Mushishi

Episode Count	46 (26 for Season 1)
Season	Fall 2005
Genres	Adventure, Seinen, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Source Material	Manga
Rating	TBD
Streaming	TBD

Even though this story is episodic, with everything completed within the span of twenty-five minutes, Mushi-Shi, much like Kino’s Journey, extends that time through its slow, methodical storytelling while holding the viewer’s attention throughout. It really is like we’re on the trip with our main character Ginko as he visits the different villages; we hear his thoughts, see his reactions, watch him render his aid, and at the end of the episode, we keep walking to the next location, having learned a little more about the mysterious creatures that share the world with humans, and hopefully restoring balance so both mushi and humans can live in harmony. “Mushi-Shi” is not only a masterpiece for the eyes, but for the ears as well. “The Sore Feet Song” is a song that will stick with you long after the show ends, and the otherworldly musical cues add to the overall creepy beauty the show exudes prodigiously. And, of course, I must give props to the English dub, with ADR Director Mike McFarland at the helm. The way he worked with each of his actors to get the quiet, atmospheric performance that this show demands is a testament to his skill as a director.

- KhakiBlueSocks