Waking Dead

This is one of the shows I’d picked out as a potential favourite for the Spring season, and I’m really happy with how the first episode turned out.

Based on a series of light novels, Allison and Lillia is basically split into two stories that occur within the same fictional world. The first half of the series follows Allison and her high-school friend Will. Allison is a delivery pilot in the country’s air force, whereas Will is still studying (and occasionally teaching) at college. The two haven’t seen each other for a while, but when Allison pays him a visit his life gets turned upside down.

After going for a bike ride and eventually getting involved with a mysterious old man, they find themselves involved in some nasty government secrets. These secrets pertain to the location of a treasure that could bring an end to the conflict with their neighbouring country. Unfortunately, the old man gets whisked away by Bad Men and our intrepid duo set off to rescue the one person who knows where this treasure can be found.

From the very start, it’s clear that this from the same creative team behind Kino’s Journey. It has the same relaxed pace and gentle narrative, but it also treats its viewer with respect, particularly in the mature way Allison and Will’s relationship is handled. I really like the art style as well, and the world in which the series is set looks like an idyllic 1930′s England.

On the negative side, Will’s voice is a little too high-pitched for me. I’d have preferred a male voice actor for this as it’s clear Will isn’t as young as he sounds. It’s a fairly minor point though as you quickly get used to it. Overall, I’d say this is a very impressive opening episode, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what adventures the pair get involved in over the course of the series.