Flip Flappers

  

                A world that is so disoriented even the episodes must be re-watched to understand all that is going on! Flip Flappers follows the adventures of Cocona and Paprika entering worlds known as "Pure Illusion." Each world contains a theme and almost disorienting effect depending on the episode you watch. There seems to be a lack of direct continuity to any of the episodes involved in the series as each episode jumps directly into the next adventure. In each episode, Cocona and paprika are forced to find little crystal shards that are said to contain power to grant a wish. Two organizations are after this power: Cocona/Paprika's organization and Klansmen(?). Whatever the ridiculous cosplay is, this series has deeper tones than the usual animes you see strolling across the TV. 

 

                I found that this anime had darker tones than the normal run of the mill magical girl moe junk you see once and a while. If you were to watch the anime, the episodes are clearly not meant to be viewed as happen chronologically or at least not one event after the other. The animation has a lot of psychedelic effect attached to the worlds and act to underline themes that are not present to the naked eye. Such themes include the underlying relationship of Cocona to the girl in the boat in here dreams. The use of the crystal shards is never fully stated as they are only collected and are told to grant wishes when you think of your most precious item. Paprika seems to have a deeper connection to Cocona shown by the way she hangs around Cocona 24/7. Some concerns with the anime are that I wished there were a clearer allusion to the overall plot that is being conveyed by the animation. I get that there is a bit of mystery added into the mix, but the viewer must be engaged with some sort of subtle display that can alert them to an underlying plot ongoing in the background. The relationships could be re-enforced using this such as Salt and Mimi being the parents of Cocona. Not to mention, why did Cocona and Paprika have to be apart in the end in that dimension?!