Summary
The first episode of The Tale of Outcasts impresses with its intense symbolism and tragic storytelling. Exploring literal and metaphorical vision serves as a central theme in the first volume. The film delves into the relationship between humans and demons, demonstrating the power of love and intimacy amidst suffering.
Although overall a touching story, Crunchyroll users looking for a series that will hook them immediately can expect that and more from the first episode of The story of the outcasts, an anime that debuted during the Winter 2023 anime season brings a form of deeply tragic symbolism to connect its two heroes that only grows more intense over time. The impressive amount of symbolism in this Victorian-set story is even enough to attract those with an interest in action/adventure series that feature more blatant violence or a strict adherence to form. Shonen adaptation.
The theme immediately comes from 'The Outcast'visual exploration, both literally and figuratively. Interestingly, the literal meaning does not come into effect until the second half of the first episode, when the heroes' lives change dramatically. However, the way this change materializes serves as a metaphor for their initial relationship, while also defining the next phase of their story together.
Essentially, a human girl named Wisteria Langley is treated like a slave who only feels freedom or joy when a demon named Marbas visits her at night to tell her stories. How tragic, Her freedom comes at the cost of her eyesightwhere Marbas essentially becomes her “eyes” through a mandatory contract as he shows Wisteria the world and gives her new experiences. The next step in their relationship is a more extreme version of Marbas's stories being the only way Wisteria can “see” or experience the outside world. And, like all good anime, The Tale of the Outcasts then expands on this whole dynamic as Wisteria must use her “mind's eye” to help find and control Marbas's powers.
Produced by Ashi Productions; Based on the original manga by Makoto Hoshino
The first episode also creates a beautiful reflection from the other end of the spectrum, through the ways that the world initially “saw” or perceived them – both Marbas and Wisteria – contrast with how they view each other and the world. While still treated as a slave, Wisteria was forced to beg on the streets and passersby they all act as if she is invisible, completely ignoring her pleas. Same, all Demons in their demonic form are truly invisible to humans if they don't sign a contract with them. As a result, Marbas spent most of his existence wandering around the invisible world. It wasn't until he came across Wisteria that he met a human being who could truly see him, which was the foundation of their initial relationship.
The first episode also creates a beautiful mirror image from the other end of the spectrum, through the ways the world initially “sees” or feels about them – both Marbas and Wisteria – as opposed to how they see accept each other and the world.
Of course, this relationship soon becomes more nuanced as other forces enter their lives. When this happens, the viewer soon realizes that the eponymous outcasts whose stories are being told refer to others who have made pacts with the devil. Together, Marbas and Wisteria's travels take them into the lives of those negatively affected by society, primarily by a group known as the Knights of the Cross of Swords who hunt demons and even who have signed a contract with them. Wisteria's own connection to the Knight of the Cross of Swords causes more trouble making these confrontations more personal and emotional.
Although tragic, what is more is through the second pair of outcasts that Marbas and Wisteria meet, where the story takes on a more uplifting tone, emphasizing the positive impact that a loving relationship has on what humans do to the devil, and at the same time explore the connection of people who were once shunned by the devil. Their fellow human beings can become more connected and stronger through shared suffering and kinship. So while the images are powerfully symbolic and deeply tragic in the first episode of The story of the outcasts will attract a new audience on Crunchyroll, it is the wonderful relationships that are positively formed through pain that will keep them watching.