Durarara!! | First Impressions

Durarara!!, a series that I have been looking forward to for months now, is finally here. Does it live up to the hype? Well, it's a bit too early to tell, but I do like what I am seeing so far. Especially from the Headless Rider. Man alive, she is so badass.

I wouldn't want to be this guy. A face full of rubber? OUCH!

The first episode didn't bowl me over, as it was pretty laid back; so like with Baccano!, it will probably take another episode or two before I completely warm up to it. Even so, the episode has laid a good foundation, since Masaomi (and the conversation in the chat room) pretty much gave us a rundown on a good chunk of the parties involved. There are other things that don't make sense yet either, but that's not a bad thing. Rather, it makes me more interested to see what happens next, given the plot summary on ANN.

Plot summary (from ANN): Ryuugamine Mikado is a boy who longs for the exciting life of the big city. At the invitation of his childhood friend Masaomi, he transfers to a school in Ikebukuro. Masaomi has warned him about people he doesn't want to cross in the city: a champion fighter, an informant, and a mysterious gang called "Darazu." Nervous from Masaomi's stories, Mikado witnesses an urban legend on his first day in the city, the Headless Rider astride a black motorcycle. From then on, the existence of supernatural cases and a gang called the Yellow Turbans will rise to the surface, and Ikebukuro will pushed to the breaking point.

No idea why Horo Holo is there. Its not like Brains Base has dealt with her before or anything.

The opening sequence is in the same vein as Baccano! in terms of editing, and once again they've chosen a great song. The terrible ending theme leaves a lot to be desired, however. The production values are excellent, and the sound design on the Headless Rider's motorcycle is quite impressive. I also loved the touch of Baccano! playing on a big screen in the shopping district, along with the Holo stand-up that Mikado bumps into and apologizes to, thinking it was an actual person.

I love the kitty ears on the Headless Rider's helmet, but this guy probably doesn't share my feelings.

Looking forward to more of Durarara!!, as it is off to a solid start.