What is it: Akuma no Riddle
Akuma no Riddle is an anime and manga series that stands out for its engaging plot and captivating characters. The story takes place at Myoujou Academy, an exclusive school for girls, where a special class, the Black Class, is made up of 12 killers and one victim. The killers' mission is to eliminate the victim, while the victim must survive until graduation. The protagonist, Tokaku Azuma, is one of the killers, but upon meeting the victim, Haru Ichinose, she decides to protect her instead of killing her. This twist creates an interesting and suspenseful dynamic, where each episode reveals more about the characters' motivations and pasts.
The Akuma no Riddle series, also known as Riddle Story of Devil, is based on the manga written by Yun Kouga and illustrated by Sunao Minakata. The manga was first published in 2012 in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype magazine. The anime, produced by studio Diomedéa, aired in 2014 and quickly gained a dedicated fan base. The combination of action, mystery and psychological elements makes Akuma no Riddle a unique work within the murder and survival anime genre. Furthermore, the series addresses themes such as friendship, loyalty and the characters' internal struggle between following orders and doing what is morally correct.
Akuma no Riddle's characters are one of the series' strong points. Each assassin has a complex backstory and unique abilities, which adds depth to the plot. Tokaku Azuma, the protagonist, is an assassin trained since she was young, but her interaction with Haru Ichinose makes her question her own beliefs and goals. Haru, on the other hand, is a seemingly fragile character, but with surprising inner strength. The relationship between Tokaku and Haru is central to the series, and the development of this relationship is handled with care, showing the characters' evolution throughout the episodes.
The setting of Akuma no Riddle is also worth highlighting. Myoujou Academy is a setting that mixes elements of a traditional school with secret and dangerous areas, creating an environment conducive to tension and suspense. The school is almost a character in itself, with its dark corridors and classrooms that hide secrets. The atmosphere is complemented by the soundtrack, which intensifies the action scenes and the characters' moments of introspection. The art direction and animation are of high quality, contributing to the viewer's immersion in the story.
Another interesting aspect of Akuma no Riddle is the way the series deals with morality and the characters' choices. Each assassin has her own reasons for being in Class Black, and these motivations are explored throughout the series. Some characters are driven by revenge, others by necessity or coercion, and some simply by the desire to prove their abilities. The series does not offer easy answers about what is right or wrong, but rather presents a complex panorama where the characters must make difficult decisions that affect not only their lives, but also the lives of the people around them.
Akuma no Riddle also stands out for its representation of strong and diverse female characters. The series challenges gender stereotypes by featuring women in roles of power and action without sacrificing emotional depth. The interactions between the characters are rich and multifaceted, exploring themes such as trust, betrayal and redemption. The presence of a predominantly female cast also allows for a deeper exploration of relationships between women, something that is not always common in action and thriller anime. This approach contributes to Akuma no Riddle's originality and lasting appeal.
