Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha

[Munsu]

Here are 4 commericals and a preview for Darker than Black:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/pfckhr
http://www.sendspace.com/file/3vgjbq
http://www.sendspace.com/file/izvb3v
http://www.sendspace.com/file/p957us
http://www.sendspace.com/file/pra6ed

This is one of the series I'm mostly looking forward to. It's one of the two new series by BONES.


Suddenly anomalous field impossible to analyze appears in Tokyo. As if they responded to the field named “Hell’s Gate”, people that have new powers and completely different from the current human begins appear. They have lost their minds and sometimes kill people cruelly. People call them “Contractor” with fear.

http://www.d-black.net/
http://anidb.info/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4906

[Koyuki]

Nice. Both of the new Bones series are dark and mystical, like in the end of hagaren.

[RyougaZell]

This is one of the four series Im looking forward to see this season. The trailers I saw several weeks ago look very good.

Oh yeah... I believe this series is taking Code Geass' slot on TV.

[dark maginn]

yes this is one of the anime i been waiting for i know its gonna be good

[mage]

Episode 1 Raw (http://bt.saiyaman.info/download.php?id=4183&file=%5BS%5EM%5D+Darker+Than+BLACK+-+01+RAW.avi.torrent) is out. Anyone know if any groups are planning to sub this?

[Chaos]

Yeah Shinsen-subs is planning to sub this series.

http://fansub.andrewlb.com/pukiwiki.php?Spring%202007

[Missingman]

whats the other series by BONES?

[animus]

Skullman I believe?

[Chaos]

Episode 1 by MaiWaifu:

http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=19617&name=%5BMaiWaifu%5DDarker_Than_Black_01%5B52470FB3 %5D.mkv.torrent

[Munsu]

MaiWaifu was a decent release...

Anyways, this was an awesome kickass episode. The main character is great. I'm interested in learning more about this "compensating for your contract" stuff.

[RyougaZell]

Episode 1 by sudo (http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=19635&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_01_%5BABDDD1DD%5 D.mkv.torrent)

I already downloaded the maiwaifu version, but will watch later tonight after job.

[Munsu]

Browsed a bit of the Sudo version, I think the translation in Maiwaifu was better from what I saw. The sudo version had karaoke though.

[animus]

Noticed a few mistakes with MaiWafu's but its just me nitpicking, for example them spelling seize "sieze", access as acces, "shoot at sight" when it should be shoot on sight and various other things I can't recall.

Anyways, the first episode was really interesting. Definetely going to keep up with the series.

[Munsu]

Oh, no doubt about it... their editing is aweful. But, I don't expect much from any of the other groups doing the series, so might as well get the first speedsub that is out. The translations seem decent at least.

It's still hard to tell what the whole plot of the series is or what is the goal of the main character and the other contractors. The action scenes were good, and I thought the characters introduced so far were pretty good.

[seanos]

Mishicorp's release (Episode 01) (http://a.scarywater.net/mishicorp/%5BMishicorp%5D_Darker_than_BLACK_-_1_%5BXVID%5D%5B5FB56F78%5D.avi.torrent)
No idea how it compares though.

[RyougaZell]

I've downloaded before from Mishicorp. They do decent jobs. But it would help if I could remember WHAT I used to download from them....

[animus]

http://anidb.info/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=group&gid=3176

I'm guessing you downloaded Kiba from 'em.

[Chaos]

I think I downloaded Zegapain from them...anyways I'll check out their version of Darker than Black

[masamuneehs]

add Shinsen to the clusterfuck of groups working on this title...
I wish one of them would go do DT Eightron...

Shinsen Subs - Darker than Black - Episode 1 (http://bt.shinsen-subs.org/%5BShinsen-Subs%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_01_%5BB8CC68AD%5D.avi.torrent)

[Kraco]

Mishicorp's work seemed decent as far as I could judge. I'll stick to them, assuming they can keep a tolerable release schedule. With Kiba they were somewhat irregular if memory serves (I got Kiba from Kyuu, thus not paying that much attention, though).

It looks like an interesting series. Dark, just like the name suggests. Lots of mysteries left to be revealed after the first episode, which is a good thing. Characters didn't look bad, either, although hard to say much about them yet. I'll definitely keep watching this.

[Board of Command]

Watched the first episode tonight and it was certainly quite interesting. Look like a promising series.

I'm sticking to Mishicorp's 720p releases. They look fantastic.

[animus]

Episode 2 by Mishicorp (http://a.scarywater.net/mishicorp/%5BMishicorp%5D_Darker_than_BLACK_-_02_%5BXVID%5D%5B0EB179D5%5D.avi.torrent)


Edit: Good episode, with an unexpected twist.

[Kraco]

Major ep2 spoiler below:


Indeed. I never guessed the girl would be a doll impersonating a dead person. I thought she was in to stay, considering she knew something. It would have also made sense for her to stick around and provide information, if the plot had so dictated. However, this of course makes things darker (like the series name requires) and more interesting.

[animus]

We know Li is a contractor, but hopefully we find out what his power is and the terms of his contract. Maybe it's to eat excessive amounts of food like demonstrated in the restaurant?

[GLS]

We know Li is a contractor, but hopefully we find out what his power is and the terms of his contract. Maybe it's to eat excessive amounts of food like demonstrated in the restaurant?
That's what I was thinking when I first saw that scene. But then he was flipping pages in a book before the fight happened. Also, that was pretty convenient to have his trenchcoat in his pants pocket. :)

DtB looks great so far!

[animus]

Ah yea, that might be the condition. The book was empty too and he was just flipping through it. That seems easy compared to the guy that has to stack little rocks in the shape of a square or the guy that eats flowers heh.

[Board of Command]

NOOOOOOO

The girl died :(

[High Wind]

Just finished watching the released episodes. On the topic of Hei or Li or whatever his name is. I think his power might be to deliver some kind of electric current or something. He seemed like he was attacking by attaching a wire to them and then they started convulsing. Also when he killed that Jean guy he simply put his foot in the water and in the next scene Jean was dead. As to the terms of his contract, the only thing I can see being a plausable condition was the flipping of the book. Anyways, this seems like a fairly interesting series and I'm going to stick with it to see how everything plays out.

[animus]

I thought it might've been electricity too, but it looked like just a wired taser or something, I could be wrong.

[Kraco]

As to the terms of his contract, the only thing I can see being a plausable condition was the flipping of the book.

Wasn't that book what they got out of the safe? I think he just checked the goods at that point, after getting rid of the woman (or so he thought). If you had to check if a notebook is the correct one, and when you open it you'd only see empty pages, it would be the natural reaction to flip quickly through all of it to see if it's altogether void of content.

[High Wind]

I just rewatched that part and I agree with you. So the terms for his contract are still fairly mysterious, I hope its something really quirky. Hopefully not as out of place as eating dandelions though.

[Munsu]

First episode by Ani-Jiyuu:
http://a.scarywater.net/anime-jiyuu/%5BAni-Jiyuu%5D_Darker_than_BLACK_-_01%5BH264%5D%5BHD%5D%5B96284874%5D.mkv.torrent

I think this is the version I'm going to be keeping for now, in case anyone wants to check them out.

[yallo]

I don't think flipping the book is Hei's "terms for contract". I thought the book was the "goods" everyone was trying to get their hands on? He flipped through to double confirm that and found it empty. I guess that was when he realised something was wrong...?

Anyway, seems like the terms for contract is something the contractor has to do -after- he exercised his powers. I wonder what will happen if he doesn't do according to the terms? What's the penalty? Like that French guy, he never did manage to finish arranging those pebbles. Does that mean he is unable to use his powers anymore, and hence was finished off easily by Hei?

Nice animation and nice music... another series to add to my watchlist.

