Hamatora: When Small Miracles Become a Double-Edged Sword in the World of Superpowered Detectives

If you're looking for a detective anime that blends supernatural powers and character camaraderie seamlessly, Hamatora might be the right answer. This series introduces us to 'Minimum', or small miracles that grant certain humans extraordinary abilities, through the story of detective duo Nice and Murasaki solving mysterious cases amidst the atmosphere of Yokohama. But behind the fun lies weaknesses that keep the series from being top-tier.

Story Summary (No Spoilers)

The story takes place in 2014 in Yokohama. 'Minimum' is a special power that manifests only in chosen humans, who are called 'Minimum Holders'. The protagonists are the detective duo Nice and Murasaki, known as 'Hamatora'. They take jobs from a table at Cafe Nowhere, which serves as their office. One day, a case they investigate connects to a serial killer that their police friend Art is pursuing. The investigation leads to uncovering the secrets of Minimum and a mysterious organization behind it. The series starts with episodic cases before linking into a main plot that challenges the characters' relationships.

Performance and Characters

One of Hamatora's strengths is its voice acting by top Japanese voice actors, such as Hiroshi Kamiya (as Art), who brings a cool and mysterious feel; Wataru Hatano (as Murasaki), with a charming, deep voice; and Ryota Osaka (as Nice), who is bright and energetic. Meanwhile, Jun Fukuyama (as Birthday) and Sanae Kobayashi (as Ratio) also perform excellently. Each character has a distinct personality and unique power that makes it easy for viewers to connect. However, the character development of some individuals may feel shallow, especially in the first half of the first season, which focuses more on introduction than deep exploration.

Direction, Visuals, and Music

Visually, Hamatora uses a bright and colorful style, especially in scenes depicting Minimum powers, which are uniquely designed and visually striking. Director Seiji Kishi (who directed Persona 4 and Assassination Classroom) effectively conveys the series' emotions, particularly balancing comedy and drama. The soundtrack by Yuki Hayashi and Taro Yamashita is energetic and perfectly matches the investigative atmosphere. The opening theme "FLAT" by livetune adding Yuuki Ozaki (from Galileo Galilei) is catchy and powerful.

Editorial Analysis

Hamatora is an anime that tries to blend detective work with supernatural powers, but suffers from storytelling issues where some parts feel rushed and unbalanced, especially leaving major plot points unresolved at the end of the first season only to hastily resolve them in the second, which may leave some viewers unsatisfied. However, the series' strengths lie in the friendship of the main characters and the creative power designs. It also touches on themes of prejudice against those with powers and the misuse of abilities, which are contemporary and interesting. But the relatively linear plot and somewhat predictable conclusion make Hamatora a watchable anime but not a must-see.

Verdict

Hamatora is an anime suitable for those who enjoy light-hearted detective-action and want something relaxing without overthinking. If you're a fan of famous voice actors or like beautifully designed powers, this series will likely appeal to you. But if you want a complex and deep plot, you may need to look elsewhere.