Angel Sanctuary is one of the reasons why I like anime. Plain and simple, it exemplifies how the industry is not afraid to tackle subjects that ordinary media would turn their nose down on. I can guarantee you will not see this series on American television, not even cable. The depictions of Judeo-Christian and Muslim religious figures that will offend many.
Angel Sanctuary or Tenshi Kinryoku OAV is based on the first three volumes of the manga series of the same name, by shoujo mangaka Kaori Yuki. And like many other shoujo titles, Angel Sanctuary, takes ordinary concepts of love, twists them into situations that are nothing short of deplorable, but leave the most moral viewer feeling deeply sympathetic for the characters involved.
Angel Sanctuary is the story of the Organic Angel Alexiel, who was once one of the most powerful angels in Heaven, until she turns against God during the Great Angel War, and is defeated. Her punishment or damnation is to incarnate in ad infinitum on Earth and die a violent death with each incarnation. Angel Sanctuary begins with Alexiel's current incarnation, in the twentieth century, as Setsuna Mudo, a high school boy who is in love with his biological sister Sara. This love has brought him nothing but pain and heartache, especially after his estranged mother finds out about Setsuna and Sara's feeling for one another. But this is the least of Setsuna's problems, sure being damned for love is one thing, but being a damned Angel is another. Several beings want to awaken Setsuna to his soul's true identity and re-ignite the Battle of Heaven. These beings, whose agenda it is to awaken the power of Alexiel, and unleash mass destruction, include Alexiel's twin brother Rosiel whose twisted love and hate for Alexiel have driven him to forsake creation and Heaven in order avenge his undying love and jealousy towards her. Kurai, a demon whom Alexiel saved during the Great Angel War, who believes he has a score to settle with God and the Angels, and Archne, the androgynous demon, who is Kurai's protector. Another being that seeks to awaken Alexiel happens to be Setsuna's best friend Kira, who posses unbelievable power, and must now choose between his life, friendship, and the cataclysmic awakening of Alexiel.
I will admit I was uncomfortable watching the series at first. The depiction of angels with such human characteristics conflicted with my own religious/spiritual beliefs to the point where I was tempted to turn it off. But once I got over myself, because it is only a story, a very good story, with great animation (the opening scene of the series is an angel being slaughtered and his blood remains on the door behind him in the shape of a cross), plenty of bloodshed, mayhem, love, and incest to go around. I really enjoyed the strange, demented and eerily spiritual tale. I even found myself rooting for Setsuna and his sister's relationship (I guess TV really can demoralize you?).
I strongly encourage anime fans to check out this series. Though at times the series seems quick and the story line a little vapid usually by the end of an episode things make sense. But what do you expect from a manga adaptation?
This 90-minute spiritually conflicted extravaganza will available to the general population July 10th, via DVD and dubbed VHS, from Central Park Media. Be sure to check out the DVD version that contains Trivia, a behind the scenes look at the making of the English dubbed, and Scripts. Also visit the official Angel Sanctuary site for more info, cool pics, and wallpapers.
Send your comments and or questions about this article to Bandwidth@ybfree.com.