The goth movement has grown from its early days in England’s underground pubs and nightclubs to a full-blown lifestyle, influencing books, fashion, and, of course, anime. Japanese animation is no longer only about bright colors and happy-go-lucky characters. It can also be full of dark characters and settings that will appeal to viewers who are into this subculture. So here are five goth anime series full of dark obsessions.
Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy takes place in an alternate future where humans and AutoReivs— robots used for everyday tasks — live side by side. Their peaceful coexistence comes to an end, however, when an unknown virusgrants the AutoReivs self-awareness, causing them to go crazy and commit several murders. Investigating the murders and the mystery behind the virus is inspector Re-L Mayer. However, the young detective’s investigation will lead her to something much deeper than a bunch of random murders.
Thanks to its washed-out colors and use of a dark landscape to illustrate a dystopian future, the series successfully creates a creepy atmosphere — and a whole lot of suspense — that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Besides that, Ergo Proxymain lead, Re-L — with her pale complexion, all-black dress, and heavy blue eyeshadow — embodies many aspects of goth culture. In a sense, she’s the goth girl deep inside all of us.
Trinity Blood
Religious architecture, dark elements, and, of course, death feature heavily in goth culture — and Trinity Blood delivers on them all. In Gonzo’s supernatural anime, the world has fallen into chaos thanks to the perpetual war between vampires and humans. Even after Armageddon, an event that nearly destroyed the Earth, the battle between the two races still rages. Luckily, working to protect the humans is Abel Nightroad, a traveling priest from the Vatican.
But Abel isn’t your ordinary pastor. He’s actually a Crusnik, a vampire that drinks the blood of vampires. Even though humanity has regained its strength a bit, it seems that a new Armageddon is just around the corner. Leading the latest assault is the groupRosencreutz Orden, led by Abel’s twin, Cain. He and his vampire army seek to rule the world, even if they have to destroy it first.
Darker Than Black
Over a decade ago, two impenetrable fields appeared:Heaven’s Gatein South America andHell’s Gate in Japan. While various government agencies have conducted countless studies to decipher their secrets or why they’ve appeared, it seems no one has found a clear answer. But one thing is for sure — the gates grant supernatural abilities. Thanks to this, beings called “Contractors” emerge and use their new powers to commit various crimes.Darker Than Black followsHei, a Contractor for the syndicate and his assistant Yin, a life-like doll, as they work to solve the mystery behind the gates.
Although the anime isn’t full of dark and moody colors, its female protagonist is oh-so goth. Not to mention, her Gothic Lolita assistant, Yin, would make a worthy addition to any anime fan’s figurine collection. From her pale, emotionless expression to her cute purple and black dress, Yin character is the perfect costume for any goth fan to try out this Halloween. (The show also adds a healthy helping of death for good measure.)
The Mystic Archives of Dantalian
Taking place in England after the Great War,The Mystic Archives of Dantalian follows Huey, who, according to his grandfather’s will, must take custody of Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian — a library that contains forbidden books — and Dalian,amysterious girl named who lives in the library.
Huey learns that the young child is the guardian of the archives and its countless magical books called “Phantom Books.” Dalian gives Huey a key to unlock the secrets that lie within her. As Dalian’s new key-keeper, Huey helps her investigate supernatural cases involving those in possession of Phantom Books. Using the key, he seals the power of the books they capture to restore order to the areas negatively impacted by them.
The Mystic Archives of Dantalian combines fiction, horror, and death to create a gothic tale to that will appeal to fans of terror. Also, the female lead rocks a Victorian-style laced dress, proving herself a goth fashionista.
Gilgamesh
A group of scientists uncovers the tomb of King Gilgamesh and can now build Heaven’s Gate to advance human knowledge. Their discovery brings them recognition and fame — and new enemies who want to destroy their progress, and they’re successful.
Their attack creates a blast that disables electronic equipment and turns the sky into an electromagnetic mirror. It also leads to the birth of supernatural beings. The anime follows siblingsKiyoko and Tatsuya, who become the targets of people with superhuman abilities — as well as the man behind the attack that started this whole mess.
Gilgamesh is more than fighting mysterious men. It’s a thriller that injects borrowed elements from the Babylonian Erainto the anime’s dark world. With soft-spoken main leads who barely do anything adventurous and a striking yet dark visual design and unique plot, Gilgameshis everything a goth series should be.
