Elfen Lied is based on the manga series of the same name, by Lynn Okamoto and is published by Shueisha. While the manga ran for over three years the actual anime has been condensed into just thirteen episodes and was produced by ARMS studio, getting its release in 2004.
When Lucy, a sociopath with a thirst for murder escapes a high security facility and goes on the run, she loses all her memories and develops a second personality, that of Nyu. Nyu is somewhat mentally stunted, only able to say her name, she is nothing like the killer that lurks inside her, energetic and full of love, Nyu is found by Kohta and his cousin Yuka who take her back to Kohta’s place, knowing nothing of really this child-like woman really is. Lucy/Nyu is actually a Diclonius, regarded as the next step in human evolution, Lucy like the rest of her race, has two small horns growing from her skull, red eyes and possesses invisible arms called ‘vectors’. These arms are a lethal weapon, with the ability to slice through human flesh, lift gigantic weights and even pass through solid matter.
The two cousins, who haven’t seen each other since they were very young both harbor their own secrets but soon all is forgotten as their lives are swept up into the world of Lucy and Nyu. The people imprisoning Lucy are looking for and willing to go to any length to get her back or bring her down, they send some of their strongest soldiers and even one of Lucy’s own kind, Nana. As the story progresses, the characters spiral downward into the fragile areas of memory and what was once conceived as imagined or something else, the truth reveals itself with devastating consequences for each of them.
Elfen Lied can easily be passed off as a simple gore thriller jammed full with violence and suspense but there is so much more to it than that. With a complex and engaging storyline you will find yourself suddenly wishing and hoping that nothing bad happens to the characters and that somehow it will all work out for them and they can just continue their lives and be happy.
There is a soul to Elfen Lied that lies beneath the blood and the violence; we are left to question the humanity of not only the Diclonius women but also our own humanity. Why is Lucy the way she is? Is it her genetic makeup or was it the series of events in her childhood that turned into such a coldblooded killer? By the end of the thirteen episodes you will ask yourself why you feel so much for Lucy when she would sooner rip the arms from your body than help you.
If anyone ever tells you that Anime is for kids and cartoons rot your brain, then you tell them about Elfen Lied… everyone should watch and read this series, from anime fans to philosophers!
Bad Points
NONE
Good Points
Beautifully illustrated and an excellent soundtrack
Profound and detailed characters
Super storyline
The Verdict: 10/10