[Munsu]

The other question would be is does the payment for the contract vary depending on the contract undertaken, or does each contractor have their own unique payment regardless of the contract they undertake.

[animus]

I believe the latter, contractor has their own unique payment regardless. I'm also wonder if these contracts that they undertake, are they choosable what ability they get to use? I wouldn't want to be like Louis, pick telekenesis and have to break my fingers every time I use my powers. Ouch.

[seanos]

Anime-Keep have released the first episode (http://a.scarywater.net/akeep/%5BAnime-Keep%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_01_%5BH.264_Vorbis%5D%5B720p%5D%5B07E902A2%5D.mkv .torrent)

[animus]

Episode 3 - Shinsen (http://bt.shinsen-subs.org/%5BShinsen-Subs%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_03_%5B390CC36E%5D.avi.torrent)


Edit: Looks like Li's power really might be electricity. Still not too sure if his massive appetite is the contract's condition or not.

[Darknodin]

I don't think flipping the book is Hei's "terms for contract". I thought the book was the "goods" everyone was trying to get their hands on? He flipped through to double confirm that and found it empty. I guess that was when he realised something was wrong...?

Anyway, seems like the terms for contract is something the contractor has to do -after- he exercised his powers. I wonder what will happen if he doesn't do according to the terms? What's the penalty? Like that French guy, he never did manage to finish arranging those pebbles. Does that mean he is unable to use his powers anymore, and hence was finished off easily by Hei?

Nice animation and nice music... another series to add to my watchlist.


he had many books with him. those contracts are cool. this and the flower eating ones are the easiest (if the guy only has to eat one flower). the pebbles is also easy, but i personally hate that. breaking fingers...

[NeoCybercoin]

I think Li's terms of contract is that he has to eat alot. Why else would he eat that much? Well anime people DO eat alot at times.

[Mae]

I think Li's terms of contract is that he has to eat alot. Why else would he eat that much? Well anime people DO eat alot at times.

He had to eat right after using his contract to light up the amusement park, so I'd say eating it is. This series is kind of interesting. I like how charming and kind Li can seem. Also talking cat reminded me of Yoruichi, very similar voice...

[Munsu]

Episode 4 by sudo:
http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=20578&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_04_%5B307A96FF%5 D.mkv.torrent

[masamuneehs]

Darker Than Black - Episode 4 - MishiCorp (http://a.scarywater.net/mishicorp/%5BMishicorp%5D_Darker_than_BLACK_-_04_%5BXVID%5D%5B9180C882%5D.avi.torrent)

I know some people here prefer these guys, myself included

[Board of Command]

Argh, why can't they release the HD version along with it?!

[Kraco]

One thing I really like about this series is how the main character always looks like he's so filled with sympathy for the misery of others:

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/318/fullofsympathynq6.jpg

Especially his eyes. They are practically screaming: "Look how much I care!"

[yallo]

Ouch the sheer brutality of this show shocked me. I never expected them to show Mai burning up her friend and friend's father while she was forced to witness it all in shock and terror. Ouch ouch ouch. And all those hundreds (i'm assuming) of burnt people in the building, crispy like bacon eeww. The producers sure don't think twice about killing someone off in this show.

I wonder if she's going to join Hei & co. as part of the gang? Don't see her appearing in the preview. Still have no idea what is the purpose behind this gang though, is there a greater organization behind the 3 ppl + 1 cat grouping? Or more accurately, 1 contractor 1 doll 1 cat and 1 human (since he hasn't shown any powers as of yet).

[animus]

Ouch the sheer brutality of this show shocked me. I never expected them to show Mai burning up her friend and friend's father while she was forced to witness it all in shock and terror. Ouch ouch ouch. And all those hundreds (i'm assuming) of burnt people in the building, crispy like bacon eeww. The producers sure don't think twice about killing someone off in this show.

I wonder if she's going to join Hei & co. as part of the gang? Don't see her appearing in the preview. Still have no idea what is the purpose behind this gang though, is there a greater organization behind the 3 ppl + 1 cat grouping? Or more accurately, 1 contractor 1 doll 1 cat and 1 human (since he hasn't shown any powers as of yet).

I don't think that old guy's going to turn up to be a contractor. He's voiced his hate for them on many occassions, towards Li no less.

[RyougaZell]

Excellent episode. Somehow I find myself liking Mai's character. I hope she returns in the next episodes, by joining with Lee.
I mean... she doesn't have somewhere to go now. Her father died, and she killed her own friend by accident.

[Mae]

Yeah, this really took a turn towards more of a horror theme. That was pretty harsh, her accidentally burning her friend and her friend's father alive. Also those cops getting sliced up, yikes. Well, I didn't expect something called Darker than Black to be cheerful...

And do I understand correctly that contractors have no emotions? And dolls have no personality and no emotions. And I still have no idea what is up with the cat.

[Kraco]

And do I understand correctly that contractors have no emotions?

I was also trying to remember if they had said something like that at some point, but on the other hand when you watch the show, it doesn't look that way. Rather, it seems like they are pushed or decided to withdraw from the society and thus become sociopaths. After all, they have shown plenty of emotions during the show. Naturally one could argue they are acted emotions, but from an outsider's point of view, emulated emotions and real emotions are one and the same, so it doesn't really matter.

Besides, with no real working AIs, I don't think humanity can yet even imagine what an intelligence totally without emotions would be like. So, it would take a genius to write such a character and unfortunately probably also a genius to understand such a character, so it would be wasted on 99.9999% of the audience...

[Munsu]

5 by sudo:
http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=20869&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_05_%5B1F8A1474%5 D.mkv.torrent

[Mae]

So, our hero shows up for about 15 seconds, huh? Actually I didn't mind as the British guy made up for it. Nice episode, and I hope they don't kill him off too quickly...

[animus]

Episode 6 - sudo (http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=21169&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_06_%5B9F283151%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[animus]

Episode 7 - sudo (http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=21504&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_07_%5B29154075%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[Board of Command]

Oh man Havoc was hot.

WHY DID SHE HAVE TO DIE? WHY?!/!

[shinta|hikari]

Yeah, I would have wanted her to become part of the cast more than anyone else so far, at least far more so than the three weirdos (referring to the british guys group).

[animus]

Episode 8 - sudo (http://datorrents.com/download.asp?id=21753&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_08_%5B9C680479%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[Board of Command]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this already, but "mao" means "cat" in Chinese. Nice touch there.

[animus]

Episode 9 - sudo (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=22013&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_09_%5B6A5B33E1%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[KitKat]

I just finished episode 8 and I'm liking this series a lot. Ep 8 seemed to have a bit of a different atmosphere (I laughed so hard at Mao thinking he'd won when he grabbed the coat as a bird, and then flew right into the wall) than the previous ones, although it kindof weirded me out a bit too. And now it seems that contractors can have the same powers, with apparently the same limitations. I wonder if the completions of the contract are the same for each specific power, or if they vary from person to person. I'm looking forward to episode 9!

[animus]

I just finished episode 8 and I'm liking this series a lot. Ep 8 seemed to have a bit of a different atmosphere (I laughed so hard at Mao thinking he'd won when he grabbed the coat as a bird, and then flew right into the wall) than the previous ones, although it kindof weirded me out a bit too. And now it seems that contractors can have the same powers, with apparently the same limitations. I wonder if the completions of the contract are the same for each specific power, or if they vary from person to person. I'm looking forward to episode 9!

Well if you were talking about the guy that sniffed the sock and Mao, their powers are different, sort of. Mao's power is only limited to animals, and I assume that the sock-sniffer was only limited to humans. However, it seemed both their remuneration or whatever was the same though, that is losing their original bodies.






edit: Just watched episode 9, and I love it how Hei always gets his way into all these little menial jobs, like book keeper, bustboy, etc.

