More and more I find myself longing to have an adventure. I would like to travel places and maybe learn about myself. Then I realize I'm a socially awkward recluse who is terrified of people. So I turn to video games and anime that are about having a fun adventure instead.Wanted failed to tickle that adventuring itch so maybe Nanana's Buried Treasure will.
Nanana's Buried Treasure is part of the
spring 2014 anime season. It is based on an ongoing manga/light novel
series that started in 2013. It was written by Kazuma Ootorino and
illustrated by Ringo Aka. Normally I'd mentioned their other works
except that this is it, Nanana is their first and so far only work
and what a work it is. It's a story full of twists and turns that
actually make sense when you go back to look at them.
The set-up is a mismatched group of
students team up to acquire ancient artifacts hidden on an island
designed for just that. It grows on from that with multiple factions
and this is where the show gains it's intrigue. Every character has
there motivations set up and fleshed out well enough to get a feel
for them. However once the first big twist happens everything other
plot twist is easily figured out for those paying even the slightest
bit of attention.
The cast of characters is where the
show shines. Jugo works well as your lead,having all the right
reactions and a very interesting back story that changes your
perspective of him once revealed. He plays comic foil to Tensai, the
self titled Master Detective and her cross dressing maid Daruku. They
along with Nanana form a nice quartet that plays well off each other
and leads to some very funny moments. The remaining cast is
interesting and flesh out the events that occurred prior to the
series. The cast as a whole does have a severe case of chronic
backstabbing syndrome which is a given with so many different schemes
and ambitions fueling the hunts. It adds an interesting dynamic as
each person is trying to outwit everyone else.
The treasures that they search for are
hidden in what are called ruins but function like labyrinthine
puzzles that lend themselves to some very interesting visuals. The
puzzles are incredibly obtuse and serves to highlight that Tensai is
not all talk. It also shows just how clever the group that set these
up are. This group includes Nanana so we get to see some possible
hidden depths in her character. The only problem is that the ending
is a clear set up for a second season. It's not a bad thing but there
is no guarantee of a second season and the light novel translations
are lacking.
Wrapping up, Nanana's Buried Treasure
is a fun show that blends adventure with slice of life seamlessly.
The characters are likable and the story sets up an interesting
premise with room to expand. Those looking for a fun adventure series
should definitely check it out .
Till Next Time:Stay Positive
