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HomeReviewsPeacemaker
Review* Peacemaker
by Sean Russell (Naruto)
Animation by Studio Gonzo
Japanese Broadcaster: TV Asahi
Creator: Nanae Chrono
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural

Information
From Gonzo Studios comes yet another Samurai series set in the Genji Era (late 1860s). Interestingly enough, the show is based on actual events. Peacemaker is about the Shinsengumi , a group of merciless assassins made famous in Rurouni Kenshin. We remember them as the only equivalent to the dangerous Battousai, but here we see another side of the group. The shows starts off with a spiky red-head named Tetsunosuke Ichimura. Seeking revenge for his father's slaying, he wishes to become a member of Shinsengumi. The first two episodes cover his tumultuous journey to become a respected swordsman.

The show centers on the strengths of each character and the duality of them being both vicious demons and harmless cliche Anime archetypes. To name a few, you have a cross-dresser, a pedophile, a cocky brute, a neurotic nurturer and an headstrong brat. Put them all together and you have a show destined to be a classic.

The character design is spearheaded by Akemi Hayashi, of Fruit Baskets fame. The series shows a great detail to the scenery as well as the individual characters. The expressive tone of the character's eyes is a reoccurring plot device in this series, showing the split in each character's personality. The focus of this show is showing a human side to "Pack of Wolves". They slaughter their victims without hesitation then return home to crack jokes. The brutal nature of the slayings stands out against the overall soft heartedness of the show.

After the fourth episode, you are introduced to a wealth of characters. Slowly you become enthralled in their subtle complexities. You learn that there is more than meets the eye with more surprises in store. You get to see more characters and their relationships with other ancillary characters.

I would recommend this show after viewing only a few episodes. Hopefully the quality holds up overtime.

Grade: B-