Twin Star Exorcists – Otaku Review
Monsters! Magic! Two heroes who clash over everything! A contrived twist to bring them together? Yeah Twin Star Exorcists has that too! Sōsei no Onmyōji or Twin Star Exorcists is based off an ongoing 2013 manga published by Shueisha. The series is adapted in English by Viz Media. This year saw it’s foray into anime and that was followed by an announcement of a video game by Bandai Namco.
The series has earned and maintained it’s popularity but I’m not sure why.
Twin Star Exorcists is the story of a young boy and girl who both happen to be exorcists. Rokuro and Benio both wield tremendous power as they battle demons and monsters. After a tragic accident Rokuro swears off his life as an exorcist and struggles to find his place in the world. Meanwhile Benio continues her training and establishes herself as one of the most powerful exorcists in Eastern Japan. A chance encounter collides the two together and soon enough they learn that destiny trumps chance.
The pair are bound by a shared destiny, they are the Twin Star Exorcists. A couple who wield immense power, destined to fall in love and bring a new child exorcist into the world, one capable of vanquishing all evil spirits/Kegare.
As stories go, it’s all pretty interesting at least on paper. It’s execution however is lacking. An issue that crops up in character development and the series tone as well.Twin Star Exorcists sets itself up as a supernatural action series but things get over-complicated. The relationship between Benio and Rokuro predestined or not is very messy and relies on tired tropes. She’s cold and distant, he’s grumpy and broken. Oh how on earth will they ever get together!? Cue the big bad! One they both have history with! Of course!
I’m not saying that the series doesn’t have potential. The action scenes are utterly stunning. It’s hard not to draw comparisons to the fight scenes/encounters in Puella Magi Madoka Magica but Twin Star Exorcists makes it’s own mark. Kegare live in a twisted dimension of our own. Everything is in ruins, tarnished blood red and charred black. Unleashing magic and abilities looks a lot like an action sequence from a video game. The action is there but it’s just not enough to carry the whole series.
As far as the cast go, Benio and Rokuro aren’t immediately likeable or engaging. They really are a case of been there and done that unfortunately. There is no real substance to them and as a result their would be relationship and interactions suffer. She sees and admires his potential. He sees and admires hers! She’s super fast! He’s super strong! They’re so different! Gosh darnit they’re just too different to see eye to eye! Supporting characters are made up of the generously bosomed all but mute girl, a loud mouth magical creature and a big brother type. All of whom are immediately forgettable!
Twin Star Exorcists doesn’t manage to find it’s place in the 2016 lineup and instead falls victim to tired tropes and the curse of the shonen genre. If you like your anime simple and with plenty of action, then you’re probably going to enjoy this but if you expect something with a little more of everything then avoid! Big time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0D9plmRq1E
Editor-in-Chief, part-time super villain and hoarder of cats. If you can’t find me writing, I’m probably in the kitchen!