[animus]

Episode 10 - sudo (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=22297&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_10_%5B4A187F26%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[Koyuki]

Nobody watching this series? If you haven't seen it, go and watch it.

Darker Than Black - SS Ep9 (http://bt.shinsen-subs.org/%5BShinsen-Subs%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_09_%5B216AD5E3%5D.mkv.torrent)

Darker Than Black - SS Ep10 (http://bt.shinsen-subs.org/%5BShinsen-Subs%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_10_%5B260A38B4%5D.mkv.torrent)

[Testarossa Autodrive]

I'm definitely watching this one. It's a new favorite of mine; so much so that I'll download the raw's even though I can hardly understand Japanese. :)

<3 Li

[animus]

Episode 11 - sudo (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=22689&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_11_%5BEF0B9DF4%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[StillAlive]

Episode 12 - sudo (http://www.monova.org/download.php?id=361514)

[BananaFob]

This anime has been licensed by FunImation. Really sad to see this happen, but I'm hoping that Sudo or Shinsen will still sub it.

Source:
http://www.beta-waffle.com/blog/?p=485
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7382
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=39935&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/997.html

[Bread-sama]

SHS dropped it, as for sudo... we hope they don't drop it D:

[Munsu]

I'm hoping anime-jiyuu continues it too... they are the fansubs I'm keeping.

[RyougaZell]

Im waiting to see if Mishicorp continues doing it... if not... will migrate to whatever group decides to not drop.

[KitKat]

Boo licensing. This show rocks my socks. I feel a bit meh about sudo in general, but if they continue this, I'll be a happy camper.

[Lucifus]

Well, I just started watching the series and caught up to ep 12.
And as I'm far too lazy to write my own comments i'll merely quote KitKat.

"Boo licensing. This show rocks my socks. I feel a bit meh about sudo in general, but if they continue this, I'll be a happy camper."

And this show does indeed roxzorz my sockzorz.

[Zati]

Episode 13 - anon (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23196&name=%5Banon%5D%20Darker%20Than%20Black%2013.mkv.t orrent)
Episode 14 - anon (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23197&name=%5Banon%5D%20Darker%20Than%20Black%2014.mkv.t orrent)

Anon just released Episodes 13 & 14, but I'll probably wait for sudo.

I agree this series is just awesome, more people should start watching this now!

[Board of Command]

From the looks of it, Mishi either dropped it or is stalled indefinitely. Either way, I'm going with Sudo now. They're not half bad.

[KitKat]

Has anyone watched the Anon releases that can comment on the quality? I might download these if they're decent.

[Munsu]

I don't know why you guys like mishicorp... they have pretty bad editing and timing. You like their encodes? I don't think that warrants you keeping their version instead of the others, their encodes aren't that much better either, assuming they are indeed better.

[BananaFob]

The girl on the 12 and 14th episode looks very similar to CC from Code Geass. Anybody have any ideas what significance she will play in the plot?

I also don't like Kiko girl, considering she seems like an unimportant teritary character right now that doesn't add anything to the story except for humor.

[Kraco]

I also don't like Kiko girl, considering she seems like an unimportant teritary character right now that doesn't add anything to the story except for humor.

For some reason I like her. Even though you are right and she's unimportant and doesn't really even feel like she's in the right series.

[shinta|hikari]

The girl does look exactly like C.C., but Ive thought so ever since the first episode of this show. She is the girl over Hei's head in the last part of the intro. Dont ask me how I knew, maybe I just have a C.C. radar, and anything fitting her description gives me an alert.

[RyougaZell]

anime-jiyuu, mishicorp and shinsen have dropped the series, so I guess the only option left is sudo.
anon doesn't count... they have released random episodes of other series, like negim 17 without doing the other 16.

[animus]

anime-jiyuu, mishicorp and shinsen have dropped the series, so I guess the only option left is sudo.
anon doesn't count... they have released random episodes of other series, like negim 17 without doing the other 16.

You don't seriously expect them to release all the episodes before the current one, fall back a ton and not have new episodes for awhile just because other groups do them? Unless you mean the first 16 episode of Negima were unsubbed period by any group, which is unlikely due to the popularity of the series.

[RyougaZell]

What I meant is that anon isn't a real group, but someone that just happened to do several eps because others are 'slow'. Kinda like Your-mom subs of Code Geass.

Anon has just subbed Negima 17, and Darker than Black 13-14. Nothing more.


*Sigh*
Downloaded Sudo... they are big files of 250megs, use h264 and have a big resolution... my computer barely runs them.... if someone finds any other group which subs in english please do tell... I could only find italian subs.

[Munsu]

Shinsen stopped at 10, and there's some group that just started at 11 called Syndicate... I suspect they are either Shinsen in disguise or a group continuing where they left off, might want to check them out if you can't run the other versions.

[RyougaZell]

Hey, I hadn't heard of that one.
Will do... thanks for the tip Munsu.

I guess I'll download 9-10 from Shinsen and then 11-12 from Syndicate (#12 was just released on Tokyo Toshokan)
Thanks.

[Kraco]

Episode 13 - Sudo (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23276&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_13_%5B28C5D807%5 D.mkv.torrent)

Heh. Yin's a Finn... Didn't see that one coming! I hope she won't die, though with this series you never know. And in the end, considering to what manner of cinders her life has been reduced as a doll, I'm not sure if that's really a life worth living. But perhaps if Hei and Mao protect her, she could live on some kind of an existence.

[NinjaMic]

For all those like me who cant run those gigantic mkv files perfectly, a group named "Syndicate" has done episodes 11 and 12 in XviD format....and the subs look suspiciously like a group that had supposedly "dropped" it ;)

n/m, I see someone has mentioned it, but here are links :p

Episode 11 - Syndicate (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23212&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_11_%5BCA00C6BD%5D.avi.torrent)
Episode 12 - Syndicate (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23272&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_12_%5BE21EB3D0%5D.avi.torrent)

[Munsu]

Episode 9 was released by a group called Hellsgate, and they seem to be a-keep. No torrent that I can find, but you may be able to find it in some random bots around IRC. Try charger or some of the bots in anirupt if you're interested.

[masamuneehs]

sudo - Darker Than Black - Episode 14 -mkv format (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23544&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_14_%5B646CD48C%5 D.mkv.torrent)

[Buffalobiian]

How close to Shinsen is Syndicate? Think I should go with Sudo or Syndicate if I've been following Shinsen? Can play mkv fine. File size? Meh,

[Death13a]

I can't play sudo mkvs, tried no good. go with Syndicate's subs are not bad and plays normaly.

[BananaFob]

A lot of people use Media Player Classic with the CCCP codec pack.

http://www.cccp-project.net/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/guliverkli/

[animus]

Episode 15 - Anonymous (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1422)
Episode 16 - Anonymous (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1425)

Spiffy new intro, but doesn't show much, which might or might not be a good thing.

[Koyuki]

Episode 15 by Sudo (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23900&name=%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_15_%5B64B50743%5 D.mkv.torrent)

Also the OST is out, some nice songs. Made by Kanno Youko who also made the music for Cowboy Bebop :)

Darker Than Black OST (http://tracker.minglong.org/torrents/%5BNipponsei%5D%20Darker%20Than%20Black%20-Kuro%20no%20Keiyakusha-%20Gekihan.zip.torrent)

[Board of Command]

The ED is one of my favorites. A nice change from all those upbeat J-pop songs.

[shinta|hikari]

Is that the first or second ending? The first is from Rie Fu, and the second from High and Mighty Color I believe. This series has a great song list. I love both openings and endings.

Anyway, what do you guys think about February? Im actually wondering if they copied her off CC or if its was just an insane coincidence (I mean, down to eye color?).

[Koyuki]

It's from the first opening. Havent't seen CC, so I can't comment on that :P

[shinta|hikari]

That means you havent seen code geass? You should.

