[DerMensch24]

Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha

Synopsis (Courtesy of MAL):
Spoiler (Click to View)It has been 10 years since Heaven's Gate appeared in South America and Hell's Gate appeared in Japan, veiling the once familiar night sky with an oppressive skyscape. Their purposes unknown, these Gates are spaces in which the very laws of physics are ignored. With the appearance of the Gates emerged Contractors, who, in exchange for their humanity, are granted supernatural abilities.

In the Japanese city surrounding Hell’s Gate, Section 4 Chief Misaki Kirihara finds herself at odds with an infamous Contractor codenamed Hei. Called "Black Reaper" in the underground world, Hei, like his associates, undertakes missions for the mysterious and ruthless Syndicate while slowly peeling back the dark layers covering a nefarious plot that threatens the very existence of Contractors.

From the mind of Tensai Okamura comes a sci-fi thriller taking the form of a subtle exposé on a war in which political positions and justice have no sway—a war waged exclusively in the shadows.

Seasons: 2 (S1: 25-26 (if you count the special as ep 26), S2: 12, OVA: 4)
Studio: Bones
Aired: Apr 6, 2007 - Sep 28, 2007
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Super Power
Source: https://myanimelist.net/anime/2025/Darke...Keiyakusha
Sub/Dub: Both exist and done well

Trailer (couldn't find an official one, this one is a meh fan-made one):
Spoiler (Click to View)

Darker than Black is quite an unusual anime, combining both the use of episodic narration with a generally overarching story that remains consistent up until the very end. With each episodic segment, generally 2 episodes at a time, we're able to engage with the well-written protagonists in their day-to-day interactions and conflicts. However, this anime also takes a further step by developing side characters who, while primarily featured in their specific story arc, do have some recurrence and use for the rest of the anime.

The plot does begin in medias res, and drives itself forward as it slowly peels away the truth. The characters themselves, as already stated, were well-written. Intentionally as well, however, it should be noted that this anime pursues with the objective of questioning the morality of war and actions. The main group that is at the center of the antagonism by humans, Contractors and Dolls, as they've been come to be known, granted with special powers live difficult lives trying to blend in. This anime gets its praise from drawing out that within such violence and struggle what it means to be human.

I found the art to be pleasant and the soundtracks were very well-done, especially the original OP for the first half of S1. On the enjoyment level, it employed a wonderful balance between action and contemplation for the characters. I would overall recommend this anime to anyone who has yet to see it. ;)