Soul Eater (om nom)

Whilst working on this module I have become more aware of the depth of Character development in media. Having just finished (and enjoyed) watching 'Soul Eater'; an anime produced by the Japanese anime studio 'Bones' and Illustrated by Atsushi Okubo, I've realised that growing attached to the Characters results from a well written Character personality coupled with striking design and a considered animation.


Specifically, the characters body language is very telling of their character, for example, Black Star - an arrogant and 'macho' - but quite short - boy, usually adopts a power stance when standing still, and when moving is full of an overwhelming amount of energy, this is complimentary to his design - being of quite bulky/ muscly build. Soul on the other hand adopts a 'cool guy' attitude usually, and slouches, or talks with his head tilted downwards - often not making eye contact. 

Death the Kid

 One of my favourite characters - Death the Kid - has OCD, needing everything to be symmetrical. This is shown through his design, as his outfit and everything he has control of (for example his weapons - twin pistols) are symmetrical. Though his hair is not symmetrical (which upsets him), it has been deeply considered by the artist - and is meant to represent the Sanzu River - the river which must be crossed to reach the afterlife. His need for symmetry sometimes commands his movement - especially when fighting, allowing graceful, more aesthetically pleasing fight scenes. His fighting ability and OCD, coupled with his 'status' as Deaths' son, also seems to command him respect, which is shown through his outfit - a suit (instead of, for example Soul's Hoody) and way he carries himself. Unlike Soul and Black Star he is less inclined to slouch and adopts a more formal stance.


Finally the expressions and general 'air of madness' some of the Characters adopt in 'Soul Eater', with wide eyes and stretched grins, has inspired me to, in a sense 'loosen' my own characters' grip on sanity. These expressions give a sense of disjointed sanity that doesn't necessarily mean evil (...but usually does...in Soul Eater's case). The attached video seems to  compliment the 'crazier' aspects through a montage that promotes the insanity, plus seems fitting since it's nearly Halloween!