Soul Eater - Main Page

SOULFULLY DELIGHTFUL: At first glance, Soul Eater looks like one of those forgettable, mass-produced Saturday morning cartoons that now populate American TV. But don't let the simple drawing style fool you. Soul Eater is one of the more enjoyable shows to debut in the Spring '08 season.

Part Tim Burton movie and part action-packed shonen anime, the manga-based Soul Eater chronicles the adventures (or is it misadventures?) of students at the Shinigami Weapons Technician Vocational School -- or something that roughly translates along those lines. As part of their curriculum, weapon technicians try to collect the souls of 99 corrupted humans and 1 witch to increase the power of their living weapons. In the process, they also try to protect the world by preventing the rebirth of evil "Kishin." It's a twist on the old good-vs.-evil, collect-something plot device. But the series provides enough fresh touches to keep yours truly interested.

From what I've seen so far, Soul Eater features a nice mix of action, introspection and goofy hijinks from a hilarious cast of characters. From a not-so-secretive ninja and spunky rebel who tries to be cool yet miserably fails most of the time to a doting dad going through a divorce and an obsessive compulsive genius, Soul Eater serves up a delightful cast of misfits. I also found the art style growing on me after a while and the action sequences are nicely directed from a camera and body movement standpoint. I think it's definitely one of the highlights of this anime season, especially since it doesn't take itself too seriously and is ridiculously funny. But don't take my word for it. Go watch and see for yourself.

Episode 1: Resonance: Soul Eater Becomes a Death Scythe?
Episode 2: I'm a Star! The Big Shot Appears
Episode 3: The Perfect Boy? Death The Kid's Magnificent Mission
Episode 4: Witch Hunt Invoked?! Heart-Pounding Remedial Lesson at the Graveyard?
Episode 5: The Strongest Weapon Master, Stein, Appears
Episode 6: The Rumored Freshman! Kid's Memorable First Day at School
Episode 7: Black Blood of Terror! A Weapon Resides Within Chrona?
Episode 8: Medusa the Witch! The One Who Possesses Souls
Episode 9: The Legendary Holy Sword! Kid and Black Star's Grand Adventure