100 things: Spellbinding Anime - Witch Hunter Robin
Okay lets imagine a mash-up between the old 1990s La Femme Nikkita and the Craft/Covenant. And instead of seeing this through the witches eyes we see if from the hunters eyes? Well, you kind of got the feel of Witch Hunter Robin.
The sereies focuses on the STN-J the Japanese branch of the Solomon Executive Organization. Solomon fights the harmful use of witchcraft using a database of witches, which includes those who have obtained the power of witchcraft through genetics and others who carry the gene (called "seeds") in order to arrest or eliminate them should their powers "awaken".
The STN uses the Orbo a green liquid in a amphora vial that negates witch abilities. STN-J's hunters carry small vials of it on necklaces in the shape of a cross as a form of protection against their targets' craft. Hunters also carry air pistols which fire darts or pellets of Orbo that dampen witch powers when it enters the bloodstream of the target witch. Hunters who are craft-users or seeds can use Orbo with little ill effects, although their own powers are reportedly diminished while using it.
The series focuses on one STN-J member, Robin Sena. Robin's 15 and a "craft user" born and raised in Italy by the Catholic Church. She has the craft of fire and uses it to hunt down witches. arrives in Japan to gain information for Solomon headquarters about a fabled item that holds the "secrets of the craft", while acting undercover as a new hunter to the STN-J in their efforts to capture witches. It is hinted that she subconsciously understands something of the STN-J's use of Orbo. Robin refuses wear an Orbo on her because she says it is "disgusting".
As the series goes on, Robin grows increasingly uncomfortable with her role in hunting and capturing other witches. She begins to question the treatment they receive while incarcerated in the mysterious "Factory". After the discovery of "secrets of the craft," she is entrapped and attacked twice by "witch bullets". Subsequently, the STN-J is attacked, presumably for "secrets of the craft," although the Solomon attack was carried out to find what Zaizen, the director of the STN-J, was planning.
Robin begins to worry that she will become a target and grows to suspect that her partner Amon will hunt her. Eventually, Robin does become a target of Solomon and labeled a witch, becoming "hunted". In the end, Robin finds out more about her craft and that of witches than she knew at the beginning.
Amon, Robin's partner is a 25-year-old S-class (Super class) Hunter. Although he is not a witch, he carries the witch gene. Once Robin accepts her fate as the "Eve of Witches", Amon volunteers to be a watchman who will terminate her if she becomes destructive. His ultimate fate is unknown. The reactions of the other characters show that he is believed to be alive, but he is said to be dead for his own safety. It is implied that Amon is not only Robin's protector and possible destructor, but also Robin's romantic partner. And can you blame the girl, especailly when Amon looks like this? Bears a striking resemblance to Trent Reznor. Amon's on the list for 10 mysterious Men so expect to see him again.
And the bonus is that Michael Lee (STN-J's hacker) looks a hell of a lot like Burkhoff from the 90's La Femme Nikkita and a case could be made for Jake Jensen from The Loosers.
Ohmahgod! I just realized that have a type...bad boy blondish hackers that wear tinted glasses! XD and its totally Matthew Ferguson's (Birkhoff) fault! Oh 100 things...what you teach me about myself...
Getting back to the topic of the post, I really like Witch Hunter Robin. I was kind fo sad to see it end after one season. It's well received by most critics and I urge you to check it out if you can find it.
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