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High school freshman Ayumu Narumi, the hero of the fantasy-adventure
Spiral (2002), grew up in the shadow of his older brother Kiyotaka, a world-class pianist and detective. But Kiyotaka disappeared two years ago, after announcing he was going to investigate the mystery of the "Blade Children." Ayumu and his sister-in-law Madoka have been waiting for him to return ever since. Although he's a gourmet chef and a talented musician, Ayumu believes he's incapable of matching his brother's achievements. Against his will, he finds himself drawn into the mystery of the Blade Children, several of whom attend his school. With some assistance from his friend Hiyono, Ayumu outwits both the Blade Children and the Hunters who want to exterminate them. Maintaining that the "the melody of logic always plays the notes of truth," Ayumu pulls off feats of deduction that would astound Jimmy Kudo in
Case Closed.
It's easy to understand why Spiral is so popular in both Japan and the U.S.: Director Shingo Kaneko keeps the story moving and maintains the suspense from the first episode to the last. But the series ends on a frustratingly inconclusive note: the viewer never learns who or what the Blade Children are or why the Hunters are intent on destroying them. The original manga Spiral Suiri no Kizuna ("Spiral Bonds of Reasoning") by Kyou Shirodaira and Eita Mizuno ran for 15 volumes, so perhaps a future sequel will resolve some of the mystery. (Rated TV PG, suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
Product Description
One by one, the Blade Children emerge from the shadows, each bringing a unique set of challenges both physical and mental. Ultimately, corruption is uncovered at the highest levels and truth must be sought at all costs. This Box Set Is Loaded! - Collectors Box, 25 Episodes, 625 Minutes of Content, Audio Commentary, 5.1 English Audio