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Katanagatari was my first ISIN story and the cleverness I've heard associated with him definitely was a large strength here. However, it's also a very soulful work about common struggles, told in this Odyssey-like story which wraps up amazingly. (Minor spoilers in thread)
Swordsmanship is a very recognizable theme, whether it comes to characters or settings. Many times ideas like honor or of what 'picking up the sword' may symbolize are associated with the practice. So the question is how does Katanagatari handle this
What it does is make the terms 'sword' and 'human' synonymous, creating Shichika. I don't want to just summarize the plot though, so I'd rather just note that my impression of him early on is built around his nonchalant manner and I love how that's addressed gradually
Shichika's label, as a blade, causes these dilemmas where he and both Togame almost don't know how to react. Wavering between a sense of duty and an inherent moral compass. Ultimately Togame & Shichika have to move on, which gives a sort of somber tone at times
You have two main leads with constant mystery around them but also a constant development of intimacy. It's one of the best aspects of their dynamic I think. A feeling of comfort, those times in between when they can just be there for each other.
It's not all about the romance but how they change each other. Togame despite being conditioned to expect betrayal from others is overtaken by Shichika's pure sense of loyalty. At the same time, Shichika begins to understand himself due to Togame's guidance
It's in those moments of intimacy that this dynamic shines, and the constant time skips across the journey really embeds that thought of how these two spend so much together. They became one of my favorite dynamics because of heavy that closeness was felt.
This is facilitated by the 12 swords that confront different aspects of their dynamic, but they could be an entirely different thread. I just wanted to note how they start straightforward (the fastest blade, the toughest blade etc) but evolve -
- into these wild concepts (a blade that holds no blade etc) that almost feel satirical but there's a twist tied in which made my appreciation for what they symbolize even better
It's the people they meet that complete this story, and how they're used to magnify the flaws of Togame & Shichika. It's some of my favorite short-term storytelling I've seen
'Katanagatari' in simplicity says what the story is, a tale about swords. But it's also as much about the people who wield them. However, the exception is Shichika, a human who is a blade, and how Togame took the risk to try and wield it.
Quick nod also to White Fox who made this such an aesthetic treat all the way through. Every single show I've seen from them is full of polish and directorial quality.
