Divergence Eve: Misaki Chronicles
The Misaki Chronicles series is proof that even very questionable work can be redeemed. The original Divergence Eve was like a bad B-movie, but Misaki Chronicles is not only good, but great. To be sure, it’s not like Chronicles is a completely different series; most of the leading character designs are still as unnaturally busty as ever, but even this seems to be downplayed. Beyond the first episode and the opening, Eve’s trademark obsession with breasts more or less disappears beyond the remnants left in the character design; the characters even wear clothes like capes and kimonos that aren’t form fitting (this may seem odd to those of you that haven’t seen the original series, but trust me, it’s a big leap forward in realism for the series).
Believe it or not, this anime has a brain and a mystery to solve. The evacuees of Watcher’s Nest have arrived at earth, only to find that there are problems with time; specifically, the earth is caught in a strange field – which is the perfect excuse for Ertiana to wear a weird black cloak, shoot ghouls, and travel through time. Chronicles is also distinctly Japanese in its selection of time and space destinations, in contrast to the international flavor of the original Divergence Eve cast. Misaki is worried about the sadness and pain that people have experienced throughout time, and, in her altered state, appears just about everywhere, regardless of the time traveled to, a thousand years ago or actually within her lifetime. The intriguing horror of the situation in delicious, and reminds me of movies adapted from Stephen King novels.
Even if you didn’t like Divergence Eve, especially if you didn’t like Divergence Eve, give Misaki Chronicles a try. It’s a sincere apology from this would-be franchise that’s worth accepting.
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