AlthoughFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodwas more successful for being faithful to its source material, its first adaptation, released in 2003, is still held in high regard for its darker tone and exploration of humanity. However,Fullmetal Alchemistwasn’t the best animeto do this in 2003, as another series that most fans had never even heard of did it in an unpredictable way:Kino’s Journey.
When thinking about the best anime released in 2003, besidesFullmetal Alchemist, shōnen hits such asZatch Belland.hack//Legend of the Twilightcome to viewers' mind. Yet, even though it flew under the radar,Kino’s Journeyhas become a certified cult classic anime that has even surpassed the first adaptation ofFullmetal Alchemist.
Kino’s Journey Surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist in Philosophical Themes
Kino’s Journey Was an Anime Masterpiece Before Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One of the best traits ofFullmetal Alchemist’s story is the way it handles philosophy and the meaning of humanity with the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the representation of science, and the tragedy that falls upon the Elric Brothers when trying to defy nature. However, this powerful message is mostly explored in the last arc of the story.
Sadly, the last arc wasn’t adapted intoFullmetal Alchemist’s 2003 adaptation due to the manga still being published at the time. However,Kino’s Journeyis a deep and reflective story that delves into different parts of human nature in only 12 episodes. Though it does have some action scenes,Kino’s Journeyis characterized by its slow pace and episodic format. Yet, the best part of the anime is how it features different contemplative stories.
Kino’s Journeyis a sci-fi anime following Kino, who, along with the motorcycle Hermes, travels to several countries, encountering all kinds of traditions and people.
Some of thestories inKino’s Journeyare extremely sad and show the ugly side of humanity, from loneliness, war, technology, and work life to awful crimes, with a psychological approach and an impartial point of view, with the audience serving as observers, just like Kino. As a result, Kino’s Journey’s episodes connect with the audience on an emotional level and make them reflect.
Kino’s Journey Is Different From Any Other Anime
Kino’s Journey Also Has An Anime Remake Available on Crunchyroll
Likewise,Kino’s Journeybecame a cult series and is considered a masterpiece anime thanks to the way its stories don’t follow the same narrative as other anime, with the lessons not being revealed to the viewers but instead leaving the audience to decide whether it was a bad or a good resolution. Yet, the dark tone of some ofKino’s Journeystories may be hard to digest for some viewers.
However, as every episode features a different country and a new adventure for Kino,Kino’s Journeyis the perfect anime to enjoy at the viewers' pace, similar toMushishi. Additionally, althoughKino’s Journey’s 2017 remakehas a different tone than the original series, it’s a modern version for those wanting to venture into the story for the first time.
Kino’s Journeyis currently available to watch only on HIDIVE, while its remake,Kino’s Journey—The Beautiful World—The AnimatedSeries,is available onCrunchyroll.
Kino’s Journey’s muted color palette and soundtrack fill Kino and Hermes’s adventures with a melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere. This, in addition to its balance between sci-fi themes and thought-provoking scenes, makesKino’s Journey impact viewers and keeps them pondering about its meaning even long after its ending. This givesKino’s Journeyenough reasons to stand as the best anime of 2003.