They both have pizza hut and CC (well february/amber in your case) characters, what else can you ask for?

[Kraco]

Yeah, it's really crazy. February as well seems somewhat mysterious and quirky so far. Though C.C. was really more about loyalty whereas February seems to be the opposite in that respect. But such opposites work as references just as well as similarities. Strange indeed.

[shinta|hikari]

C.C. wasnt about loyalty. I cant really talk about it here on this thread to avoid spoiling someone, but she did betray someone, much like Amber.

Im actually thinking that Amber didnt betray hei, but rather betrayed everyone else for his sake. I mean, look at her when she talks about and with Hei, she is definitely a girl in love. I also really liked how she described Hei and how she began to like him. There has got to be something more to what she did.

[AlbinoFury]

Anonymous AniRena? 17 ive found

http://www.mininova.org/tor/818914

[RyougaZell]

Syndicate 13 AVI (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23583&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_13_%5B55D9A383%5D.avi.torrent)
Syndicate 13 MKV (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23630&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_13_%5B05EAEC5E%5D.mkv.torrent)
Syndicate 14 AVI (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23631&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_14_%5B0B854813%5D.avi.torrent)
Syndicate 14 MKV (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=23704&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_14_%5B84722215%5D.mkv.torrent)
Syndicate 15 AVI (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=24303&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_15_%5B3C9442B1%5D.avi.torrent)
Syndicate 15 MKV (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=24325&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_15_%5BFDFBA640%5D.mkv.torrent)
Syndicate 16 AVI (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=24304&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_16_%5BC01AE522%5D.avi.torrent)
Syndicate 16 MKV (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=24326&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_16_%5B2E35CB66%5D.mkv.torrent)

[Munsu]

Hei needs to spend more time with Kirihara.

[Koyuki]

Anonymous Ep 18 (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1573)

[Lucifus]

Christ this show rocks. The characters are so awesome. The shows not afraid to let a few people hit the floor either.

This episode was pretty sweet, I just wish we had a better/faster fansub group out there.

[Buffalobiian]

What fansub group's releases are you watching? If you were like me and were watching Shinsen until they dropped it, highly recommend Syndicate. :D. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise. Anyways, I find them good quality. btw, it seems Amber knew Yin from somewhere, but "Glad to meet you, Yin." at the tobacco shop says otherwise. Any ideas?

[Darknodin]

Am I paranoid or keep seeing Code Geass references everywhere?

[Lucifus]

Anonymous- Darker than Black 19 (http://tracker.anirena.com/details.php?id=1670&hit=1)

Comment after Download. Grab it while its hot.

[Kraco]

btw, it seems Amber knew Yin from somewhere, but "Glad to meet you, Yin." at the tobacco shop says otherwise. Any ideas?

I think she knew Yin is close to Hei now, just like she was in the past, and thus behaves like they were good old friends. She even tells Yin to take care of Hei (which is what I'd like to happen, anyway. They are both so lonely.)

[Sapphire]

I saw some Ouran High stuff too, the pink haired otaku girl was reading or watching it.

And ANN says that she also made a Death Note reference..

And that heterochromatic kid reminded me a lot of Rozen Maiden..

*reels from 5 billion allusions*

So I've been looking all over the nets for info on the Code Geass/DTB thing, but all I found was something on Wikipedia saying that DTB usurped Code Geass' time slot or something. Tribute to Code Geass? XD

[shinta|hikari]

Im thinking that Pizza Hut in Japan simply thinks that advertising at that time slot is effective, and has thus used code geass and darker than black as ways to broadcast their product.

[Sapphire]

That's pretty weird. I guess it works though... I always found myself hungry after seeing something like that.. Too bad it doesn't explain the other allusions. There isn't a manga of DTB, right?

[Kraco]

Hungrier than hungry:

Episode 20 - Anonymous (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1746)

[ryan92084]

anyone else having trouble with sudo's 18 torrent?

i can't seem to find a working version
http://dryfire.org/[sudo]_Darker_Than_Black_18_[E4CCB11C].mkv.torrent

[Koyuki]

Nope, downloaded it a couple a days ago.

Edit: I tried the torrent, it works fine.

[Board of Command]

Syndicate/Shinsen just released eps 19 and 20:

Episode 19 Xvid (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=25352&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_19_%5BFC77CAAC%5D.avi.torrent)
Episode 19 H264 720p (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=25353&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_19_%5B895FE59E%5D.mkv.torrent)

Episode 20 Xvid (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=25355&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_20_%5BCCF152E4%5D.avi.torrent)
Episode 20 H264 720p (http://www.datorrents.com/download.asp?id=25356&name=%5BSyndicate%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_20_%5B1D329E4B%5D.mkv.torrent)

[Darknodin]

i wished Huang would just go away... or die...

i was really sad when the girl got hit because it meant the guy would still be part of the show.

[Board of Command]

I thought they would try to run off together, and the syndicate would kill them both. That would make for a happy ending for the couple, but I guess this isn't really a "happy series."

[Kraco]

Yeah. That's what I thought as well. But it looks like they wanted to keep the central characters in place at least for a little longer. Still, there aren't that many episodes left, so you would think they could have already offed one.

[AlbinoFury]

Is this one a 26 ep series or 52ish?

[Board of Command]

25 episodes

[Koyuki]

I hope they make another season. This show is too good for 25 eps only. I don't know how they can finish it in 5 episodes...

[Board of Command]

Judging from the upcoming episode names, 21 and 22 will be another 2-part story. 23 to 25 all have unique names, so expect them to end it only 3 episodes.

I have a feeling Kirihara Misaki won't get to find out BK201's identity... :(

[animus]

This series felt like a strong series at the beginning but now it just feels poorly planned. The story is incoherently random and there's no real obstacle here. It's just proved more by the 2 episode section devoted to Huang. It gave him a bit more depth, but the cost was 2 episodes gone without doing anything for the main storyline if there is one. Maybe it's Hei's struggle to find his sister, maybe it's to find Amber, discover why contractors appeared, etc.

[shinta|hikari]

Its all of those. Its not about the number of storylines, but if they can conclude them in the remaining episodes. Its always good to have numerous plot lines, as long as it is properly concluded. I dont want to judge this series just yet. The ending will allow me that luxury later.

[Koyuki]

Episode 21 ^_^

Darker Than Black Ep21 Anon (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1882)

[Death13a]

I think Amber's payment is to get younger. Since she looks much younger then last time.

[Munsu]

I wouldn't discount that possibility, since I'm pretty sure that in the flashbacks of South America with Hie she seemed a bit older and mature.

[shinta|hikari]

OMG, isnt that like the perfect payment? If she uses it sparingly, she is technically immortal, and if she doesnt, I get an extra loli in one of my favorite shows this season. Yes, that just has to be it.

[Kraco]

It hardly can get any darker than black but let's try nonetheless:

Episode 22 - Sudo (http://dryfire.org/sudo/%5Bsudo%5D_Darker_Than_Black_22_%5B6F17C44F%5D.mkv .torrent)

[Munsu]

Kickass episode, looks that by next episode we'll going to get the full story about Hie's and Amber's past. And it seems like we were right with her payment or at least the effect of her powers being that she gets younger. Her payment could also be to eat apples, but she's indeed getting younger.

3 more episodes to go.

[Munsu]

Anonymous 23:
http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=2062

[animus]

Amber's enumeration is definetely getting younger. In this episode, you could clearly see her taller, look more mature, and speak in a deeper voice.

[Raziel666]

The [Hellsgate] releases still continue, but I cannot find them either on #Anirupt or #charger. I found that a bot named Metatron|Energie has the 12th episode, but I can't find where this bot is. Maybe someone else can help?

