STRAIT JACKET: A dark fantasy you can't miss

StraightJacket International Version: A battle between science and magic

■ Public Information

Straight Jacket International Version was released in theaters on June 28, 2008. It was distributed by Three G Communications and is made up of 75-minute episodes. It is based on a light novel by Ichiro Sakaki and was animated by feel. It was directed by Ushiro Shinji and is copyright ©Ichiro Sakaki/TOE/Endeleizo 2007.

■ Story

Straight Jacket - a "straitjacket" worn by those who have sinned. The story takes place in a world where science and magic coexist. People who use too much magic are in danger of becoming demons. One day, a series of terrorist attacks by demons occurs. Regular magicians are unable to handle the incidents, so a request comes to the mysterious "tactical magician" Rayot Steinberg, who is not subject to the law. Rayot uses his overwhelming power to defeat the demons. However, this was just the beginning of an epic battle that will lead to his past...

■Explanation

Set in a world where science and magic coexist, this is a masterpiece gun action story based on the original work by Ichiro Sakaki, depicting the story of "tactical magician" Rayott Steinberg, who is guilty of murdering his master, and his friends fighting demons in armor called Mold! In Tristan, a city where magic and industry have developed together, the people are under threat from demons. To keep the peace among the citizens, they hire "tactical magicians" who are experts in exterminating demons. But one day, a series of terrorist attacks occurs that turn magicians into demons...

■Cast

• Riot Steinberg/Shinichiro Miki
• Caperta Fernandez/Kei Shindo
• Nerin Simmons/Ai Maeda
• Jack Rowland/Tatsuya Kobashi
• Philis Moog/Mayumi Asano
• Brian Menno Moderate/Yasushi Ishii
• Fargo Les Paul/Yoshikazu Nagano
• Isaac Hammond/Akira Sasanuma
• Rachel Hammond/Asami Imai

■ Main staff

• Original work: Ichiro Sakaki (published by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko)
• Director: Ushio Shinji
• Series composition, script by Ichiro Sakaki
• Character design: Fujishiro Yo
• Character design: Yoshinori Yumoto
• Mechanical design: Hideki Fukushima
• Demon design, guest mecha design: Rei Nakahara
• Demon design/Yuji Moriyama
• Art supervision: Hiroki Matsumoto
• Art Director: Takafumi Suzuki
• Art setting: Isao Minegishi
• Art/Studio Easter
• Color design: Hiroshi Iwaida
• Director of photography: Takeshi Kuchiba
• Photo by Assez Finaud Fabric.
• 3DCG Designer/Yuzo Sato
• Edited by Takeshi Seyama
• Sound Director: Takahiro Enomoto
• Sound Production: Dream Force
• Music: Tsuyoshi Yanagawa
• Animation production: feel.
• Producers: Michiyoshi Koyama, Tomoko Kawasaki
• Executive Producers: Isamu Shibata, Kaoru Mufaume

■ Related works

・Strait Jacket

■Detailed evaluation

"Straight Jacket International Version" is an epic story set in a world where science and magic intersect. It is based on a light novel by Ichiro Sakaki, and the animation has been highly praised for faithfully recreating the worldview of the novel. In particular, the depth of the character of Rayott Steinberg and the weight of the sins he carries are at the center of the story, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

Although he bears the guilt of murdering his master, Rayot is a tactical magician who is active as an expert in exterminating demons. His fighting style is centered around gun action, and he is portrayed very coolly as he fights wearing a special armor called Mold. Shinichiro Miki's voice acting is also excellent, and he realistically expresses Rayot's anguish and determination.

The story takes place in Tristan, a futuristic city where magic and industry have developed together, making it a visually impressive sight. Feel.'s animation production provides beautiful images with attention to detail, especially the designs of the demons and the powerful battle scenes. Fukushima Hideki's mecha designs and Nakahara Rei and Moriyama Yuji's demon designs also enrich the worldview of the work.

The music also plays an important role, and Yanagawa Tsuyoshi's soundtrack enhances the tension and emotion of the story. The background music in the battle scenes in particular is powerful enough to grab the viewer's attention.

The appeal of this work is not just the battle scenes, but also the fact that it delves deeply into themes such as Riot's past, his bonds with his comrades, and the fear of becoming a demon. The truth hidden behind the serial terrorist attacks and the trials that Riot faces leave a deep impression on viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Straight Jacket International Version" is especially recommended for those who like the fusion of gun action and magic. It is also perfect for those who want to enjoy a deep story and character growth. It is a work that you can enjoy the suffering and growth of Riot, the bond with friends, and the magnificent world view.

Furthermore, even though this work is a one-off, it still captures the worldview of the original work, and light novel fans will be pleased with the content. This work depicts a battle in a world where science and magic intersect, and is sure to provide viewers with new excitement and thrills.

Be sure to experience this epic story at the cinema. Viewers will be able to experience new emotions and excitement as they experience Riot Steinberg's struggle and the weight of the guilt he carries.