'BNA: Brand New Animal' Spoiler-Free Review: Netflix's new anime series is a fun ride through a complex world
Netflix has added a brand new anime series to its international catalog. 'BNA: Brand New Animal' is a kickass story told with brilliant art and some adorable characters.
Set in a world where humanity lives alongside a race of half-human, half-animal hybrids, the 12-episode series explores topics of racism and discrimination alongside a mystery plot. The story is set in Anima City, an urban community where these hybrids, known as Beastmen, can live as themselves without fear of hatred and persecution and where they can form their own distinctive culture.
At the heart of the story is a human girl named Michiru Kagemori (Sumire Morohoshi) who is transformed into a cute tanuki Beastman through unknown means. She takes refuge in Anima City and investigates her origins with the help of her friend, a badass wolf Beastman called Shirou Ogami (Yoshimasa Hosoya). Through all that, there is an exploration of racial tensions, new cultures and a colossal legend that may or may not be based in fact. Plus, the show alternates between moments of crazy humor, high-octane action and sobering darkness.
'Brand New Animal' is a very enjoyable watch, whether you want to think about the content you are consuming or just experiencing it as it happens. There's enough depth here to engage you intellectually while having a fast enough plot to keep things moving even if you don't want to think too much.
The series features some beautiful art, full of bright colors and interesting designs. We had high hopes for the show, partly because it's by Studio Trigger, and the end result does not disappoint. So tune in to Netflix and catch this fun new series. It's a ride you won't regret.
Here's the full synopsis for the series, courtesy of IMDb: "The series is set in the 21st century, where the existence of humanoid animals that have been living in the darkness for centuries have been revealed to the world. One day, Michiru, who was a normal high school student, suddenly turns into a tanuki person; running away, she seeks refuge in Anima City, a place set up for humanoid animals to be able to live as themselves. While there, Michiru encounters a wolf person, Shirou Ogami, who goes on to investigate why she became a humanoid animal, and in the process gets mixed up in even stranger events."
'BNA: Brand New Animal' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.