[shinta|hikari]

I dont know if a younger or older Amber is better. If she is older, she looks a lot like (well practically the same as ) C.C., who is my favorite character. If she is younger, she looks like a younger loli C.C., which is also great. Oh the choices...

[Munsu]

The [Hellsgate] releases still continue, but I cannot find them either on #Anirupt or #charger. I found that a bot named Metatron|Energie has the 12th episode, but I can't find where this bot is. Maybe someone else can help?
Where is that bot?

[Raziel666]

I'm also asking the same thing...

[Munsu]

Well, from my understanding it's a private bot, so you won't get access to it... I wonder where the other episodes are though, 10 and 11... I only have 9 myself. Doesn't seem like the team wants to ditribute the file at all, I can only pray that at least it makes its way to the edonkey network.

[isso]

Oooohhh, c'mon 24 i need u now! =)

Time for some real action!

[Kraco]

Episode 23 - Sudo (http://dryfire.org/sudo/%5bsudo%5d_Darker_Than_Black_23_%5bAB95EFB1%5d.mkv .torrent)

[Darknodin]

pretty neat set up for the climax... I personally like how this show's been going. highly anticipating ep 24!

[Munsu]

24 by BSS:
http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=2156

[animus]

I hear a producer ran off with DTB's script. Anyways, the story was incoherent and confusing since the beginning anyways, I mean episode 24 just proves it. It's like a rush to cram everything that was supposed to have been gradual in the series in the last 2-3 episodes.

[NeoCybercoin]

Omg toddler Amber? o.o That looks...cute somehow :p Anyway I still like the show and its a pity that its going to end soon.

EDIT: Ok who the hell neg repped me and called me a pedo for saying it looks cute? Grow up please.

[Darknodin]

Rushed? the pace is kinda fast yea, but its not rushed. the last two eps were great for me. most questions have been answered (except the BK201 one... which should happen next week), and everything is going towards an end.
some people have interesting remunerations... Amber is basically immortal if she doesn't use her powers too much while the teleporting girl only has to kiss someone. the guy in ep.1 that had to break his fingers had it rough!

[shinta|hikari]

A lot of people seem to dislike this form of storytelling. This is similar to how madlax, .hack, and other "slow" animes develop. There are a lot of seemingly useless episodes that simply develop the characters and add to the mystery, and everything gets resolved in the last few episodes. Its not bad, as long as they answer all of the questions (at least the relevant ones), and really makes the climax feel like a climax, with numberous revelations and twists. A lot of people seem to dislike this type though.

[Munsu]

Episode 25, probably the final one, by BSS:
http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=2260

[shinta|hikari]

I liked how it ended, but it really feels "lacking" or incomplete, probably because we dont see how Hei and In ended up after everything (at least in less mysterious terms). Amber's fate really made me depressed, especially since she is like C2-2. But I think they concluded it really well, answering all the important stuff that was left hanging before, and even gave a dramatic scene for the climax between Hei and C2-2. I just wish there is a season 2 with C2-2 making a comeback. I think of In as only a little sister to Hei, though the implication in the show seems like she may become more, especially since her love rival is gone (literally).

[oyabun]

Is there a batch torrent?

[Kraco]

It was a fine series. I have no complaints whatsoever. The main plot was kind of small for 25 episodes, however, the show never felt empty or like it was running anything inconsequential. And certainly there was no lack of action!

A kickass main character as well. It's always nice to watch series where the main character isn't an underdog yet there's still enough suspence. I hope this starting anime season will bring more series like this.

Amber was a bit too much like C.C., making it harder to take her seriously, but it's not like that would have made her a poor character, though. Ah... And I can't forget Yin (and those related to her). It always gives me an extra warm feeling to have Finnish characters in anime!

[Board of Command]

I can't believe I just realized it..... Just like how "Mao" is Chinese for cat, "Hei" is Chinese for black. I just started watching ep 23, so I don't really know if the title, Darker Than Black, means anything in terms of BK201's character.

[RyougaZell]

Fine ending for a great series. The pace was good for me (or maybe its because I liked series like .hack).
The only thing I didn't understood is how Mao suddenly dissappeared from the cat...

[Crash]

The only thing I didn't understood is how Mao suddenly dissappeared from the cat...

He didn't. Back in one of the earlier episodes he explained that he lost his body and was now stuck in the body of the cat. He went on to say that as a result of the animals smaller brain capacity the organization had to patch his mind into their sever system in order to keep his human level of intelligence in tact. Since at the end they cut him out while he was hacking through files he simply degraded to the intelligence of a cat over time.

[Buffalobiian]

He didn't. Back in one of the earlier episodes he explained that he lost his body and was now stuck in the body of the cat. He went on to say that as a result of the animals smaller brain capacity the organization had to patch his mind into their sever system in order to keep his human level of intelligence in tact. Since at the end they cut him out while he was hacking through files he simply degraded to the intelligence of a cat over time.

That's the most reasonable explanation I've heard so far. Another theory I heard also mentions that it could be something to do with his wincing when he got cut from the server. But I though the intelligence degrading would have been more gradual. It seems like, for some reason, that Mao knew when it would happen. But it makes perfect sense never the less, especially considering he said: It's been fun with you guys. I actually prefer wet food to Kibble, so if a similar looking cat comes along......you know what to feed him.

I also liked how Yin gets a form when she sends her spectre. Really shows how she's "evolved" and isn't just some basic life form, but something unique.

Overall, loved this ending. Answers most mysteries, and the ones that aren't keep this series elusive, as it's always been. Though a little saddening, much better than Claymore, ending-wise at least.

[animus]

I thought it was just due to the fact that they were approaching closer and closer to the gate, and it was too volatile for some Contractors to keep sane/keep their abilities. Havoc had a similiar incident when she got close to the gate. Though, I don't know why it didn't affect Hei, maybe it's cause he's so different and he's "Darker than Black" or whatever.

[RyougaZell]

They didn't explain how come Pai/Xin's power resided inside Hei how he was both human and contractor did they?

[Munsu]

Don't remember the explanation, but I'm pretty sure they did. It had to do with Pai's power, it can do a shitload of other things than just electricity.

[Buffalobiian]

Don't remember the explanation, but I'm pretty sure they did. It had to do with Pai's power, it can do a shitload of other things than just electricity.

Pai's power was transformation, manipulation of particles at a quantum level. Pai used the power to make an field of matter making Heaven's Gate unapproachable, while Hei used to to alter the composition of Saturn Ring particles rendering them ineffective. Moving electrons, hence control of electricity, is the most basic application of her power in that sense. Amber said that Pai "died a little everytime he killed or did something he didn't want to in order to be with her(Pai)." Huang also said that this mess is the result of Hei, a human, wanting to become, and acting like a contracter. Everytime Hei killed, he became a bit more of a contracter, and Pai's existence died a little, and over time, Hei became a contracter (while remaining human), and Pai was absorbed into him. Sounds farfetched, but it's the best I can comprehend. Think of it like Mao's soul transfer.


I thought it was just due to the fact that they were approaching closer and closer to the gate, and it was too volatile for some Contractors to keep sane/keep their abilities. Havoc had a similiar incident when she got close to the gate. Though, I don't know why it didn't affect Hei, maybe it's cause he's so different and he's "Darker than Black" or whatever.

That one makes sense too. It probably didn't affect Hei because he's a human with contracter powers, so not a pure contracter. But then, Yin didn't look like she was in pain when she was projecting her spectre either, so maybe there's another answer.

[Yukimura]

Finally got around to finishing this. Not much to say that wasn't already said, but I really liked this show even though it didn't have that OMG WOW! factor that a lot of other shows had. DtB was somehow both relaxed and active at the same time which I found very refreshing.

