Summer 2023’s Creepiest Anime
Summer 2023's Creepiest Anime
Dark Gathering: Anime Review
While Summer 2023 has been buzzing with the return of beloved anime titles, there’s one new horror anime that’s been quietly creeping into our hearts. At first glance, “Dark Gathering” may not seem too intimidating, but boy, does it pack a punch! This supernatural horror anime has turned the creepiness factor up to eleven and is shaping up to be the most unsettling series of 2023. But what makes “Dark Gathering” so effective in its horror?
Plot and Background
Picture this: college student Keitarō Gentōga despises ghosts and the occult, but unfortunately for him, they’re inexplicably drawn to him. A past incident involving Keitarō and his friend Eiko left him injured and traumatized, leading him to become a shut-in. Thanks to the support of his childhood friend Eiko, he’s slowly rejoining society and even lands a tutoring job. But here’s the twist – his first pupil is none other than Eiko’s fearless cousin, Yayoi Hōzuki. Yayoi not only possesses a spiritual aura but is also on a quest to find the spirit responsible for her mother’s disappearance. Dragging Keitarō along, she uses him as bait to lure out spirits. Brace yourselves for haunted locations and supernatural hotspots!
“Dark Gathering” is based on the manga of the same name by Kenichi Kondō. It has been serialized since March 2019, with VIZ Media bringing it to English readers. The anime, directed by Hiroshi Ikehata and licensed by Sentai Filmworks, brings this chilling story to life.
Art and Animation
In the light-hearted moments, “Dark Gathering” maintains a bright appearance. However, it can quickly shift to a foggier, more grainy aesthetic reminiscent of eerie spiritual encounters from shows like “BLEACH.” The characters may seem plain at first, but there’s a purposeful other-worldliness to Yayoi’s design, making her stand out from the bunch.
But where this series truly shines is in its darker moments. Once the true threat is revealed, Yayoi takes the spotlight, showcasing stunning and fluid animation. There’s something about the way “Dark Gathering” combines multiple visual elements to enhance its creepiness. The direction of the show has been exceptional, leaving us hooked. At its core, “Dark Gathering” tells the chilling story of a young girl’s determination to save her mother from an evil spirit, all while emanating terror herself.
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Themes
Sure, “Dark Gathering” explores the fear of the supernatural, but that’s just scratching the surface. Themes of trauma, loneliness, and grief drive the actions of the main characters. Each incident, or “haunting,” leaves viewers viscerally uncomfortable, despite the show’s casual vibe. And don’t let its seemingly light-hearted moments fool you – “Dark Gathering” knows how to make your skin crawl.
X-Factor
What sets “Dark Gathering” apart from other horror anime of 2023 is its execution of horror elements. Its cute and colorful character designs give it the vibrancy of a slice-of-life series, but don’t be fooled. This anime manages to sprinkle reminders of its true intentions from the get-go. The unsettling climax of each episode sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The ambiance, combined with shots carrying intense emotions, creates a sinister feel that immerses viewers. And let’s not forget the powerful soundtrack, amplifying the darkness lurking within “Dark Gathering.” Brace yourself for the full force of creepiness that this series accumulates before hitting you all at once.
“Dark Gathering” is currently available for streaming on HiDive. Don’t miss out on this intriguing new horror experience!
Source: Gamerant
