Looking Back at Matantei Loki Ragnarok

Rather than spending my time wisely and study on this fine Saturday. I decide to make yet another blog post.

These last few days, I’ve been re watching Matantei Loki Ragnarok. It may not be the most popular or liked among the general population but I rank it high up there as one of my top 5. Though that isn’t saying much since I have no idea what my other 4 would be… maybe Genshiken as one of them. One of those hidden gems I would say.

With the new anime season just starting and many warping up as well. People are scrabbling and a flood of content is being released and saturating the otaku blogsphere. Several great looking series coming up. I might to a first impressions of it but for now, I introduce a new segment to my blog where I (re) watch some old animes and write a little bit about it. Then spam a bunch of pictures afterwards.

As the name suggests, it is a story about the trickster god, Loki, of Norse Mythology. Though it does not follow the legends accurately, certain aspects of the main story is true. I would say this anime was the reason why I have an interest in Norse Myth and not Greek.

Loki was banished from the World of Gods, probably because of the accidental murder of Baldr and targeted for assassination by the quick tempered, Odin. It is quite ironic how Loki is portrayed as the protagonist character when he was usually depicted as the villainous one in the myths. Odin, who is the antagonist of this anime, wants Loki killed because “he is a threat” to the World of Gods and the main cause behind Ragnarok. Although I believe that alternatively, it was mainly because of Odin’s paranoia which is was the ultimate demise of many of the Gods.

The main premise of the anime seems to be Loki trying to get back into the Realm of Gods. He does so by opening a detective business and collect evil spirits so he can achieve his goal. When he was exiled, Odin gave him the form of the child and which took a way many of his powers. These evil spirits are the fuel to his return. Though in the middle of the anime, it was made quite apparent that Odin has no intension on allowing him to return and thus sends assassins to kill him.

The story begins with an annoying mystery fanatic, Mayura. Many things about her just angers me. She walks by Loki’s detective agency and detects a mystious power behind it and shit happens.

As the story progresses, you are introduced to many other figures involved with Norse Myth and the Ragnarok itself. Figures such as Thor, Heimdall, and Freyr. The children of Loki also plays an important role in the story.

Through most of the story, several other Gods will attempt to take the life of Loki. The Norn sisters play the antagonist for about half of the season.

Though near the end, many of them lose sight of their initial mission and it becomes quite ridiculous, and somewhat comedic. When the “final boss” appears and everyone is all friendly with each other (well mostly).

I believe that this anime can be thoroughly enjoyed if watched with an open mind. Do not take the actual myth too seriously and not be too picky on the character’s (gods) personality. Through the anime, I felt that a lot of emphasis was on family and friends which was noted by several cheese, dramatic moments.

After watching all this, I think I will read the manga to complete the series since we’re left with a young girl appearing at the door of Loki’s home. The ending left gave fans a slim chance of a possible second season… but since the anime is quite dated, released in 2003, and the manga having been completed for some time now.. I think it’s safe that we won’t seeing it. Many of my friends didn’t like anything about it so I guess it can be said the same for the average person.

Now time for a huge picture spam.

I wonder what else I should do next time. What old anime to talk about or even a PS2 or 3 game to play. Maybe move in a forward direction.

Anyways, I should get back to studying… Many tests, assignments, and reports to do.