And so, the first two episodes of Chi. have officially premiered (available on Netflix), and I’ve got to say, I’m pretty satisfied with what Studio Madhouse has delivered so far.
As some of you might know, Chi. was one of my most anticipated anime of the Fall 2024 season. Having read the original manga, I was struck by its bold, unconventional themes—far from the usual fare. I’ve even written an analysis calling it a “hidden gem” among recent award-winning manga.
From Page to Screen: Strengths and Challenges
While Chi. excels in content and messaging, I noticed a couple of hiccups when reading it. First, the artwork felt a bit rough around the edges compared to other seinen manga. Second, the dialogue could get wordy and dense, packed with scientific methodology that might weigh things down. So, for the anime adaptation, I figured two things were key: sprucing up the visuals and making the dialogue pop in an engaging way.
After two episodes, Madhouse’s team has nailed it. This isn’t an anime for those expecting a “sakuga fest” of explosive action scenes, but right from the opening minutes, we’re treated to shots that linger on the medieval world and society. I think this adds a layer of depth that outshines the manga. Plus, those gorgeous night sky scenes? A real treat for an astronomy buff like me.
Direction and Voice: Elevating the Vision
To me, a crucial part of directing an anime is pinpointing the standout moments of the source material and bringing them to life in a way that grabs the audience. Director Kenichi Shimizu—known for Parasyte and an animator since the 1980s—alongside a powerhouse voice cast including Maaya Sakamoto, Kenjirou Tsuda, and Yuuichi Nakamura, gave me confidence. Their experience shines through, making the work’s philosophical dialogue not just digestible but inspiring.
A Full Journey Ahead
Best of all? The anime’s confirmed for two cours (25 episodes). With the manga spanning 8 volumes (62 chapters), I’m optimistic we’ll get a complete adaptation from start to finish! Between Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and now Chi., I’m hopeful Madhouse will keep pushing forward, breathing new life into these meaningful stories.
