DRAMAtical Murder [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 13]

DRAMAtical Murder: A Divisive Yet Intriguing Dive into a Cyberpunk World

When DRAMAtical Murder first aired in the summer of 2014, it was met with a whirlwind of mixed reactions. Adapted from the popular BL visual novel by Nitro+CHiRAL, the anime promised a cyberpunk narrative set on the fictional island of Midorijima, where the wealthy live in the utopian Platinum Jail while the rest are relegated to the Old Residential District. The story follows Aoba Seragaki, a delivery boy with a mysterious past, as he gets entangled in the underground world of “Rhyme,” a dangerous virtual game.

But did the anime live up to the hype? Let’s break it down, with a little help from the fans who’ve been debating it since day one.

The Good: A Unique Setting and Strong Character Designs

One thing almost everyone agrees on is that DRAMAtical Murder has a visually striking world. The contrast between the sleek, futuristic Platinum Jail and the grungy Old Residential District creates a compelling backdrop. Fans of the original game appreciated how the anime retained the vibrant, almost punk-inspired aesthetic of the characters. Aoba’s blue-and-white outfit might have been polarizing (some called it “bland,” others “iconic”), but it’s hard to deny that the cast stands out in a sea of generic anime designs.

The introduction of Rhyme—a high-stakes virtual battle—was another highlight. The first episode’s clash between Aoba and Noiz was a standout moment, with dynamic animation that hinted at the series’ potential. As one fan put it: “The fight with Noiz was the only part that really got me. Actually seeing the action was pretty nice.”

The Bad: Pacing and Confusion for Newcomers

Where DRAMAtical Murder stumbled was in its pacing and exposition. Many viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the source material, found the first episode confusing. The anime assumes a lot of prior knowledge, jumping into the world without much explanation. One frustrated fan wrote: “They could have done better at explaining the plot. I blame the director.”

The animation quality was another point of contention. While some praised the stylized visuals, others criticized the inconsistency. One commenter noted: “The animation has some weak points, but it isn’t as terrible as some people are making it seem!” Meanwhile, another compared it unfavorably to the game: “The VN’s art was way better. This feels tacky.”

And then there’s the opening theme. Oh boy, the opening theme. It’s safe to say that DRAMAtical Murder’s OP was one of the most divisive of the season. Some called it “the worst OP of the season,” while others (a rare few) admitted to liking it.

The Ugly: The BL Debate

Perhaps the most heated discussions revolved around the anime’s BL (Boys’ Love) roots. Some viewers were blindsided by the shounen-ai undertones, leading to reactions like: “I came for the psychological thriller and it’s yaoi??” Others, however, were frustrated by the backlash: “I’m sick of the ‘ew, gay people’ attitude. If you don’t like BL, why watch a BL adaptation?”

For fans of the original game, the bigger issue was the anime’s decision to tone down the romantic elements. As one player lamented: “They’re removing all the sex scenes. I hope they stick to the true route and not some weird anime-original stuff.”

Final Verdict: A Rocky Start with Potential

So, is DRAMAtical Murder worth watching? If you’re a fan of cyberpunk aesthetics, unconventional storytelling, or the original game, then yes—it’s a flawed but fascinating ride. The first episode may not have won over everyone, but as one optimistic viewer pointed out: “It’s only the first episode. Give it time to improve.”

For newcomers, the advice is simple: go in with an open mind. The world of Midorijima is rich with intrigue, and Aoba’s journey only gets more intense from here. Just don’t expect a masterpiece—unless you’re here for the drama, in which case, you’re in the right place.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A shaky but promising start to a series that’s as divisive as it is daring.

What did you think of DRAMAtical Murder? Love it, hate it, or just here for the memes? Drop your thoughts below!