I'm glad they closed most of the questions about what was going on (I had always wondered why Hei's fighting style relied so little on his power) , but there were still some things they didn't clarify, like why Hei's sister didn't do what he did in South America, how the tape recorder got into Kirihara's pocket, did Hei really not have a renumeration since he wasn't actually a contractor, etc... None of that was all that important but it would have been nice to know more details.

[Buffalobiian]

like why Hei's sister didn't do what he did in South America?

Probably because she knew they wanted to destroy Heaven's Gate, but didn't know in what way, or where the device is. If it they were short on time, then making a giant area of impenetrable matter would have been the quickest. It works too. The way Hei did it, they only have to build another machine, or 50 next time the sunspots align correctly again. Pai's was foolproof, but took a couple of thousand lives with her. Hei wanted to show he valued coexistence.


how the tape recorder got into Kirihara's pocket?.

Probably a little habit you pick up being a sharp minded police squad leader.


Did Hei really not have a renumeration since he wasn't actually a contractor?

Seems like the case. The way how they said Pai slowly died when Hei acted more and more like a contracter doesn't really make too much sense. If we leave that fact unquestioned, then somehow Pai being inside of Hei grants him her power without changer himself into a contracter, as he made no contract. If she is inside Hei, then one can think of her as permanently sleeping, and hence forever paying her renumeration. If she's sleeping however, then is she dead? That's the confusing part for me. The other query I have, is whether what you see when you make contact with the meteor shard is another dimension or an illusion. I'm more for the dimension one, but I've given up looking too deep into it. It was a good series, it left a good impression. Rumours have it an OVA's coming out.

[KitKat]

We never did find out what Pei's renumeration was, did we? But it could be similar to the case of Mao, where something happens that the price is so high that it effectively pays the renumeration forever. That could be the price with Pei, that leaves Hei able to use her power without consequence whenever he wants.

[Buffalobiian]

Pai's renumeration is sleep. In one of the final three episodes, you see Hei killing a contracter by choking/slicing him with his signature knife&wire. He gets worried about Pai, and ends up finding her standing with bodies all around her. He then catches her in him arms as she sleeps. Amber comes later and says they're always like that, like lovers actually, so there's reason to believe that it's not from sheer exhaustion.

[Yukimura]

They made a big deal that the tape recorder was taken from her as she entered the fortress place that's why I thought it was something supernatural that made it appear in her pocket, but I can't figure out who had the right type of power to so something like that, my best guess is Amber was able to reverse time in a confined space and brought Kirihara's pocket back to a time when it contained the tape recorder. This wold also sort of explain the big guy's vision of the flame girl. Amber could have moved his brain from when he died backward in time so he knew it was coming.

[Buffalobiian]

Hmm, I indeed forgot that they took out her recorder. Most likely Amber, can't imagine who else. The big guy who died in the fire was warned by Amber, no doubt about that. She even left the egg that she took from him in the apartment to tell him that. She knew he would probably need it too, since she kept the egg, and that he seemed quite confused until he saw it and realised it was a glimpse into the future.

[lilphatboi88]

Ah, I just finished the series also. Pretty good and interesting.

I agree with someone from an earlier post that said that the main character was awesome, in which he is. He wasn't an underdog trying to prove himself or whatever.

I always thought Hei's renumeration was that he had to eat a lot. It also could be because Bai was inside of him.

I only wished they would have showed us what happens to Li-kun or Hei in the end.

What did he mean by the person known as Li doesn't exist anymore?

[Buffalobiian]

What did he mean by the person known as Li doesn't exist anymore?

Li-kun is a persona that Hei adopts to interact with the outside world when he's not acting as a contracter. When his task was over (originally to follow the Syndicate's mission, then to disabling the Saturn Rings), that persona was no longer needed. Hence, the person no longer exists, and dead.

[Munsu]

Looks like the OVA, episode 26, is out:
http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=5344

[Kraco]

I think I'll wait and see if Sudo subs it. I think I have the other eps by Sudo, so it would make sense to get the extra from them as well, for consistency's sake if not for anything else.

[Buffalobiian]

If consistency is the key, I should hope that Shi-, err, Syndicate subs it as well.

[Munsu]

If consistency is the key, I should hope that Shi-, err, Syndicate subs it as well.
Only important if you enjoy watching piece of shit subs.

[KitKat]

Well, I watched the OVA today, and can't help but feel a little disappointed. This series had its share of silly moments, but even throughout all that maintained its dark atmosphere and focused on complex themes of humanity and sacrifice. This OVA didn't really contribute to these themes at all, and seemed more like a work of fanfiction itself. I was hoping for something more thought-provoking, or at least something that revealed to us more about the nature of the gate, contractors, or even about what happened in South America. There is so much mystery left in this series, so much untapped potential, and they gave us an OVA that was just fluff.

[RyougaZell]

Ironically... I liked the OVA.
But yes... I was expecting something post-ending... or pre-series... not this.

[Board of Command]

That was filler material. Like RyougaZell, I expected something pre-dating the series.

[Munsu]

Finally watched the OVA. I enjoyed it. Surely it was a complete disapointment in the lack of importance story wise, but I thought it was fun.

In other news, this could be complete bullshit, but apparently a some list from an animator from BONES got leaked. From the list, there's a mention of Okamura Tensai (Director/Writer) and Darker 2 next to it. So, there may be plans for a second series of DtB.

Now this could all be crap, so don't get your hopes up. Also, the list includes a sequel for Fullmetal Alchemist.

Here's the list (line 116 for DtB):
Bones (http://cache.yahoofs.jp/search/cache?p=%E5%B8%AD%E3%82%92%E3%81%8A%E3%81%84%E3%81 %A6%E3%82%84%E3%81%A3%E3%81%9F%E3%81%AE%E3%81%AB&search_x=1&fr=top_ga1&tid=top_ga1&ei=UTF-8&u=www.dotup.org/uploda/www.dotup.org7685.xls&w=%22%E5%B8%AD+%E3%82%92+%E3%81%8A%E3%81%84%E3%81% A6+%E3%82%84%E3%81%A3%E3%81%9F+%E3%81%AE%E3%81%AB% 22&d=TpGAKC72RA49&icp=1&.intl=jp)

Here are some sources spreading the rumor:
http://www.moetron.com/2008/07/04/fullmetal-alchemist-dtb-sequel-in-the-works/
http://mamono.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/newsplus/1215230082/
http://zepy.momotato.com/2008/07/04/bones/
http://giapet.net/tag/darker-than-black/

[Board of Command]

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't want to get my hopes up only to have them shattered later on .

[KitKat]

If this rumour is true, I will die of happiness.

[Munsu]

If this rumour is true, I will die of happiness.
Too bad you won't be able to enjoy the series then.

[Buffalobiian]

I shall be keeping my eyes peeled for this one. *Fingers crossed*

[Munsu]

Update on the rumor:
http://www.bones.co.jp/news/archives/000529.html


Late last week, a file that was purportedly to be a management document from the BONES anime studio was added to uploader.jp, a Japanese website that offers to distribute files anonymously and without charge. The spreadsheet file in Microsoft Excel format included a list of the studio's animation staffers along with what are reportedly their phone numbers, comments on their affiliation and availability, a letter-based classification system, their assignments, and their addresses. Among other points, it listed Fullmetal Alchemist animator Yasuhiro Irie as "Hagane 2 kantoku" (Iron/Fullmetal 2 director) and Darker than BLACK director Tensai Okamura as "Darker 2 junbi-jū" (preparing for Darker 2).

BONES President Masahiko Minami has posted an official statement about the file on the studio's website on Sunday. According to Minami, an internal investigation has determined that no file with this same formatted information existed within the company. He adds that the information which is reportedly the staffers' personal details did not come from the company's documents. Thus, they determined that "a third party" had created and posted document with the intent to libel the company. The studio will continue a special investigation into who distributed the file to malign the studio and the staffers. If the identity of the person is discovered, the company plans to deal with the individual severely.

