Yay or Nay: Banana Fish (Anime)

This anime and later, manga encapsulated the first bit of 2019 for me, both with its lovable characters, and tragic storyline. Now you might be saying “what kind of anime named Banana Fish is tragic?” Well, this is one where I will not discuss the ending. If you like anime, as I do, you will not be disappointed with this update, and a recent version of, what is in my opinion, one of the best stories I’ve seen.

Also, as a side-note, I've not been around as much (which I apologize for), because I've been writing and researching a great deal, and hopefully, working on a side project to be published in a couple months! Last weekend Olga and I attended Anime North though as Yuri on Ice's Victor and Yurio! Which was very well received! So, in light of that, I give the opposite side of the coin of Yuri On Ice, Banana Fish! They are the Ying and Yang of amazing anime. 

Also, the opening of Banana Fish is fucking amazing, and I will link them both down below. Brilliant soundtrack as well.

OP 1: here

Ending 1: here

Both of these songs manage to capture both the modern hardcore rock of today, while the other captures the 80's vibes (mixed with contemporary) of the streets of New York. I don't know how they did it, but it is amazing. 

The Story

Our story begins in the alleyways of New York city present day, where a dying man comes across notorious gang-leader Ash Lynx, who with his last breaths gives him an address, and a vial of powder, shot to death with the final words “go find Banana Fish”.

Meanwhile, a young boy from Japan, Eiji Okamura, travels to New York with his friend and photographer, Shunichi Ibe, who’s planning to photograph Ash for a new collection. Once Eiji meets Ash Lynx, he is thrown into a world of crime, conspiracy, and mafia politics, all the while trying to unravel the mystery of the notorious Lynx.

Originally, and I feel it’s important to point this out, this story was set in the 1980s New York, and sometimes not everything can be updated to meet modern standards. That said, I would immediately recommend you read the 19-volume manga, because you’ll get a real appreciation for the story in its original setting, and more importantly, political climate.

My Thoughts

(A no Spoiler Review! I think it’s best for this one given the fact that if you decide to watch this, the surprises of this anime are the ones you discover yourself)

Okay, so I will start off with saying that if you decide to take up the show, I will preface with a trigger warning. This show deals with some intense situations (some sexual in nature) so this show is not for all ages let’s say. That said, the best thing about this show is the characters themselves, Eiji and Ash, who are just amazing. They both come from different worlds, and the show really pushes them to their limits each time. 

Most of the characters have phenomenal development, and you will grow attached to each and every one of them that you meet (whether it be hate/love). This show has the effect of making one get emotionally invested into every single character. Each one has their own struggles, dilemmas and background that is explored fully and in full dimension. I’m hesitant to spoil here, but Ash and Eiji are obviously good examples. So is Sing Soo-Ling, and Shorter Wong (who I’m already crying about again).

Primarily though, the best thing this show has going for it is the development of Eiji and Ash’s relationship. They come from 2 very different worlds, and trying to see them both try to survive in each makes each arc more risky and puts more at stake. These two characters are so close and dependent on one another: one for his life in the literal sense (and probably metaphorical innocence and the other, his humanity.

Again the show also deals with some really gritty themes, but they do so in a very real and rather respectful way, one that not only progresses the story, but gives some background on how the effects of said trauma can effect a person. All characters are not flat, in fact, if anything, they’re packed with dimension, almost to the point where combined with both the plot and story it can become overwhelming. And expect every episode to end on a cliffhanger, which works to the show’s advantage because they are good cliffhangers.

Now for the one bad thing about this show. Not so much bad per se...but unbelievable. Mostly this has to do with Ash, who I love with all my heart, but he’s often beefed up to unbelievable levels. Such as intelligence, of which Ash is supposedly said to be this genius with an IQ of 200, and apparently just so beautiful that everybody wants him (although this part is more believable). Definitely, this aspect panders a bit more and sometimes it can be at a forefront a little too much, so that is something to be aware of.

My Rating

Even if anime isn’t your thing, this is a masterpiece and you should definitely give it a watch. Often times I forgot I was even watching an anime. So please give it a try if you haven’t, it’s been one of the most emotionally charged anime I’ve seen in a while!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars

Give it a look! Or even better a read, since this is also a manga! 

~Meghan