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REVIEW: Shigofumi - Letters from the Departed DVD

“Kotodama” by Ali Project serves as the opening theme

I really want to check this one out before buying. But if there's a stream being offered anywhere (like here or on CR) I want to watch a few episodes before I make a final decision. Other than that I'd be making a blind buy. But if it's anything similar to the Ballad of the Shinigami (which I also want) then that would be more my reason to add it to my collection.

Chrno2 wrote:

I really want to check this one out before buying. But if there's a stream being offered anywhere (like here or on CR) I want to watch a few episodes before I make a final decision. Other than that I'd be making a blind buy. But if it's anything similar to the Ballad of the Shinigami (which I also want) then that would be more my reason to add it to my collection.

It will be streaming on Anime Network soon: http://www.theanimenetwork.com/Anime/Shigofumi/Watch . But usually only the first two episodes are free and the rest require you to be a member. It will most likely be on YouTube as well, but probably as a paid rental.

I have to say that I loved this show. It pulled me in from the first episode and I had to try hard not to stay up all night and finish it in one sitting. The stories and writing are excellent and the musical score is incredible and fits the show perfectly.

I love how many of the stories were able to stand alone but all tied back to the overarching back story of Fumika and her status as a mail carrier. I also loved the darker themes the show explored. It did them in a much more fluid and believable manner than similar shows like Hell Girl. And like Hell Girl, this events in the story all start with a single act of vengeance but unlike HG the story comes full circle with an act of kindness.

This is an excellent release and after one or two aborted releases, I'm glad Sentai was able to bring it over. This is definitely a top-tier title in my book.

Is the show consistently dark throughout, or is there some specks of light to be found from time to time? I don't really mind shows that are partially dark and depressing, but if Shigofumi is consistently so, my interest in it is going to take a very heavy hit.

a thoroughly irritating supporting character in the staff Kanaka

It does have lighter moments and even a bit of comedy. It even does the ubiquitous "bathhouse episode" at one point. Unlike the comedy elements in the later seasons of Hell Girl, it doesn't feel forced though. So while the show does have dark elements, they are not overly depressing.

Kudos for mentioning Hell Girl, which has some similar themes

dragonrider_cody wrote:

It does have lighter moments and even a bit of comedy. It even does the ubiquitous "bathhouse episode" at one point. Unlike the comedy elements in the later seasons of Hell Girl, it doesn't feel forced though. So while the show does have dark elements, they are not overly depressing.

Thank you. Maybe I'll give it a shot, then. (The concept did interest me somewhat when I first heard about it.)

One more question; does it have an ending, and if yes, is it a downer ending? A "yes", "sort of" or "no" is all I'm looking for, so no elaborate explanations in spoiler boxes is necessary.