Dark Gathering

Let's Ghooooooost! It's a bit tricky for me to gauge how much horror Dark Gathering packs, considering I'm not exactly a horror expert. I'm the type who prefers to watch a series the next day in broad daylight. However, I can confidently say that it didn't terrify me that much in the end. There were a few unpleasant scenes, but no jump scares or moments that made me look away. The animation style and likable characters played a significant role in keeping me calm, as I knew nothing too terrible would happen to them. In terms of the story, it felt like a Japanese Ghostbusters with a twist of traditional mysticism instead of science, incorporating elements like talismans, etc. It's an odd mix since the hunters are young adults and one weird child, and the talismans are mostly plush toys. And plush toys and children are not particularly scary. The individual stories varied in quality, and the main storyline that unfolded in the last three episodes became truly interesting. The series picked up speed, introducing new facets of the conflict, moving beyond the "ghost of the week" formula. Then the final credits rolled in, leaving us with a promise of "see you in Kyoto." Despite the slight aversion to horror, the first season was an enjoyable watch for me. I appreciate the main trio, am intrigued about what will happen next, and believe that the elements making me consider a high rating are still on the horizon. So, it's a 6.4/10 for now, and hopefully, see you in Kyoto... (2023.12.25)