I think there are a lot of anime fans like myself who really crave something different from the giant mech, slice of life, high school = everything forever, titles that just seem to litter the entire landscape like they grow on trees. We want something different, but not so out of the box you're confused or nauseated. If you're feeling this way, I recommend "Shadows House". This manga-adaptation premiered in the Spring of 2021, a time when I was more focused on sanitizing everything I came into contact with than the latest anime, but I am sorry I missed this one for it turned out to be one of the more unique things I've seen in quite some time.
"Shadows House" is set in Victorian Era Europe, most likely Great Britain if we are going by the names of the characters. One morning, a girl wakes up in a trunk, and gets to work in a massive manor specifically seeing to one member of the household, Kate. She is presumably the same age, but she is a pitch black humanoid. Yes, the name "Shadows House" is quite literal as these "Shadows" are just seemingly voids in appearance but are indeed unique in their personalities. There is a sense of haughtiness to them as they are waited on hand and foot while only referring to themselves in the third person. To add to this strange dynamic, the girl, whom Kate will soon dub Emilico, is called a "living doll". And we soon see that all living dolls are created in what should be the living image of these shadows. They are much more than servants, they are meant to be the face to the shadow, and serve as a reflection of that at all times. These "dolls" are very much alive, with personalities that at times clash with their shadows. Both doll and shadow are quite mortal, needing food, sleep, and as much care as a human being does... curious.
At first, I thought this was a poor method to save money on the animation budget. A shadow has no features, less to draw. But, there is certainly a purpose to these obsidian persons who live in a massive, castle-like house ways away from the populous in gothic, eerie, fog. These shadows emit soot, the magic McGuffin of "Shadows House", it has enough magical properties to be a concern when it concentrates on it's own, but more so it's one's skill with said soot that determine a Shadow's potential. Kate and Emilico are not the only young duo in the manor, as no less than 4 others have also just come to get their own "living dolls" in preparation for a grand "Debut". Back in these times, young members of prestigious families were given grand parties announcing their debut into high society. (Hence the name "Debutantes"). But, this debut is more of a crucible and right of passage. The new shadows have to earn their way along with their dolls into the rest of the house as a firm, capable, unit. It is here we're introduced to the primary antagonist, Edward. He calls himself a "Special Doll", but has the look and wardrobe of a 1960s Batman villain and is just about as scheming, albeit more capable.
Will our cast of shadow and doll younglings make it through this trial? And what happens if they don't? "CloverWorks" certainly crafted a fine, engrossing, plot in just a few, short, episodes. And if the whole era, atmosphere, magical servant-master relationship seems familiar, these are the same fellows who adapted "Black Butler". But this feels more "Addams Family" than "The Omen". Kate and Emilico are certainly prime protagonists, especially the latter with her "can-do, stiff-upper lip" attitude that seems more fitting for a magical girl genre than this macabre piece. The rest of the cast of characters is quite strong, too, with each shadow and doll proving to be marvelous in their contrast of each other, but each showing unique journeys as people. Especially the blonde doll, Ricky, who experiences one of the better ice-meltings arcs I've seen.
I was certainly drawn in by the sheer mystery of it all, I had so many questions, this would've been enough to keep me going til Edward has a Third Act exposition dump that really takes the wonder out of much of it, but after 13 episodes- you still have more questions than answers, especially concerning the mastermind of all this known as, "Lord Grandfather", who manages to dress more gaudily than Edward, and maintains a massive aura of "Final Boss", along with the other shadow elites who are all equally deserving of as much contempt as Edward. What good is an anime antagonist if you don't have the deepest desire to watch them get their comeuppance? This lot certainly earns it.
Another aspect of "Shadows House" I found refreshing was the opening and closing music, tracks I actually listened to rather than skip quite a few times. "a hollow shadow" is a wonderful, instrumental tango that feels more at home in the streets of Paris than such a morbid setting such as this, but adds to the other worldly feeling with vocalizations, and is quite an ear worm. The closing credits are accompanied by "Nai Nai" by ReoNa, a song so surreal and modern most people will just skip to the next episode and don't listen to/read the lyrics- but they should! Because it's not just a statement about one's own feelings of self and self-worth, but a statement about the characters of the show themselves. (Hey, PAUL!)
This is usually where I get to Sub vs. Dub, but honestly, either one is a win. Both casts deliver strong performances but given the rather European vibe of the whole show, it feels more natural in English, but can certainly be enjoyed just as much in Japanese. A title like "Shadows House" was certainly made for the "Hot Topic", Tim Burton-crowd but as an Average Joe, I enjoyed it quite a bit myself and am quite excited to watch the next season. Its small shortcomings certainly don't detract from what is a genuinely intriguing and stand-out series. 8/10. Check it out. Cheers!
