Pluto

"Hate never leads to anything good!" Pluto is exactly what you'd expect from a collaboration between Osamu Tezuka and Naoki Urasawa. It's a fascinating exploration of humanity — what truly makes people human — and the profound impact of emotions. All of this is presented through seemingly inhuman robots who end up displaying more humanity than the average person. The series incorporates societal concerns. Tetsuwan Atom was made in the 1960s, so the name Atom itself as well as vivid depictions of war's horrors and aftermath, and even a chillingly accurate portrayal of the consequences of a planet-destroying bomb, all find their place here. This amalgamation of individual characters, the story's profound themes, and the subtle inspiration drawn from Pinocchio — all of this is Osamu Tezuka. Then there's the fantastic blend of detective thriller and drama, creating an unapologetically dense atmosphere that gradually unfolds, keeping you on the edge of your seat and occasionally sending shivers down your spine. Each character is given ample attention, with their stories meticulously developed, yet the narrative always stays focused on its core message. The story takes us through various locations like Germany, Switzerland, and even the Czech Republic. This is Naoki Urasawa's work, the genius behind one of the best detective thrillers out there — Monster (if you enjoyed Pluto, consider this a strong recommendation). Additionally, Studio M2 delivers surprisingly excellent animation, especially considering their previous work on Onihei which I liked but not because of its animation. Some scenes are almost movie-quality. If I had to nitpick, the music could have been more pronounced to enhance the overall experience. However, this is a minor critique in an otherwise outstanding series. It did take me a bit of time to fully immerse myself in the sci-fi elements and the series' earnest attempt to humanize robots. Yet, this was a personal hurdle that quickly dissipated as the story unfolded. In conclusion, Pluto was a brilliant experience — intelligent and gripping — I can only recommend it. 9/10 (28.10.2023)