Tatsuya Endo said that this series helped him out of his depression. I am grateful to him because this story helped me through the depression I’ve been facing the past few months. If it wasn’t for it, I’m not sure where my mental health would be today. I can’t imagine it’d be anywhere good.
(I’ve read up to latest chapter, 67.1, at the time this review is written)
What got me hooked is that this fictional cold war era world feels raw, lived in, believable. But more than that, it’s because I’ve genuinely come to love and care for these characters. There’s something about the theme of “found family” that is so poignant amidst the backdrop of our own modern world that is brimming with toxicity and dysfunction. It’s nice to come back to this world, to these (lonely) characters as they learn to slowly care for one another and form healthy relationship dynamics that maybe some of us long for (I know I do in my own life).
There are some subplots in this story that are truly amazing!! I can think of a few off the top of my head and I can’t wait to see them animated someday.
Although Anya is cute and the school arcs are wholesome, I’m getting to a point where I want this to turn a bit darker with more of a focus on the spy thriller aspect. I hope that as the tension inevitably unfolds between Loid and Yor’s respective organizations that we will get more of the darker elements of this war and what it means for our character’s loyalties.
Endo’s focus on significant themes like the meaning of found family, what “normal” is supposed to look like, the horrors of war, etc. are some of the reasons I will always love this heartwarming series. I can’t wait to read more! These characters deserve to finally be happy, fulfilled and at peace with themselves ✨