Towanoquon Complete Collection [Blu-ray] by Section 23

Editorial Review

Towanoquon (sometimes spelled Towa no Quon) consists of six short features that were released theatrically in Japan in 2011. In the not-too-distant future, certain children are born with psychic powers that enable them to manipulate energy, matter, and thought. Misunderstood and persecuted by the rest of the population, these Attractors are hunted by Custos, a sinister paramilitary organization controlled by the Order. The idealistic Quon fights to keep the Attractors safely out of the clutches of Kamishiro, the icy commander of Custos. In a series of escalating battles, Quon defeats humans, cyborgs, and machines. (In addition to controlling matter, he can heal himself of any wound, which is why he's lived 1,000 years.) He comforts the younger Attractors and inspires the older ones who fight at his side. The setup of kids with exceptional powers pitted against a murderous cabal has been used in any number of anime series, but the filmmakers handle the material so skillfully, the familiar elements feel fresh and exciting. Director Umanosuke Iida stages the gun, sword, and hand-to-hand fights with panache, and uses unusual colors and patterns to suggest vivid hallucinations. Voice actor Corey Hartzog gives Quon a low-key charm that may remind viewers of Takizawa in Eden of the East. All the elements in Towanoquon mesh to create an unusually satisfying and engaging adventure. Sadly, Iida (1961-2010) died as he was completing the series, and animation is the poorer for his passing. (Rated TV 14 V: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, nudity, alcohol use, suggested torture) –Charles Solomon

(1. Fleeting Petal, 2. Wild Dance of Chaos, 3. Never-ending Crime, 4. Crimes in a Blank Dream, 5. Heroic Return, 6. Eternal Eternity)