Karakuri Circus is a 36 episode shonen anime that is conceptually interesting. It is based on a manga that ran for 43 volumes starting in the late 90’s, and ending in 2006. Needless to say that leaves a lot to be left on the proverbial cutting room floor even when the series runs for a 36 episode run. The show was adapted for an anime series in Fall 2018.
The series itself follows Masaru, a boy whose Father has recently died leaving him a huge inheritance. Unfortunately, for him he doesn’t get to enjoy it. Rather, his life is in danger by…. killer puppets. Fortunately he meets up with Narumi, and Shirogane who are willing to help him with his plight. Of course, the series is 36 episodes long so there is more to this than that including a love that spans across team, strange diseases that also span time.
Karakuri Circus is probably rewarding in 2 ways. You’re familiar with the manga and thus, can fill in the blanks, or you do a rewatch and begin to put things better on the 2nd viewing through. On the first viewing though a lot of stuff is going on with side stories and the like, and it becomes at times a bit too much to keep track of. Overall, it’s a fun experience especially at the beginning and close to the end where things are extremely well paced.
Sentai presents the series in an excellent 1080p transfer that conveys the look of the series quite well. Audio is handled with a Japanese HD 2.0 track that comes through crisp and clear. Extras include a clean opening, clean closing, and an episode 14.5.