2020 is the year that continues to carry excellent anime series from Netflix. Japan Sinks: The year 2020 is a hard one to beat. Dragon's Dogma doesn't surpass the anime, but it definitely offers the emotional elation and moments that are thought-provoking.
Anime performs at its fullest when there is something with which to fight. When an intent and a desperate need are given to a character. In terms of plot and message, the former series and Dragon's Dogma may be worlds apart, but there is calculated concern for the characters.
And many might disagree with my assessment; mostly because Netflix’ Dragon’s Dogma is an anime video game adaptation — material that I have not delved in to and a game I probably never will touch, purely because I don’t have time.
Adaptations of video games had the hardest audience of please, mainly because they were highly let down — this anime series is truly a test to see if the emotional weight reaches the audience and pass the acid test.
The premise follows Ethan, a man who is faithful to Olivia, his wife, and a boy who entered their small unit after his parents died. One day, a dragon destroys their town; Ethan survives, but his family is killed. He approaches the dragon, fueled by vengeance, who eventually savagely attacks him and takes his heart — a confused Ethan does not die and becomes an Arisen, in collaboration with The Pawn, who must defend him.
Dragon's Dogma is a tale steeped in a thirst for vengeance. Ethan is a character who finds himself with a one-track mind and works well in the story as the world unfolds around him as he plunges into more society and greed. It's nice to watch the animation; it's not near perfect anywhere, but it's done with care for the story.
The Netflix anime series gloriously loves the brutality and Dragon's Dogma is not meant to add to the NSFW mantra for all prying eyes with a few sex scenes. It's gritty and authenticity to the story which makes it stand out — like Japan Sinks: it doesn't cut corners in 2020. Dragon's Dogma genuinely loves it being catered to adults.
If this is a satisfactory video game adaptation, the jury would be out, but my conclusion is clear: Dragon's Dogma season 1 enters this year's top 10 anime series on the streaming service. It oozes with aggression and a hunger for vengeance. There is a serious backbone to the anime series.
