Darker than Black
Synopsis
It has been 10 years since Heaven's Gate appeared in South America and Hell's Gate appeared in Japan, veiling the once familiar night sky with an oppressive skyscape. Their purposes unknown, these Gates are spaces in which the very laws of physics are ignored. With the appearance of the Gates emerged Contractors, who, in exchange for their humanity, are granted supernatural abilities. In the Japanese city surrounding Hell's Gate, Section 4 Chief Misaki Kirihara finds herself at odds with an infamous Contractor codenamed Hei. Called "Black Reaper" in the underground world, Hei, like his associates, undertakes missions for the mysterious and ruthless Syndicate while slowly peeling back the dark layers covering a nefarious plot that threatens the very existence of Contractors. From the mind of Tensai Okamura comes a sci-fi thriller taking the form of a subtle exposé on a war in which political positions and justice have no sway—a war waged exclusively in the shadows. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Darker than Black is praised for its unique premise, well-animated action sequences, and engaging characters. However, many viewers find the story convoluted and the ending unsatisfying due to a lack of clear explanations and unresolved plot points. The episodic nature of the first half and the slow development of the main cast are also points of criticism.
Strengths
- Unique and intriguing world with well-developed characters.
- Excellent animation and art style.
- Superb soundtrack that complements the scenes effectively.
Weaknesses
- Incomplete or confusing ending.
- Episodic format with slow plot progression in the first half.
- Lack of clear answers and explanations for the main mysteries.