Deadman Wonderland: The Red Knife Wielder
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Two years after the catastrophic tidal wave that swept over Japan, police officer Kiyomasa Senji is trying to make the world a safer place. Using his Branch of Sin powers, he stops criminals in whatever ways he can. After rescuing a boy named Izuru Tsukiyoshi from a gang called Goreless Peace, the conflict between Kiyomasa and his adversaries heats up rapidly, to the point of being explosive. Offering a glimpse into the past of the future Deadman, the story follows Senji, helping to further develop the reasoning that drives his actions later in life.
Audience Consensus
Audience opinion on this OVA is split, with many appreciating the deep dive into Senji's backstory and finding it more engaging than the main series. However, a significant portion views it as underdeveloped filler that fails to address the main series' unresolved plot issues and introduces weak original characters.
Strengths
- Provides valuable backstory for the popular character Senji/Crow, explaining his motivations and personality.
- The story and character development for Senji are considered strong for an OVA, with some viewers finding it more compelling than the main series.
- Visually appealing animation and sound design, particularly the retention of original music and improved voice acting for Senji.
- Offers an enjoyable standalone experience for fans of the main series or manga, providing extra narrative depth.
Weaknesses
- Fails to resolve overarching plot points from the main series or significantly tie up loose ends, serving primarily as filler.
- Some original characters introduced in the OVA lack depth and do not significantly contribute to the plot or Senji's development.
- The antagonist and plot are considered weak and repetitive by some, not living up to the potential of the premise.
- Derivative of the main series' style and themes, and its connection to the original anime is crucial for full understanding, making it less of a standalone piece than intended.