This morning Netflix dropped the new anime based on CAPCOM's popular game - Dragon's Dogma. There are only 7 episodes in season one, each one titled after one of the seven deadly sins.
Episode 1: Wrath
In the first episode we are introduced to our main character, Ethan. Ethan lives a simple life with his wife and soon to be child. They are visited by an orphaned boy, Louis, whom they have seemingly adopted though he does not live with them. Life is simple. It isn't until Louis and Ethan go hunting in the woods that it becomes complicated and Ethan's adventure truly begins.
The episodes are short and if you have read any of my reviews in the past you will know that I am not one to give spoilers in my reviews. The animation isn't as fluid as many others and does take some getting used to, but it is also much better than most so take it at face value. This episode is also clearly a backstory for our hero and sheds light on what sets him on his path. That being said, don't expect any true character development.
Episode 2: Gluttony
As Ethan comes to terms with his fate as an Arisen, he sets out in search of the dragon to exact his revenge. In their travels, they come across a town that is being terrorized by a different creature. The longer they stay, the more he realizes the town is besieged by a completely different monster.
I really enjoyed the dichotomy within this episode. Nicely done in the short time frame.
Episode 3: Envy
As Ethan and Hannah continue toward the dragon's lair, they come across refugees from another destroyed city. The small band of travelers have even more troubles on their hands as creatures attack them from all sides. Not to disappoint the overall theme of the first season, we get an interesting play of events on another deadly sin.
Episode 4: Sloth
As Ethan and Hannah come across another town and another creature, we begin to see a different side of the Arisen's powers. I will say that this episode is much better than the previous ones. The storyline is simple and to the point and begins to uncover more characterizations.
Episode 5: Greed
It is with no surprise that episode 5 begins to grow darker as Ethan gets closer to the dragon's lair and succumbs to the darkness within himself. This episode targets how greed can infect a person's soul turning them unto an insidious creature. Ethan's own character continues to devolve with the absence of his own heart.
Episode 6: Lust
As Ethan and Hannah draw closer to the lair, his wrath continues to come closer to the surface. In this episode, we learn quite a bit more backstory in Ethan's past and his relationship with Olivia. Interestingly enough, as the Arisen devolves, the Pawn begins to evolve.
Episode 7: Pride
The last episode brings our heroes face to face with the dragon that started it all. Compared with the other episodes, this one fell a little flat with the ultimate showdown and resulted in more conversation within the battle. The final sin is ultimately revealed in a twist of fate as we also learn the fate of the Arisens.
Overall, this was not a bad series and it is one that will make you think from time to time. I really believe it could have soared had they extended the episodes (or at least had more than 7) and fleshed out the characters a bit more. I've never played the game so I cannot compare any of the mythos, I can only relate to the anime as it stands by itself.
All in all, not a complete waste of time. The episode length at least makes it for an easy binge.
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