Review: The Kingdoms of Ruin

 

Review: The Kingdoms of Ruin – A Beginner's Guide to a Powerful Anime

The Kingdoms of Ruin (Hametsu no Ōkoku) is an anime that takes you on a powerful journey of magic, revenge, and survival. If you’re new to anime or looking for something gripping, this series is an excellent way to explore the world of darker, more intense stories if you're looking for something compelling.series is a great way to dive into the world of darker, more intense stories.

  


Story Summary

The Kingdoms of Ruin is set in a world where science and magic coexisted in the past. With their ability to use strong magic, witches coexisted peacefully with humans, lending a hand when needed. But as science developed, people started to distrust and fear magic, seeing them. This resulted in a bloody battle where witches were found and eliminated due to the rivalry between science and magic.

The story follows Adonis, a small child reared by Chloe, a kind witch who is affectionately referred to as "The Ice Witch" by both witches and the general public. Because they saw magic users as a threat to their control, the vicious Emperor, in charge of the harsh Empire, begins a campaign to exterminate all magic users. The Emperor kills Chloe during their attack, sparing Adonis's life on the condition that Chloe passes away peacefully. Driven by fury and traumatized by the loss, Adonis harbors a deep-seated grudge against the Emperor.

Characters

The characters in The Kingdoms of Ruin are filled with intense emotions and intricacies. Adonis, the protagonist, is a character whom you cannot avoid sympathizing with. His suffering and wish for vengeance propel the narrative, causing you to support him despite the overwhelming challenges he encounters.

Chloe, the witch who raised Adonis, plays a crucial part in his life and in molding his future self. Her compassionate nature and untimely demise play a key role in the narrative, ensuring she remains a memorable figure despite leaving the series early.

The Empire and its soldiers are shown as ruthless and unfeeling, wiping out all witches and aiming for their total extinction everywhere, viewing them as humanity's ultimate foe, heightening tension and intensifying Adonis's battle.

Animation and Visuals

The animation in The Kingdoms of Ruin is impressive and complements the somber mood of the narrative. The depiction of the world captures both the grandeur and grimness, portraying the despair and destruction resulting from the war on magic. The action sequences are skillfully performed, featuring vibrant graphics that make the fights thrilling to witness.

The character designs are also well-done, with Adonis’s transformation from a kind boy to a vengeful warrior being particularly notable. The use of shadows and dark colors adds to the overall atmosphere, making the world of The Kingdoms of Ruin feel ominous and foreboding.


 

Themes

The Kingdoms of Ruin tackles themes of revenge, loss, and the consequences of fear and hatred. It’s a story about what happens when people turn on each other out of fear of the unknown, and how that fear can lead to devastating consequences.

The anime also explores the idea of power—both magical and technological—and the responsibilities that come with it. Adonis’s journey is not just about revenge; it’s also about understanding the true nature of power and the cost of using it.

Final Thoughts

The Kingdoms of Ruin is a powerful and intense anime that’s perfect for beginners who are interested in darker, more serious stories. The combination of a gripping plot, emotional characters, and strong visuals makes it a standout series that’s worth watching.

If you’re ready to dive into a world of magic, revenge, and epic battles, The Kingdoms of Ruin is definitely an anime you should check out.

Have you seen The Kingdoms of Ruin? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below!