Ergo Proxy Anime Review

In a world where people and androids are born and made for a purpose to be an active and useful member of society, what happens when that purpose is taken away?

Ergo Proxy is a darker set, science fiction anime with a color pallet to match. It has Gothic and cyberpunk influences as well as an apocalyptic theme. At times I feel like I'm not watching an Anime at all. The characters have English names, most if not all the writing is in English and while their eyes are larger compared to their nose and mouths, they are not the traditional wide, round eyes that have become synonymous with anime. Even the title song is in English, with an ending theme by American rock band Radiohead.

English influences aside, Ergo Proxy has a great story without any current nationalities involved. In a post apocalyptic world where robots serve their human masters and God like creatures called Proxies are hidden from the every day citizens in Romdo, Re-l (pronounced Rielle) is an investigator looking into recent murders with her AutoReiv (android) Iggy when she encounters a monster. This sets things into motion for Re-l, which she can no longer take back the knowledge that she has gained. Another main character in the series is Vincent Law who is an immigrant to Romdo and has lost his memories. When he meets up with Re-l they both embark on a journey to discover the answers that they are both looking for.

Because of the dark tones and feel, many if not all of the characters in this anime are struggling with some sort of inner turmoil. Many themes are set on finding the true meaning of oneself, even in a society that has people born for a purpose. Many questions are brought up, but few answers are given as they are questions which one must look within themselves to answer. Many people can relate to the characters in this way as we are all searching for our own raison d'être (reason for being).

Throughout the anime we see a lot of mute colors with little exceptions when a city is said to be lively and thriving. In one instant  Vincent is taken to a man's tower, who has saved him from a burning city. It overlooks the city that the man governs. The city is bright and thriving with lots of light colors, but as we discover that is not the case. With a flick of a switch the city is shown for what it really is: dark and crumbling with no one left. The colors play a key role in the feel of this anime, which I find important to point out.

Overall I find this anime to have important themes about one's raison d'être. But it is also entertaining with a sense of mystery and a variety of action scenes. Each character takes you on their own journey not focusing to heavily on one to give you a full sense of this world as all the pieces of their lives come together representing human kind. Mystery lovers will enjoy Ergo Proxy as it has much to discover.