Yami no Matsuei
Reviewer: Katze [email]Overall Rating: A
Media Reviewed: DVD
Creator: Matsushita Yoko
U.S. Licensed: Yes
Released by: Central Park Media
Run time: 13 episodes
BL Content: Ambiguous (yaoi implications, fanservice)
Genre: Drama/Horror/Supernatural
Other media: English-licensed manga
Yami no Matsuei, a.k.a. Descendants of Darkness, takes no time in winning over any shonen-ai fan. Beautiful animation with vibrant colors and great character design - very much in keeping with the original manga illustrations - makes this series a good watch.
The story follows four arcs that revolve around The Ministry of Hades, Guardians of the Dead. Four main characters are presented, all of whom must work in pairs, to investigate the otherwise mysterious deaths in their case files. Think X-Files with actual soul-retrieval - except the cast is all male with definite overtones of shonen-ai. Although the stories are bound to death, demons, and destruction, the main gist of the series focuses on the growing relationships between the characters. And that alone makes the series well-worth watching.
If the pretty-boy cast doesn't hit you, the pace certainly will. The first arc reels you in with the pairing of legendary Ministry office slacker, Tsuzuki, with his mournfully angst-ridden new partner, Hisoka. The introduction of ever-present antagonist, Muraki, with his more-than-healthy obsession with Tsuzuki sets the pace for the entire series. And much angst ensues. Direct shonen-ai moments are dealt with straightforwardly in body language and dialogue, which may prove unsettling for some viewers, but no overt yaoi here. A scene which reveals Muraki's direct link to Hisoka's heavy past is explored in artistic style, their actions symbolically enshrouded in shadow and a blaze of falling sakura petals. Muraki's attraction to Tsuzuki is further confirmed in one very revealing gesture involving the stem of a wine glass -- needless to say, the metaphor does not leave much to the imagination after that.
There is a healthy dose of humor to offset the show's serious theme, but the mix is very well balanced throughout. One thing to mention: the series somewhat assumes viewers are already familiar with the manga. Although this is not a prerequisite, it does clear up some references made later in the series - not to mention makes plain those scenes that the series otherwise wouldn't show.
