Kurau Phantom Memory


Kurau Phantom Memory is a 2004 science fiction anime series, produced by Bones and Media Factory, which was broadcast in Japan by the anime television networks Animax and TV Asahi. Set primarily in the year 2110, it explores themes such as inter-familial relationships and ethics in science. The series was licensed by A.D. Vision for North American localization for $960,000 since the first episode aired, and the first DVD was released on April 10, 2007. In 2008, the series was transferred from A.D. Vision to Funimation Entertainment, along with over 30 other titles.

Plot

In the year 2100, Dr. Amami is a scientist working in the field of alternative energy, who at the beginning of the series is on the verge of a major breakthrough in the area of "Rynax energy". His daughter Kurau accompanies him to the lab on her twelfth birthday, where an experiment goes horribly wrong and she is struck by a bolt of this energy, which disperses her into lights.
When she reforms, it is found that her body has been taken over by two Rynax, who are actually sentient life forms and not just a form of energy. However, one of the Rynax is too weak to awaken. The awakened Rynax takes on Kurau's name and identity, and though her newfound superhuman abilities make her a subject of interest for scientists, Kurau manages to live a relatively normal life. Ten years later, the second Rynax awakens and emerges as a twelve-year-old girl, whom Kurau names Christmas. The two look and interact very much like sisters.

Rynax

Originally believed to be a form of energy, Rynax are actually binary life forms that exist in Pairs. These beings are made up of pure energy and are channeled from an alternate dimension, and not generated as Dr. Amami believed. This channeling proves very traumatic for the Rynax, and often results in nearly immediate death. A Rynax that has fused with a human is known as a Ryna sapien. However, fusing with a human is often dangerous, and the usual outcome is a slow, agonizing death for both human and Rynax. Kurau proves to be extremely fortunate, as the human and Rynax components of her identity live together in a symbiotic relationship. The Rynax also give her special abilities, such as amazing strength and agility, and the ability to fly, pass through solid objects and generate enough radiation to disintegrate objects instantly.
Other humans who have been merged with Rynax prove to be dangerous and destructive people, resulting in pursuit of the GPO and termination of both Rynax and human. Kurau and her Pair are pursued by the GPO under the belief that they, too, are a threat to the world. Kurau vows to protect her Pair, while at the same time trying to escape detection and live a peaceful life.

Characters

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Release

Theme songs

Kurau Phantom Memory received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics. Kevin Gifford of Newtype USA praised the first volume of the series for its "neat take on the Ghost in the Shell-ish 'super-powered ladies in a dystopian future' formula" and said that it had "one of the most memorable first episodes" of any recent anime. Mania.com reviewer Brian Morton said that early on the series was "something of a disappointment," but that later episodes were "engaging, entertaining, and in some ways thought-provoking." He gave the series a B+ rating and called it "well worth watching." Diane Tiu of THEM Anime Reviews gave the series five out of five stars, stating that "there is very little to dislike about this series. There are no filler episodes and story moves at a crack pace". She also compared Kurau's movement style to that of Juna Ariyoshi from the anime series Arjuna.
In his review of the final DVD, Theron Martin of Anime News Network praised Kurau for its characters and "emotional appeal," but criticized how it was marketed, saying that too much focus was put on its action elements. In the site's Best of 2007 feature, both reviewers listed the series among the best of the year, describing it as "a combination of understated but convincing world-building, action, and genuine emotion ". Martin also named Kurau and Christmas "Best Couple," saying that while they are not "a couple in the traditional romantic sense," they "have such a close and loving connection that they put even Keiichi and Belldandy to shame."
Some reviewers were more critical of the series. IGN reviewer Jeffrey Harris gave the first DVD of the series a 6 out of 10 rating, stating that "Kurau starts more on the slow side, but it looks like it could be picking up steam and getting more exciting... The show needs to be less vague about the Rynax and their origins." Norman Rafferty of The Escapist gave the series a mostly negative review, criticizing it for lack of originality and saying that "After a promising opening, Kurau Phantom Memory quickly becomes melodrama." Otaku USA reviewer C.M. Brendelson said the series failed to make an emotional impact, and that the "story and character flaws, which are numerous and thoroughly aggravating, destroy what is otherwise a beautifully produced show."