Arc the Lad
Synopsis
Based on the video game bearing the same title and produced by Hideo Katsumata, Arc the Lad is the tale about Elk, a young bounty hunter, who has been blessed by the Spirit of Fire. Responding to a distress call on board a hijacked air ship, Elk rescues a mysterious girl, Lieza, and her wolf companion Pandit. The three uncover a series of government conspiracies where grotesque, chimera experiments are conducted on children with the powers of the Sacred Spirits, of which Elk had escaped from. In the middle of it all is Arc, whom Elk believes is responsible for the destruction of his village and parents.
Review
Arc the Lad takes place in a composite setting where you have traces of fantasy, rural towns, and ancient temples and palaces mixed with modern day cities and its slums. This theme is carried throughout the series. The forces of light are dressed in traditional attire with the fighters in armor, the women in robes, and Shu and Toshu as a ninja and samurai respectively. Arc, Elk, and Lieza wield strong magical powers. The Silver Noah, Arc’s airship, alludes to final fantasy. The forces of darkness employ a more present day outlook, for example Galuano, the mayor, riding in his limousine and communicating via cell phone. But, they too fly in airships, Clive and Andel cast dark magic, and have armies of monsters.
The series can be divided into four parts. Episodes 1-13 develop the character of Elk and resolve his past experiences at the “White House.” From 13 ending at 26 are the recapture of Smeria and Andel’s retreat, Elk’s silence, and finally the defeat of Clive. The first half of the series is distinguished plot wise in comparison to the later half with an exposition of Shu finding the famished Elk, ( ED. - well you gotta see it). The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series. One thing to mention is that although the title may have been taken from the video game, it is not entirely appropriate for naming the anime series. It should have been labeled “Elk the Lad” or “Arc and the Lad” for we see through the eyes of Elk and side with him even at those moments when Elk goes out of control and is obsessed with revenge.
The Breakdown
The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series.