In an interview after the official statement was published, ANN asked Minami about the possibility of a sequel to Fullmetal Alchemist or Darker than BLACK. Minami told ANN, "It hasn't been decided yet. We are interested in doing them. As original science-fiction works, they were extremely fascinating. With these kinds of dramatic story lines, I feel that there's a lot we could do potentially." The rest of the interview will be released on the ANN website after Anime Expo.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-06/bones-studio-addresses-allegedly-leaked-document

[KitKat]

Bah, it was too good to be true. Well, at least they haven't said for sure that they won't do a sequel, so there's still hope on the horizon somewhere in the future.

[Munsu]

I think his explanation is BS though, a smokescreen. I truely believe they're looking into making them... that they go through with it, is another thing... but for the moment it's good enough that they're looking into it.

[Sapphire]

ANN's announced the DtB sequel has been greenlit (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-03/darker-than-black-tv-anime-sequel-green-lit)!

[Board of Command]

OMG YES!

[Buffalobiian]

:D

Now just to wait for an airing date :(........

[Kraco]

It'll be interesting. I hope we will see again some of the old characters (in addition to Hei). Well, some of those that survived, anyway.

[Buffalobiian]

It'll be interesting. I hope we will see again some of the old characters (in addition to Hei). Well, some of those that survived, anyway.

Yeah, not many did. From memory, the the only ones from the main cast to make it out are Hei, Yin and the police woman.

No more C.C. Amber :(

[shinta|hikari]

No more C.C. Amber :(

Damn you for reminding me.

Oh, well, Loli-Yin is still there. I also miss the girl detective who has the hots (even if she denies it) for Lee. I hope they have same sort of romantic development this season.

[Buffalobiian]

Sorry about that

/wipe eyes.

I'll be expecting them to develop a relationship. Yin too, for that matter, since they ended with her developing a soul/self. Not necessarily a romantic one, nice as it may be, just one where we really see how she's different from when she was still a "doll". I'm not sure if the difference is as big a one I'm imagining, since she was a pretty unique doll to begin with.

Not nearly as lifeless as those ones used in the Observatory.

Mao was a pretty sweet character. He's another one that won't be coming back....

[shinta|hikari]

Loli-Yin can be the little sister that Hei can go to when the police girl is being too much of a tight ass.

Don't get me wrong, a Hei X Loli-Yin pairing would be great. Unfortunately, it would be very unlikely for those two to end up together, and I am tired of rooting for pairings that never come to fruition. It is just too disappointing.

[Buffalobiian]

Just throwing this out there....but what if .....what if....

...Yin is no longer a loli?.........

:rolleyes: ?

:rolleyes: ??

:eek: !!!

:cool:

[Kraco]

I'm not such a fan of Hei x Yin. It just didn't seem so likely towards the end. The police girl would be a better match. Of course it would be nice for something pleasant to happen to Yin as well, but it doesn't need to be a romance with Hei.

[shinta|hikari]

Yin needs Hei, even if not in a romantic sense. The little sister role may be what she fits best.

Yin calling Hei onii-chan or something while going to the amusement park with Hei and police girl (who have become a couple) might not be a bad ending, as absurdly cheesy and unlikely as it is.

[Yukimura]

Please not here too... This is Darker than Black and Hei we're talking about! Do the rabu rabu fantasies know no bounds? I don't think Hei belongs in any sort of Hei x * type relationship (in canon). I've no problem with women pining for him but I liked him for being a cold, distant, badass assassin/spy with occasional displays of emotion to let you know he was still kinda human. Turning those fleeting moments of emotion up to the level of of an actual two way romance/relationship would just kill his character for me. An awkward pseudo-sisterly relationship with Rin is about the extent of what I would want to see in regard to his emotional growth.

[shinta|hikari]

Rin = Yin?

He doesn't have to change completely (or even significantly) to have a romantic interest or pair. He can be just as cold, with small hints of concern that go beyond simple human decency. The other party can do all the dere stuff.

[digitalrurouni]

Wow this is great news...here I am coming back from a 2 week vacation and such great news greets me!

[Board of Command]

I'd gladly welcome Misaki back. She was my favorite character from the series.

[Ryllharu]

Please not here too... This is Darker than Black and Hei we're talking about! Do the rabu rabu fantasies know no bounds? I don't think Hei belongs in any sort of Hei x * type relationship (in canon). I've no problem with women pining for him but I liked him for being a cold, distant, badass assassin/spy with occasional displays of emotion to let you know he was still kinda human.I just finished the first season (I was watching the NA dvds, finally found a bot with all of them), and I have to agree with Yuki here completely. The dynamic that the relationships are all one-sided affairs are what makes Hei a more interesting character.

- Misaki having an innocent schoolgirl crush on the Li side, and the strange attraction-to-your-nemesis for his BK201 side.
- Amber with her serious love for him, basically doing everything with him in mind, always (according to other contractors) talking about him during downtime with her allies.
- Yin with her friendly, little sister appearance to her "feelings" (she is a doll afterall), but just hiding what might be a deeper affection as shown in the final episode and her character development episodes.
- Various other one-shot heroines of the week.

But deep down, Hei is just one huge sis-con.

[Buffalobiian]

Commercial's out

http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2009/08/06/darker-than-black-2-cm/

[digitalrurouni]

Oh yes!!! Cant wait for it. So October is not that far away :)

[Sapphire]

http://www.d-black.net/gallary/index.html

Red 1M on the left for 90 second commercial

[Buffalobiian]

So far so good. Let's hope no one runs off with the script this time.

[Pandadice]

so i watched season one like a week ago

concept was interesting, but execution was kinda bland, and plot-line wasn't interesting at all. Except for the main crew (hei, yin, huang, mao) i didn't like any of the characters. but dang, the one thing about this series that was awesome was definitely like every time Hei went kuro shinigami, with the mask and coat and knives and wire. he was definitely a cool character, and probably the only reason this series was any good. but it wasn't even just him as a whole either, it was exclusively when he was in shinigami mode.

there just.. doesn't really seem like a purpose to a sequel. it seemed to end find to me.

in fact, after actually watching season 1, i don't think i'll be picking up the second season.

i'll just have to find out how it compares to the first season.. if they keep it too similar then, yeah, i'm not gonna bother.

if i do end up watching it, i really hope they leave out all the pizza hut stuff.

[Ryllharu]

he was definitely a cool character, and probably the only reason this series was any good.
I disagree.

- Misaki (voiced by Mizuki Nana) in a qipao (http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4693/darker20than20black2020.jpg). Pure fanservice, but damn good fanservice. Misaki's peculiar love affair with both sides of Hei was great.
- Mao's "battle" with the other possessor contractor.
- Anything Amber (especially because she was voiced by Kawakami Tomoko)
- Still left wondering why the Gate produces so many messed up things inside the walls.
- That mildly endearing dumbass failure of a yakuza determined to save the doll.

[shinta|hikari]

Agreed.

I would just like to add Yin, for all the Loli fans out there.

[KitKat]

Or just Yin because she's way cool and not because she's a loli. I found the episode with her past to be really beautiful, and you realize that she used to be a real person. The question they ask is - Is she a real person still?

I see DtB as being a series not so much about the specific plot as it is about exploring what it means to be human. Hei is an interesting character because he lives in both worlds, that of the regular people and that of the 'inhuman' contractors. The end of the series brought an end to a certain sequence of events, yes, but the story is far from resolved. They didn't explain very much about the nature of the gates or what they do. Or why the contractors are represented in the sky as fake stars. Or how/why people become contractors i.e. why Hei's sister became one originally but he didn't. I have a million questions still, and I hope that the sequel will start to unveil the mystery that still surrounds this universe.

