English: Noragami: Stray God
Japanese: ノラガミ
Episodes: S1-12, S2-13, OVA1-2, OVA2-2
Aired: S1(Jan 5 – Mar 23, 2014), S2(Oct 3 – Dec 26, 2015), OVA1(Feb 17 – Jul 17, 2014), OVA2(Nov 17, 2015 – Mar 17, 2016)
Studios: Bones
Genres: Action, Supernatural, Shonen, Fantasy
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older
My Rating: S1-8, S2-9, OVA1-8, OVA2-8
I’ve been meaning to write this article right after finishing the first season of Noragami but I don’t want to sound so eager so I waited until I finished all the episodes as well as the OVAs so I can gather all of my thoughts.
I was actually hesitant to try this one at first because some shonen anime sucks but after watching Death Note, One Punch Man, My Hero Academia (and a few more) last year, my feelings have changed. Since I ran out of anime in my to-watch list, I decided to try my luck and check out some shonen anime. And that’s how I came across Noragami.
I honestly don’t know what Noragami is all about and I can always drop it if I don’t like the first episode so I decided, why not? And my! I can’t believe I am writing this article right now saying praises about Noragami.
How Did I Fall in Love With This Anime Series?
- Plot
In the first season, we were introduced to a world where Phantoms gang up on spirits and humans alike, feeding on the vulnerable and corrupting the weak. We also learned about the regalia and the bond they share with their master. The Phantoms, regalia and purifying the blight of corruption is like the combination of the anime Bleach, Soul Eater and a little bit of Inuyasha (because of the priestess costumes, *wink).
It was actually a pretty cool combination plus I love that it was also cultural because of the gods. I know that Japan has many gods but I don’t know any of them, and watching Noragami is like being introduced to them especially to the Seven Gods of Luck.
I think the combination of those different ideas was done so flawlessly and backed up with some amazing characters, graphics and voice actors made Noragami a really great anime.
- Yukine
Yukine was really cute when he was first introduced, but when he started to speak, I was kinda disappointed. It also didn’t help that he was acting up in the first few episodes making me annoyed. I understand why he’s feeling that way and since it’s YA, teen angst can’t be helped, but I still don’t like it.
But even if he’s annoying the heck out of me, I can’t stop myself admiring this cutie especially if he’s wearing a hoodie. My! This kid is just so kawaii!!! But after Yukine settled all of his issues, he became one of my favorite characters in this anime. Wanna know why? You’ve got to watch this anime, *wink.
- Entertainment
I always think that all anime, whatever genre they are in, always contains humor. And my! Noragami didn’t disappoint at all. It can be dark sometimes but when its intention is to make you laugh, you really can’t help but laugh. This anime is so hilarious and those facial expressions (especially Yato’s) were so epic lol.
Aside from the funny parts, this anime also made me cry. And honestly, thinking about those scenes can still make me teary-eye. This anime isn’t just about entertainment but you can also learn a thing or two in here.
- Romance
I am a hopeless romantic and I love shipping characters, and my! Yato and Hiyori are so good together. When I started this anime, I wasn’t expecting any romance because it’s obviously supernatural so imagine my reaction when I hinted that there could be “something” between Yato and Hiyori (insert deafening squeal here).
What I like about this anime is that it didn’t lose its edge even if it’s hinting that Yato and Hiyori could be more than friends. Also, the romance was subtle but still very sweet (especially if you love YA romance) and it wasn’t done in a haste. Both the characters got the chance to really get to know each other and bond together. Aside from Yato and Hiyori, you could also find some other characters to ship together too, *wink.
- Characters
Another great thing about this anime was the characters. There’s a lot of them but it’s not hard to get familiarize with because all of them got the chance to shine, except those characters that are currently insignificant in each episodes ofcourse.
There’s also some great character growth and developments making you love the anime even more.
- Art
I was really pleased with the art of this anime. All we’re so beautiful and the animation quality was high even in the battle scenes.
The characters charm and beauty were constant in each episode and OVA and the designs as well. The new designs for characters in season 2 all fit in with the anime.
As for the opening and closing themes, they all look so cool as heck and gets me really hyped everytime I start an episode.
- Soundtrack
I have to say that Noragami has one of the best soundtracks ever, especially the opening of both seasons 1 and 2! I am actually listening to it right now while writing this article, hehe. Both the opening song screams rock ‘n roll and it’s very catchy, making me sing along with it (even if I don’t know the lyrics, haha) everytime it plays.
- Voice Actors
I can’t help but think that this kind of anime has some really good English voice actors. The Code Geass, Bleach, Black Butler, Death Note, (especially) Fairy Tail and some few others have really good dubs. And for Noragami? It was perfect!
I actually watched Noragami in dubs and subs interchangeably and I can’t pick which one is my favorite because both of them were really good. All the voices suit the characters and the acting was excellent making Noragami more enjoyable to watch.
Conclusion
Noragami is a very good anime series to watch, whether alone or with family and friends. What’s also great with this anime is that it’s shorter than most shonen anime like Naruto or Dragon Ball Z making it so light to watch.
That said, I really recommend that you give Noragami a chance. I’m sure it will surprise you, *wink.
