Den-oh Coil

 

   Imagine that the lines between reality and virtual reality becomes blurred beyond recognition. In a similar theme comparable to Lain, Den-oh Coil's main premise revolves around how technology can become an inseparable vice for mankind. So much in fact that the kids can become absorbed into the "other side" while their real bodies face death. All this troublesome VR stems from glasses that act as an interface to computer generated beings and environments. This is what lies in wait for Yuuko who has just moved to the city with her family. What started out as a normal day turns into a spiraling mystery of finding out what keeps the "Other Side" operating and meeting friends and foes. She tags along (unwillingly) in her Grandma's club to monitor when the "Other Side" and the "Illegals" get out of hand. Yuuko is joined by other children in her grandma's agency and meets up with a foe hell-bent on harvesting "Illegals" for her own benefit. Not to mention, a cute little dog that is destined to protect its master although be it clumsily. However as soon as Yuuko joins the agency, the activity of “Illegals” spikes to levels never seen which affect the computer-generated beings. It all leads up to the mystery of why “Illegals” and the “Other Side” exist in the first place with a mysterious figure know as Miss Michiko at the head of the “Other Side.” The question remains: Do you want to go to the "Other Side" to meet those taken too soon from you?

   The series is a well thought out piece with often well placed foreshadowing that casts certain characters into the spotlight. It has its fair share of nice plot points such as the relationships between the sweet moments between Yuuko and Hanaken or Fumie and Daichi. It is also very important to stress how this series is reflective of our world. Especially since humans as a whole do interact with a virtual reality but not as in-depth as shown in Den-oh Coil. I do believe that the series suffers from pacing problem as four episodes in the show becomes slice of life as it focuses on their school lives and other focal points. I felt as if the notion of becoming apart of the "Other Side" could have been more detailed in how it happens. It was shown to have side effects when messing with the "Other Side" such as heart pains and mild dizziness. More dire stakes are needed to convey what is at risk. Furthermore, Isako's character development is rushed toward the end of the series as she goes from antagonist to damsel in distress. Perhaps it was  when translating the mamga into an animation. Overall, the series was a decent watch but like any show has its own flaws that makes endearing to the viewer. It was an absolute entertaining experience to watch the show for the first time. I hope you can find that out too if you want to watch it.