Parasyte – the maxim – Episode 1 “Metamorphosis”
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.” - Franz Kafka
Let us conclude this introduction twelve part review series with an anime that has made the rounds with praise and pomp alike. It’s garnered adulation from fans of all genres, and will most likely go down as one of the best, if not the best, anime of 2014. Based on the classic science fiction horror manga of the mid-90’s, Parasyte – the maxim – is a unique vision of the world we live as, invaded by a outside force that is a cursed blessing.
I’m not one who goes chasing violent anime titles, but with the right amount of intelligence and variety, there’s bound to be something worthwhile. Parasyte knows this, and uses a unique brand of biology to justify much of its stranger circumstances. This was the case for most manga in the 90’s, as the greatest thrill came not from the thrill of ultraviolence but rather discovering the intricacies of a scientific anamoly. Though the violence helps with some readers. Let’s not waste any more time and finish this project with a bang and a squelch.
From the first scene, you can tell this will be one anime to attempt to stomach as we see a man’s face fold back to reveal a tentacle face, which proceeds to consume his wife’s entire head and neck. Way to be bluntly honest.
Our story follows 17 year-old Shinichi Izumi on a day like any other. That is, except for one change. He is losing the feeling and control in his right hand by the hour. He grabs classmates without warning, activates his cell phone while sleeping in class, and freaks out every time an insect is near.
In his half-asleep state, he recounts the night before and how he believed a snake had burrowed into his skin. His parents reacted to his screaming, but there was no evidence the snake was ever there. Claiming his troubles stem from nothing more than a bad illness, he retreats home.
On his way back, Shinichi dodges an oncoming car but sees a child about to be hit. With freakishly powerful reflexes, he saves her by crushing the front of the car with his hand. In a fit of craze, he runs home and attempts to cut out whatever has invaded him. With a blade to his hand, the parasitic invader manifests its physical form as a mouth, two eyeballs, two small arms and hands, and Shinichi’s own right thumb. In asking what happened to his right hand, the parasite responds by saying it ate the physical pieces. With building rage, he attempts to cut off his hand, but the parasite breaks the blade and chucks it past his head. That’s one of the good touches I’ve noticed about this series. Its depiction of fluid motion during tense scenarios is executed wonderfully. It actually takes time to mimic the movements of shaky cam, giving a breed of tension that applies well with the anime horror genre.
As Shinichi comes to terms with his new friend, violent crimes are being committed all over Japan, with bodies being eviscerated in alleyways and entire skin membranes being ripped from the musculoskeletal structure.
He falls asleep eventually and wakes in the morning to find the parasite has increased its knowledge considerably. Throughout the night, it continued reading his textbooks and gaining more intelligence on Earth. Shinichi then asks if it is an alien from outer space. From what the parasite has understood, even it can’t remember the true nature of origin. All it remembers was failing to burrow into his host’s brain, which would guarantee both knowledge and full control of the body. Shinichi is naturally livid, but the parasite proposes an ultimatum. He will rewire the nervous system to allow Shinichi to control his hand, so long as he remains a part of the body. The host reluctantly agrees.
At the breakfast table, he asks for seconds despite not having an appetite yesterday and picking up spiders despite his phobia. His parents are considerably getting worried at their son’s recent shift in behavior. In the midst of their discussion, the violent incidents have come to light.
On his way to school, Shinichi decides to go to the police. The parasite warns this will lead to questioning and the loss of normalcy as they both know it. Before they can decide their next move the parasite senses “one of mine”, his same species. Shinichi has more apprehension, believing this new parasite has consumed the host’s brain and will be considerably more violent. The parasite literally strong-arms him into cooperation and justifies the beneficial information both will learn.
They find the new parasite having taken on the from of a corgi and gaining a bloodlust. In self-preservation, Shinichi’s parasite chooses to stand and fight. In a quick attack, he stabs the body and retrieves the heart, killing both the host and its invader. Shinichi remarks inwardly that his host is like an insect, without a shred of empathy. The story then cuts back to two nights prior, when the first parasites landed from out of the sky. End episode.
For what can ultimately be viewed as a one off horror fest is actually well crafted and intelligent. I’ve had my fare share of gore and body horror related anime titles. There are better and worse ones, with Parasyte – the maxim – falling in the high middle range. The animation is tight, the acting is well delivered, and everything points to greatness. Personally, I may not finish this one, but to each his own. I’m glad I at least gave it a try.
Thank you for enjoying my first twelve reviews. I love this site, and hope to make more reviews in the future. I’ll see you with the newsletter, and with that, I take my leave.
