Speed Grapher (2005)

[スピードグラファー]

Director: Kunihisa Sugishima
Studio: Gonzo
Starring: Yuji Takada, Kei Shindou, Toshiyuki Morikawa
Episodes: 24

Synopsis:
A former war photographer uncovers a secret club for Japan's elite where a person's most depraved desires can be satisfied.

Impressions:
Not knowing anything going into this series, I thought it was about someone who drew fast or something. That was wildly off base. This is basically what it would be like if David Cronenberg made an anime. The corruption and depravity of the elite serve as the backdrop for a story where obsessions manifest as supernatural abilities. The concept behind the Euphorians made for some neat monster-of-the-week encounters. Given the subject matter, this series isn't going to be for everyone, but it never gets too explicit or particularly exploitative. There are intriguing character dynamics that should keep you invested, even as the narrative starts to get a bit wobbly at the end. If you think you're up for it, I'd say it's worth a watch. Give it a shot.

Rating:
Watch It