Shadow House is one of My Final Pick for this season. It is originally a manga series written by duo Somato. Its been circulating since 2018 and finally been adapted into an anime this April 2021. To be honest I'm a little bit doubtful about this anime since the it lacks surprise and impact in the story. The first 3 episode is so plain that you might wanna call this anime "generic". But don't get me wrong, its getting better and better every week. So I can't help my self but look deeper into manga and here's what I found. But first let's just know what happened in the first 3 episode first to give you a little bit of insights.
Episode 1
The first episode started in a very generic way. Introduction of characters and giving a few insights about the plot and what is the story all about. Well if I may say its all unique though. A certain faceless shadow believed to be a noble and their doll housemaid also act as their faces building a strong relationships towards each other. I said its generic in a way that it lacks impact that will make viewers remember this anime. I would love to see something twists in a story or something unexpected happen that will leave a marks in peoples minds and eventually keeps them from dropping the show. Well its a shame though cause it faithfully follows the manga, so I think the author should improve in this. Making a great first impression in an anime/manga is very important to keep your readers/viewer coming every release. Nonetheless I'm quite surprised at it Opening song "A Hollow Shadow" for its eerie vibes that makes this show more darker. As well as its Ending song which is my Favorite right now this season "NaiNai" by ReoNa.
Episode 2
The episode 2 is just like a continuation of episode 1. This is the episode where they started to introduce a wider variety of characters. This includes more living dolls and shadow nobles. This is also an episode where Emilyko and Kate's relationship started to build stronger. But so far I can't see where is the plot heading to. I don't even know If I can expect dark and creepy scenes starting from this since it is Seinen. The first two episodes might be not a strong episodes compared to other anime but still Shadow House is still ongoing and you may never know what will happen in the next episodes. And to give you a few insights about the manga, all I can say that Shadow House definitely have something more to offer. So if you are truly interested in this series, you must bare with it until the second season starts.
Episode 3
This is a great turning point of the story. More secrets are starting to unveil and even more characters are introduced. The secrets behind the person they called Grandfather is truly mysterious. The existence of "Phantom" is also a good news since they added more questions and mystery that we may find the truth about them in the future. And also is there a connection about them and the discovery of Kate's power? This episode might added even more questions but for me it is a great opportunity to widen the scope of story and eventually makes the whole series more interesting. At this point you can't help yourself that might even push you towards the manga. And that what I give you next. An insight on what to expect more in this series.
What to expect?
If you're just an anime watcher and don't have a plan to dive into manga then you must read this especially if you find Shadow House interesting. Don't worry I won't put spoilers to maintain healthy watching. So first I'm going to be frank about this season. You can't expect darker themes in this season not until the last few episodes and the true interesting story will start at Season 2 (if there's any). You will find out more about the secrets of the mansion and the true goals of the shadows. You will also learn the true Identity of the dolls. The great insight I can give right now is maybe, Shadow House is Somewhat similar to The Promise Neverland (specifically the season 1). Its just a shame that the story progress slowly and lack of impact as what The Promised Neverland have in Season 1. But so far this series is simply addictive and interesting. So if you're a fan of the story of TPN then you should check what Shadow House have to offer.
This series is heavily overlooked right now and I kind of know their feelings. Slow progress and their true goals and path to where the story will go is revealed at 48th chapter in manga. It is how long the introduction did taken in the story and I think it's also where Season 1 ends. They should definitely make season 2 cus this series has so much potential.
You can ask anything about Shadow House. But be in mind I will never give any Spoilers.
