B: The Beginning

About B: The Beginning

Here is what B: The Beginning is about, retold in plain terms: an action, supernatural and thriller anime by Production I.G (2018). The premise: On the islands of Cremona, a vigilante runs amok. Celebrated by some and hunted by others, the notorious "Killer B" takes justice into his own hands, armed with a sharp blade and superhuman abilities.

Also worth knowing: Unable to apprehend this renegade, the Royal Investigation Service (RIS) calls upon the expertise of Keith Flick, a seasoned, yet eccentric detective who was relegated to the Archives Department following a personal loss. As crimes in Cremona begin to escalate, from stealthy executions of wrongdoers to sophisticated strikes on public figures, it soon becomes clear that there is more than one person responsible. With the help of his impulsive sidekick Lily Hoshina, and unexpected aid from the elusive Killer B himself, Keith starts to unravel plots involving concealed organizations, domestic terrorism, and human experiments.

With action at the core, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with Production I.G, which means the visual identity of B: The Beginning follows that studio's craft. Because it leans on action, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. At 7.4/10 it earns a solid reception, a safe pick for fans of the genre. Released in 2018, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.