Divine Gate: Complete Series (Box Set Review)
By: RogueSymbiote
The Divine Gate has created chaos by merging three worlds into one. Celestia, Terrastia and Helestia were once the homes to gods, humans and demons respectively. This newly merged world of Unitilia is now home to all of these beings. The leaders of each world have come together to form The World Council. It is the council's mission to retain order amid the chaos that this blending of worlds has introduced. While the council strives to make the best of this unification, others seek out the Divine Gate in hopes of restoring the worlds to their original states.
Story Arc
This series centers around three young Adapters who wish to reach the Divine Gate in an attempt to restore order to their chaotic lives. Adapters are beings that have obtained elemental abilities as a result of the merging of worlds. A special academy has been established by the council in order to help teach these youth how to properly use their abilities. These Adapters are given instruments known as drivers to help focus and amplify their elemental powers.Midori and Akane are instructed by their academy adviser, Arthur, to help recruit Aoto. Aoto is an especially gifted Adapter who is able to focus his water elemental powers without the use of a driver. After some persuading, Aoto finally agrees to attend the academy and work in conjunction with the World Council. Each of the main heroes have troubled pasts that fuel their drive to restore order to the world. Aoto's twin brother Ariton has used his powers for destruction and death. Akane's father abandoned him and his mother to pursue the sciences and was supposedly killed during one of his experiments. Midori lost her best friend Elena to the Divine Gate after ignoring her. All three of them wish to undo their mistakes and remake the world according to their desires.Midori, Akane and Aoto are soon recruited by Arthur to join his Knights of Round to find the Divine Gate and change the world. While some only believe that the Divine Gate is a fairy tale, others hope of reaching it and having their wishes come true. As the Knights of Round make their way to the Divine Gate, they encounter Scandinavian Gods who do not believe humans should have the power to remake the world as they see fit. A battle ensues and Arthur, Aoto, Midori and Akane press on as the other knights clash against the gods. They finally reach the gate, but encounter the god Loki. Loki was previously an ally to Arthur, but it is apparent that this trickster god has his own intentions for the powers of the Divine Gate. These heroes must face their greatest fears, experience true despair and decide if they can live with the consequences of changing the entire world.
Box Set Review
Let me preface this by saying that Divine Gate attempts to be more than just the average anime. It hopes to blend various cultures and ideals in an interesting way that mirrors the arc's concept of merging worlds. However, this series gets so lost within itself that it comes across as confusing and meaningless. Not to say that you cannot find meaning within the series, but certain character choices and reveals have no apparent meaning or importance to the series as a whole. For instance, two of the supporting characters are revealed at one point to be royalty from other worlds and are removed from the story altogether. The reveal adds nothing to the story and seems to serve as a delete button to characters that the writers no longer wanted to include.Another big issue with the series are the countless organizations and references to various fairy tales. Hardly any of the organizations are well defined. Halfway through the series the audience is still in the dark about who really makes up the World Council, how many sects of gods there are, who are the Geniuses of Divine and so on. At one point, Arthur is referenced to being a member of the World Council, leader of the Knights of Round, the chosen one, the King and head of the Academy. I know its important to fill out a resume, but wow this seems like overkill for one character.The series is so confusing that the creators include a 5 minute long explanation video about the series itself in the extras! You should not need a 'how to understand this anime' video after 12 episodes. Overall, the series just had too many moving parts without having any real purpose.Based on what I've said so far you might think I hated every minute of this anime, but there are quite a few redeeming qualities about the series. The backstories for the main characters are very well done. You understand the motivation behind each character and can sympathize with their stance. The unique music matches the tone of the series as well and the voice actors are fantastic at drawing you into every scene.The series seems like one big buildup, but you never get the payout you're looking for in the end. If you enjoy fairy tales, you'll enjoy all the references even though the story lacks clarity.
Extras
The extras include promo videos, tv spot, commercials, textless songs, trailers, a 5 minute long explanation video and commentary by the voice actors for episode 12. The Explanation video does clarify some of the plot holes in the series and the episode commentary is really funny and enjoyable.[yasr_multiset setid=9]
