The Cambridge Geek

Kino's Journey

I watched the first Kino a very long time ago, as part of a rather nerdy club during my university days. As such, it has something of a nostalgic appeal, which made me both excited and wary to watch this sequel. It's a fond memory, and I didn't want it spoiled by a possibly terrible money grab. However, given the length of time between runs, I suspect they're not quite aiming to replace Naruto.

Kino's Journey is sort of a "country of the week" series, in which every episode is centred around a particular country (approximately city-sized) that Kino is dropping into. Each country has some unusual philosophical background to it, such as allowing murder or travelling around on giant tracks.

Massive laser slicing a wall in half.
Or using fricking laser beams.

Kino is both a viewpoint character and an agent of change, either enjoying a few days holiday in a location or manipulating its citizenry for some surprisingly selfish aim. The show doesn't have much of an ethical bias, simply exploring the possible different approaches to life and showing how they can be exploited or improved by the right person at the right time. While Kino is mostly a force for good, some actions are more grey, with revenge or simple expediency being the main driver.

It's very much a series of thought experiments, rather than an exciting thriller or slice of life, which makes it a nice change. Reminiscent of 18if in its way, though rather lower on the horror scale. Does have a few interesting twists and turns though, and a little more demanding from the viewer than a lot of things this season.

Kino aiming a gun at the viewer, asking 'who's behind you right now?'
Not that sort of demanding.

A very sedate programme, I don't think you should binge-watch it. It deserves a bit more contemplation than some of the fluffier shows of the season and crashing through it would rather spoil the effect. There are too many little sidesteps where things are revealed subtly, or only hinted at, and the moment when you catch them is very satisfying.

Not got terribly far into the series yet, as I've been taking my time over it. But I suspect when I finally reach the end, I'm likely to go back to the first series for a re-visit. I've enjoyed Hermes' cynicism more second time round, even if they still haven't explained how a motorbike can speak.

Highly recommended.

Tagged: Anime Drama Fantasy Exploration Anthology Crunchyroll Subbed