::10:23:08::

::: Basilisk :::

By ~ Apollo

You need an anime that's bloody, sexual, and pretty much hardcore all around? Well look no further. Basilisk is an in your face experience that is ready to bring the action almost every episode. The story isn't too complex and it really does not need to be. This anime is about a body count. 20 characters are on the chopping block, and 19 of them gotta go. So let the games begin as two ninja clans senselessly kill each other off to the last man.

The Koga and Iga ninja clans are two of the most famous ninja clans in history and more specifically in anime. The story revolves around the 10 best warriors for each clan. Basically each clan has a list of the opponents' 10 ninja and whichever clan eliminates the other will be backed by the shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu and the legendary Hanzo Hattori. Each ninja has different set of skills and the uniqueness of these skills are really cool. You have a one ninja who is spider like and freakishly athletic, a seductress of sort with poisonous breath, a man who can turn invisible etc. The other part of the story is a forbidden love. The two heirs of each clan were actually in love with each other and willing to marry. They are forced to fight however, due to the devious actions of their hate filled companions. The story is very sad as many of the ninjas have a beautiful story that fades and ends tragically when they are struck down.

The graphics for this anime are tight. I am not sure if it is high definition or not but the show itself was visually splendid. The style actually excited me and really set the tone for an already exceptional anime. The action is sweet and the uniqueness of the individual skill sets of each ninja really make this show special. The blood and gore make this a very adult oriented anime, but we need a lot of that now and then.

The anime Basilisk is definitely a series worth watching. This show brings the heat and doesn't apologize for any of it. The gore isn't quite at the level of a series such as Berserk, but there is plenty of it. I'd say this is for 16 year olds and up. Any way you slice it, this show is sweet. Check it out.

Series Grade: B+