Danganronpa Episode 1 Review

The following is a review of the first episode of Danganronpa. There are no spoilers, except for a more detailed view of the synopsis.  
Danganronpa is recommended for ages 16+, for disturbing themes and violence.

Who can deny a great murder mystery?

There's nothing like the adrenaline of a good thrill; the atmosphere of a haunting horror; and, of course, the ever present question of who did what, and who would be next.

So upon hearing of Danganronpa's release just by the description alone I was excited. I had never played the game before, but the anime seemed to mesh everything that I loved in an entertaining show. Top that with a frightening bear who has me eying my own stuffed toys in suspicion, and you have yourself a stellar start to what will hopefully be a great series.

Danganronpa

Episode 1 Review

A group of 15 elite high school students are gathered at a very special, high class high school. To graduate from this high school essentially means you'll succeed in life, but graduating is very difficult. The school is presided over by a bear called Monokuma, and he explains to them that their graduation hinges around committing a murder. The only way to graduate is to kill one of your classmates and get away with it. If the other classmates discover the identity of the killer, the killer is the only one executed. However, if they fail to catch the killer, only the killer graduates and the others are annihilated. Which of the 15 will survive the bloodbath to come?

Imagine beginning a day in high hopes, and optimism about. Imagine beginning a day and thinking to yourself, "what a wonderful opportunity." No big fears, no big worries - just a lot of pride and success on your shoulders.

Then it turns out you weren't successful at all. You were just painfully unlucky.

So begins the day for one of our main protagonists, Makoto Naegi. He's to start his new high-school life in one of the most prestigious schools of the country - Hope's Peak Private Academy. Unfortunately this school might not be as hopeful as one may think. For when Naegi passes through the gates he finds himself passing out - and waking to find his world has changed forever.

With 14 other students trapped inside the school, there's no way out. Throw a sadistically cruel but mysterious bear named Monokuma (voiced by Ooyami Nobuyo) into the mix and so begins the first episode of our murder mystery.

Let's cut right down to the chase.

The main reason you should give the first episode of Danganronpa a try is simply because of its story. Whether new to the games or not there is no denying that the first episode sets up many questions to be answered. Just where is Monokuma from, and what exactly is he? Who'll be the killer? Who's suspicious, and who to trust? And - of course - the ever popular question of who's going to kick the bucket first. (I do wonder who...)
 As such Danganronpa remains a very curious, intriguing show. The questions and desire for answers are definitely the highlight - setting up an almost cartoon-like but disturbing atmosphere. You want to know what's happening next, because the show doesn't give away that much. A whole weeks' worth of waiting seems like an eternity, because of how excited we are for a new adrenaline thriller. Secrets are dangling temptingly right in front of our noses, and foreshadowing is kept to a thankful minimum so far. And while the pacing is a tiny bit rushed, it still manages to keep consistency and doesn't rush blindly ahead.

As for the art however, it remains at a decent level - though it even dips below that at points. I can't tell whether the animation quality is going to be given a boost sooner or later, though as of now it really is of simple quality compared to other shows that have recently aired. Movements feel oddly restricted, and there's quite the use of CGI that I hope they don't get into the habit of using.
However with that said there's also some rather odd visuals, with neat effects.
 The opening sequence of this episode is especially strange; boasting trippy animation and an unsettling bear with the most sadistic of smiles. In fact what really shines in the art department are the character designs. Faithful to the source material, each character has a specific and easily identifiable appearance. From wacky hair that defies gravity itself, to even cartoon-like facials and looks. With such a huge cast this is quite the achievement, and each character looks unique and different in their own way.

Speaking of the characters there are undeniably so many of them that it can be hard to keep track of. While personalities do glimmer through these odd and unique character designs, that won't be enough to pass them off as well developed characters. With only thirteen episodes to get things done character development may be scarce for a majority of the series - heightened by the fact this is a murder mystery after all. And the personalities do seem somewhat typical, so no surprises in that particular field.

With that said you'll find yourself easily choosing a character to stick with, or one to cheer for and for that I am grateful. Whether you find yourself liking the delicate pop-idol, to the muscular man/woman with a frightening facial - there's a range to select from, and hopefully we'll get to see more of all of them in later episodes. I may be asking a bit too much, but that is a personal hope of mine.

Who am I cheering for, you ask?

Why this guy of course.

Why else?
 

So in the end Danganronpa's first episode - while weighed down by some flaws - still ends up being an entertaining watch for this season! It presents many questions that can either overwhelm a series and kick it off balance; or it can heighten curiosity, and have you coming back for more. So far Danganronpa does the latter. It succeeds in having you intrigued and entertained all at the same time - and has a colorful cast of - if not somewhat typical - characters to match. Let's hope it continues to be an impressive - and a hopefully well-guised - murder mystery.

+}} Entertaining and intriguing; strong character designs; a surprisingly well-paced first episode; so far manages to be successfully secretive; some good OSTs; (and from what the fans are saying, a faithful adaption)
~}} The wait for the next episode will be painful; a few small rushed parts in the episode; so many characters that development may be scarce
 -}} Restricted animation and visuals; some 'typical' character personalities

4.0/5
It may be too early to judge too far ahead yet - however Danganronpa's first episode is great, and comes as recommended from me. A well-needed thriller to differ from the many moe series that seem to be dominating lately.