Durarara (or DRRR!!) was a show shrouded in mystery for the longest time until recently. For all the general public knew, a couple urban kids in Tokyo have to find out the mystery behind the headless-motorcycle man and…that’s basically it.  But upon further visual analysis, this series appears to be very deep…DRRR!! episode 1 begins with the timid protagonist, Mikado Ryugamine, a short, black-haired kid waiting patiently in an underground subway in Tokyo. Mikado’s waiting for the brash, blonde-haired kid dubbed, Kida Masaomi.

The two have been best friends for some time and decided it would be a great time to attend school together. Raira Academy in East Ikebukura is the school of choice. After Kida shows Mikado a couple of the sites and mentions a variety of gangs to be wary of. After some brief introductions to other supporting characters, something…silly happens: a kiddnapping.

Kidnapping: When Oblivious Girls Strike

This girl seems like just a normal girl among the other dingy city-folk, even with “color.”

Alright, I don’t know if this is a Japanese thing, and I won’t really bother to look, but since when was it ok to formally meet someone then show them the back of a van….? I mean, I don’t know if some sort of smuggling engagement was talked about prior to, but I’m confused. The poor girl doesn’t seem confused, scared, or anything. As soon as I saw this, instant flag went up.

“Is anyone watching us?” What is that supposed to mean? After hearing that, the female didn’t change expressions, get a worried look or…anything. So I’m thinking (obviously), that she must be in on some crooked deal of some sort. Or waiiitttt, I think she was a foreigner without proper documentation. So maybe that might be it. I’m not in the mood to rewatch at the moment, but still, wtf…?

Oh noes, she’s gonna get kidnapped. -_-” Bleah.

Black Guys in Japan….-_-”

For the most part, I don’t really have issues with portrayals in anime, but every now and then, you see something that really makes you go, “wtf.” The segment in the middle of the shows where Mikado and Kida talk about a black foreigner attracting customers definitely made me shake my head. I know it might seem nitpicky, but it seemed like being black was odd.

lips not overexaggerated

Kind of reminds me of Lenny haha. But again, lips are fine.

A little more defined, but not as simplified as Simon’s.

Just a cool pic of a tanned chick. Nothing to do with anything.

Big Lippu *in Japanese accent*

Ok, how many times have I seen this before. Not very much, but I feel enough. Mr. Popo from Dragon Ball Z I don’t think was black (rather from the east), but had questionable lips. The android or robot from some show called 009 I believe had the same sort of lips. I don’t want to make the whole post about this lips thing, but I’ll just say it’s dumb. Why can’t everyone just have the same sort of lips….?

The Headless Horse…er Motorcycle Ma..Woman

The headless “horseman” is really sweet. I mean, come on! Neko-Helmet! That’s pretty FRIGGIN sweet. Alongside being headless, it appears as though the rider is a female. But for some reason, everyone keeps saying it’s a “him.” Who knows, maybe the rider alternates genders, or maybe isn’t only one “person.”

Overview

I would liken Durarara to a pleasant, surprise tea party – nice to experience, but for only a short time. Fortunately for us, there will be many more. The introduction to the two characters in the beginning was heartfelt and really drew me into the story. Surprisingly, I’m at a loss for words because I was thoroughly impressed with the first episode. The thing probably on most people’s minds is most likely who in the heck is the headless rider.

Non-Cliche Mystery Factor: 10/10

Animation: 7/10

Character Developement: 8/10

Pacing: First Episode exempt from this score

Overall Outlook: 8/10