yukito Ayatsuji wrote the series, and Hiro Kiyohara illustrated it. The light novel first came out in 2009, with a manga version following in 2010 and an anime adaptation by P.A. Works in 2012. The plot revolves around a cursed high school class where, over time, students and their families have faced unexplained deaths and tragedies. The anime, in particular, has built a reputation for its creepy atmosphere complex plot, and startling twists. This has made it a top pick for people who enjoy horror and mystery stories.
Set in 1998, Another tells the tale of Koichi Sakakibara, a new student at Yomiyama North Middle School. When he joins Class 3-3, Koichi senses something off. The students and teachers behave creating an atmosphere of tension. Koichi finds himself drawn to Mei Misaki, a mysterious girl the rest of the class seems to ignore. As he digs into the class’s shadowy past, Koichi uncovers the eerie truth about a curse that has haunted Class 3-3 students for years. The series dives into themes of fear, death, and the supernatural, with a plot that keeps viewers hooked until the very end.
Themes
Another digs into several deep and scary themes, like what death means, fear, and what happens when people refuse to accept reality. The show looks at how living under a curse affects people’s minds, as each character deals with being scared they might die next. It makes you think about how far people will go to keep themselves and others safe even if it means doing extreme things. The idea of the “extra” shows how unknown and hidden forces can mess up the balance of life.
The tale also explores the idea of remembering and forgetting. The curse’s yearly wiping of memories about the “extra” acts as a symbol for how people often opt to forget traumatic events to cope. The story hints that ignoring or denying harsh truths can result in disastrous outcomes stressing the need to face and accept reality even when it hurts.
Story of “Another”
The story kicks off when Koichi Sakakibara moves to Yomiyama North Middle School after getting better from a collapsed lung. He becomes part of Class 3-3 and soon spots something weird about his classmates and the school vibe. Everyone appears on edge and standoffish about Mei Misaki, a girl wearing an eye patch who sits at the back of the class. Everyone teacher included, acts like she’s not there. Even though his classmates warn him not to, Koichi makes friends with Mei and finds out about the class’s spooky history.
The curse’s roots go back to 1972 when a well-liked student Misaki died . The loss shook Class 3-3’s students and teachers, who acted as if Misaki still lived. They even placed a chair for her at the graduation event. This refusal to accept reality set off a supernatural event resulting in a curse. Each year after, an additional student – called the “extra” – would show up in the class without anyone noticing. This “extra” is someone no longer alive, and their presence causes a string of deaths among the students and their families.
Koichi and Mei begin to solve the curse’s mystery trying to find the “extra” and stop the deaths. Their investigation shows that each year, the class takes extreme steps to avoid the curse, like ignoring one student to keep a balance between those alive and dead. The series hits its peak as students’ fear and paranoia grow causing a chaotic and deadly clash. The final reveal about the “extra” shocks and saddens giving a heartfelt view on death and how people tend to deny hard truths.
Main Characters
- Koichi Sakakibara: He’s the main character and a new kid in Class 3-3. Koichi wants to figure out what’s going on with the class curse. He’s got a good heart and gets close to Mei Misaki.
- Mei Misaki: She’s a strange quiet girl who wears an eye patch. Nobody in Class 3-3 seems to notice her. Mei tells Koichi about the curse and helps him solve the mystery. She has a tough past and can see “death” in a special way.
- Izumi Akazawa: She leads the countermeasures team in Class 3-3 working to stop the curse from taking lives. She shows determination and looks after her classmates, yet deep down she dreads the curse.
- Naoya Teshigawara: He’s Koichi’s buddy and classmate. His friendly and upbeat nature gives way to growing fear as the curse takes hold.
- Reiko Mikami: Koichi’s aunt used to study at Yomiyama North Middle School. Now she teaches Class 3-3 and sheds light on the curse’s backstory.
Background Information of “Another”
Creator and Studio:
- Light Novel Author: Yukito Ayatsuji
- Manga Illustrator: Hiro Kiyohara
- Anime Studio: P.A. Works
Source Material:
- The series has its roots in the 2009 light novel. This novel later became the basis for a manga in 2010 and an anime in 2012.
Release Dates:
- Light Novel: October 29, 2009
- Manga: Began in May 2010
- Anime: Ran from January 10 to March 27, 2012
- OVA: Came out on May 26, 2012
Genre:
- Another fits into the horror, mystery, and thriller categories featuring heavy doses of supernatural and psychological suspense.
Visuals and Animation of “Another”
Another stands out for its moody and detailed animation, which helps create the show’s creepy and tense atmosphere. P.A. Works, the studio behind the animation, delivers lifelike character designs and crafted background art. The show portrays Yomiyama North Middle School and the town around it with an ominous feel using dark and subdued colors to heighten the effect.
The character designs stand out, with Mei Misaki’s eye patch and doll-like look leaving a lasting impression. The animation shows the characters’ inner struggles and growing unease as the curse takes hold. The show includes several graphic and jarring scenes drawn in detail to boost the horror and leave a strong impact.
Sound and Music of “Another”
The music in Another has a big impact on creating the mood and improving the overall feel of the show. Kow Otani composed the soundtrack, which includes spooky tunes and creepy sound effects that highlight the story’s supernatural parts and tense scenes. Ali Project’s opening song, “Kyōmu Densen,” fits the show’s dark and mysterious vibe, while Annabel’s ending song, “Anamnesis,” gives each episode a sad and thoughtful finish.
The Japanese and English voice actors do a great job bringing the characters’ emotions and fears to life. The sound design works well with the visuals using quiet background noises and effects to make the show feel more uneasy and tense.
Review
Another proves to be an engaging and suspenseful horror series that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Its complex story well-rounded characters, and moody presentation make it stand out in the genre. The show does a good job of mixing mystery psychological drama, and supernatural horror, resulting in a story that gives you chills and makes you think.
Although the story progresses at times, the tension builds up bit by bit, and the mystery unwinds to create a satisfying watch. The show digs deep into heavy topics, like what death means and what happens when people refuse to accept reality. This adds layers to the plot turning it into more than your run-of-the-mill scary story. The unexpected plot twists paired with eerie visuals and a spine-chilling soundtrack, guarantee that Another sticks with you long after you’ve finished watching.
