Category: TV Genre:Fantasy Year: 2009 Studio: Production I.G
Erin-chan is the 10 year old daughter of Soyon-san. She is an outsider in a village that takes care of the Grand Duke's military might, the toudas. Her mother, Soyon-san, is an outsider vet brought in to take care of the toudas. Erin-chan encounters many problems and learns many new things while aspiring to become a vet, like her mother, who cares for the all important toudas.
Alternative Titles: * The Beast Player Erin * 獣の奏者エリン
Mar 9 2010 11:02 PM Having just watched the final episode, I'd say it didn't end as bad as some people might thought it have. Given that there were two additional "conclusion novels", there could have only been one possibility given the preview of episode 49: Erin doesn't die . With that said, I kinda didn't know what to expect coming into this final episode and although didn't quite go out with as much of bang as I had hoped for, it was still a fitting conclusion and seemed quite faithful to its source material (note that I have not read the original light novels, but it sure didn't feel like it deviated). In addition, the animation in this episode was absolutely gorgeous, as if the series was done by a completely different animator suddenly. It was also nice to see them bring in the three best songs of the series (OP1, OP2, ED2). Really glad they didn't bring in ED1 since that was boring and dull. If anything was poor in the final episode it would have to be the amount of time they wasted on the recap at the beginning as well as numerous still/repetitive moments throughout the episode. Although its not uncommon for these factors, for a final episode I felt it was rather excessive, especially considering that they did a summary series shortly after (which I hope someone will eventually sub).
Regardless, the journey of watching Kemono no Souja Erin was remarkably enjoyable. It started out as a really slow and dull series, almost to the point that I was fed up with it, however, "every so often" there was one amazing episode that moved me and really kept me attracted to the series. As the series progressed, the quantity of these moments grew and the plot became more interesting that it ended up as probably my favorite series of 2009 (discounting Bakemonogatari, which as yet to finish). Overall, despite being a kids show, this show is heavily underrated by many. Obviously the first few episodes made it enough for many to drop it, but being a "completionist" in these cases is what I am proud of since I rarely end up missing gems like this. As stated before, the series had its flaws here and there with some really slow, awkward, and dull episodes, but when considering the rest of the series as a whole, Kemono no Souja Erin is the type of series that stands out above many last year: 9/10
With that said, and given there was a summary series, here's to hoping for I.G. to also animate the remaining novels once they are completed.
Feb 26 2010 02:43 PM Actually the books are released in German, French, Korean, Swedish and Thai, Just not English sadly *Owns the first book in German.*.
They only included the first two novels and a little bit of the later ones in the epilogue. The second novel ended after Lilan saved Erin and they were flying - the part of Erin's son Jesh etc. is taken from the later novels.
I'm seriously hoping for a second season though Would LOVE it, this series was seriously one of the best of 2009.
I didn't know there was a novel! Where can I find it to read?
Japan only. There were originally 2 and a second pair was recently announced to help conclude the story. Whether or not the anime included the last 2 novels is unknown. I hope not since although I haven't watched episode 50, it doesn't seem like it will lead to a solid conclusion. In addition it would lead to the possibility of a second season for this gem from last year.
Jan 2 2010 12:00 AM From what I heard the Anime does cover the novel quite well and it covers the first (2?) volumes of it. Although the novel was so popular that it was continued and is now up to (3?).
Kinda wish they will animate the rest of the novel, but than Ive never read it so I'm not sure how well it will be.. although if its anything like this I would love it
Dec 22 2009 01:59 AM Is the anime following the novels in their entirety or partially? I mean, because I think I've heard somewhere (not sure though) that anime covers only some part of the novels. I somehow don't think or hope it's all gonna end in blood... but then again, Erin losing her fingers was also a WTH? moment that no one probably saw coming so, yeah.
Dec 21 2009 08:56 PM Hmm... Has anyone read the novels? Does Erin die at the end or not? Judging by the ep50 preview it looks as though she does... a shame if it turns out that way, but I still loved this anime. One thing that would've been nice (I'am sure we will get it in the last episode) is a gruesome death for that bastard uncle, I can't stand him.
Nov 16 2009 01:30 AM Just caught up to episode 41 and dang they just pulled a fast one on us. I certainly didn't expect the episode to end like that and now I'm dying to see what happens next, especially with only 9 episodes left. I really hope they animate the 2 novel sequel eventually. The series will hopefully go out with a bang and then hopefully motivate I.G. to animate the rest of it. This is definitely one of the better series this year, up there with Bakemonogatari and a couple others for me.
Nov 9 2009 12:07 PM I'm absolutely stunned by how much darker the show has become in these last 5-6 episodes, it's like going from bad to worse. But at least Erin had her moments of badassery when she stood up against Dahmiyah and others, only so that anime can throw us a curve ball when Shin-oh dies and Erin loses her fingers... daaaaamn. Not to mention we still have no idea what is this thing task Kirke has to perform, something he appears to be having doubts about.
Overall, I think this is the time when the show gets more interesting for your "regular" anime audience, although it's evident that if you didn't like it up to this point last 7 episodes won't change your mind (not to mention it seems like the whole thing is about to get political and army oriented) , that couldn't stomach slower storytelling up to this point. But I'll be damned if I'm still not secretly rooting for Erin and Ial.
Would LOVE it, this series was seriously one of the best of 2009. 
