As printed in The Northern Light newspaper
Oct. 31, 2006
"Noein” is an interesting mixture of adolescent comedy/drama with surreal sci-fi action and mystery. Haruka is a girl just going about her everyday life, enjoying a final summer break with her friends before one of them, Yuu Karasu, leaves for a prestigious Tokyo middle school. Yuu’s mother, however, won’t let Yuu spend time with his friends but wants him to study hard to ensure his school admission. In the background of this normal drama, a group of strange travelers in cloaks literally appear out of nowhere with glowing cords attached to their backs – leading back to another dimension – looking for the Dragon Torque. Haruka soon encounters two of these hunters, who fight over her using incredible powers, claiming she is the Dragon Torque. When Yuu tries to come to Haruka’s rescue, one of the figures reveals that he is the Yuu Karasu of his dimension, corresponding to this dimension’s future.
The sci-fi multi-dimensional plot of the show is revealed slowly, so the viewer might be lost trying to understand everything that’s going on at first. In the five episodes on volume one, the story nicely balances the sci-fi elements with the normalcy of Haruka and her friends. The contrast between the two worlds helps viewers feel how jarring things are for Haruka when strange things start to happen to her.
The art is fairly simple but fluid, even having a sketch-like quality during certain times of intensity that serves the action well. Computer effects are used heavily but are integrated expertly into the animation and again draw a nice contrast between the normal and sci-fi aspects.
With its juxtaposition of styles and intriguing story, “Noein” is far from a standard action or sci-fi series. It’s a welcome treat to those looking for something different.
"Noein - to your other self: Vol. 1" ★ ★ ★ ★
U.S. Release: Manga Entertainment
Release date: Oct. 17, 2006
Genres: Drama, sci-fi
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