[digitalrurouni]

Or just Yin because she's way cool and not because she's a loli. I found the episode with her past to be really beautiful, and you realize that she used to be a real person. The question they ask is - Is she a real person still?

I see DtB as being a series not so much about the specific plot as it is about exploring what it means to be human. Hei is an interesting character because he lives in both worlds, that of the regular people and that of the 'inhuman' contractors. The end of the series brought an end to a certain sequence of events, yes, but the story is far from resolved. They didn't explain very much about the nature of the gates or what they do. Or why the contractors are represented in the sky as fake stars. Or how/why people become contractors i.e. why Hei's sister became one originally but he didn't. I have a million questions still, and I hope that the sequel will start to unveil the mystery that still surrounds this universe.

Great post. I agree with you on all counts.

[Sapphire]

New 15 second commercial: http://www.d-black.net/

[EpyonNext]

Apparently Yoko Kanno wont be doing the score this time. D:

[Kraco]

Looks like there will be a new main character added to the cast for the second season. Makes sense, of course.

[Kraco]

Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor:

S2 Episode 1 - BSS (http://tracker.minglong.org/torrents/%5BBSS%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_Gemini_of_the_Meteor_-_01_%5BD8FD1FE5%5D.mkv.torrent)




- - - - - - -




A nice vague beginning. No idea really what the different factions are up to, or even how many there really are. At least MI5 and FSB, and then whoever Hei is working for. There could also be someone Shion is associated with, who knows. In any case a fine reminder right in the first episode that people die in DtB... It was certainly made to seem like Hei killed Suou's old man, which makes it interesting that those two could be together in the future.

[Ryllharu]

I honestly wonder if Hei is working for anyone at all. It seems that the meteor fragment fell onto Shion and Suou right during the pinnacle of Amber's plan, when the meteor fragment she obtained was consumed.

A pity about April though, she completely annihilated that speed guy.

I'm a bit more curious about the other new characters who were working with MI5, but they neither named nor showed for very long. I'm leaning towards Shion working with them, because he seemed to know a lot about April, and implied that Suou could trust her. On one side, contractors supposedly don't feel anything for their former family connections, but we know from last season with Hei (among others incl. Yin) that that is not entirely true. For now, I'm inclined to believe that Suou is right and her father wrong, no matter what Shion might say to her, he still might care for his sister a little bit.

[digitalrurouni]

That was an awesome freaking episode! MAN Hei is BACK! Though I am curious how April took that other guy out...the guy was running so fast that water droplets were like spears?!

[Ryllharu]

He was quick enough to dodge a single bullet in open areas, but when he was moving that fast into a group of nearly stationary objects (April's raindrops) they hit him like lead shot.

[RyougaZell]

Great beginning. Too bad April died just like that. I thought she was going to be a recurring character. Oh well.

Suou is on her way to be on favorite list... lets see what she does on upcoming episodes. Her father was an ass though.

[Board of Command]

No sign of Misaki anywhere... Disappointing first episode.

[Buffalobiian]

Great pacing. The start was easy-going enough to get you into the mood, then BAM! They switched it to DtB-mode.

I take it that Shion's remunuation was being confined to either the wheelchair or his room, since his father was pretty surprised to see him leave. He walks well enough though.

I'm leaning towards Hei working for his own ambitions. Like Ryll said, the even that caused so many Contractors to die in one night was probably Amber's plan. If the meteor that fell onto Shion was Amber's, then perhaps Hei thinks it may be possible to bring her back or something.

Those bloodshot eyes don't look like they're calmly obeying someelse's orders. (or perhaps they've just been underwater too long.)

That insert song was nicely used. The premise didn't feel like Japan at all because of that.

PS: I thought it was the MI6.

[Xelbair]

All that posters said above me plus music when they showed logo was just annoying.

[Kraco]

PS: I thought it was the MI6.

Haha. Yes, it indeed is. I only now noticed what I wrote up there. 5 and 6 are so close to each other in the keyboard...

[KitKat]

Fantastic kick-off to a new season of DtB. Nice to see some familiar faces, as well as to be introduced to some new ones with hidden motives and alliances. If only there was more Hei in this episode.....but I guess they need to introduce the plot-central characters for this new setting. I think this is also the first time we've seen the before and after most clearly of someone becoming a contractor. I wonder how the process happens, if it's completely random or if there's a pattern to it. The renumaration for each person seems quite bizarre and arbitrary as well, but it must come from somewhere within the person's mind, since there sometimes seems to be a connection between a person's past life/habits and their renumeration (i.e. cigarette-eating singer lady).

April's method of killing speed guy I thought was very clever. She couldn't beat him with brute force, so she used his speed against him. Too bad she had to go up against Hei though.

Also, did anyone else notice that the bar where we first saw April was named "Meteor" in cyrillic script? I thought that was a nice touch. I'm looking forward to seeing how they utilize Russian culture in upcoming episodes. Unless they don't all decide to go to Japan where the kids' mother is.

So excited that this series started on my birthday too! Can't wait for next week's ep!

[Archangel]

Just went through the first season so i could watch the second one

First thought that came to mind ---> NSFW (http://speeh.deviantart.com/art/Pizza-in-Bed-87708691)

Really enjoyed the whole thing except for the arc about the old dude and his brain squashing lover, but only because i just didn't give a shit if that froggy faced bastard lived or died

Downloading the first ep of the second season, is bss the only option for now? Any rumors about Sudo picking this up again?

Edit: Can someone get me episode 26 ( OVA ) by Sudo?

Edit2: I somehow knew he would have longer hair. And what's with killing the kid's dad? He's evil now? And where's Misaki???

[Kraco]

Evil? He worked for a criminal syndicate for the whole first season. Besides, he's a contractor and thus more or less devoid of feelings anyway.

But I'm not going to yet decided whether he actually did it or not.

[Archangel]

Ok, theory time:

The whole "contractors and humans can coexist happily" deal he was going for blew in his face. Contractors are popping up from everywhere now and at this point have already created some sort of power to oppose the syndicate or have even maybe taken over it

The whole thing messed up his head and he's more unstable than ever, what probably led to him obtaining even further powers from the previous "shocker"

From the last episode of the first season i'm also assuming his doll gained some extra abilities from being in ground zero that time.

[Ryllharu]

From the last episode of the first season i'm also assuming his doll gained some extra abilities from being in ground zero that time.
I am offended you do not know Yin's name!

Surely her lack of appearance was the most disappointing part of the first episode, though it was offset a slight margin by Tanya's character design. It is very likely she has expanded abilities or personality, given how her observation spirit went from the little ghost it usually is to a manifestation of what I can only presume is her full astral form.

[Archangel]

I am offended you do not know Yin's name!

Surely her lack of appearance was the most disappointing part of the first episode, though it was offset a slight margin by Tanya's character design. It is very likely she has expanded abilities or personality, given how her observation spirit went from the little ghost it usually is to a manifestation of what I can only presume is her full astral form.

I powered through the series, i don't even remember the mc's name >_>

[digitalrurouni]

I would like to know more about how Hei received BK201's powers (aka his sister who apparently is a badass) and how he did not become a contractor! And I think it was hinted in the first season that electricity is just one of her powers right?

[Buffalobiian]

I would like to know more about how Hei received BK201's powers (aka his sister who apparently is a badass) and how he did not become a contractor! And I think it was hinted in the first season that electricity is just one of her powers right?

His sister resides in him or something. I believe that he's "paid off" his contract, because he's using his sister's powers, while his sister is in essence "asleep" inside him, which is her remuneration.

Bai's power is transformation and manipulation of matter. By changing the composition of atoms, she was able to create that impenetrable field in Heaven's Gate.

Hei opts to use that power to simply control the flow of electrons. ie Electricity.

[shinta|hikari]

I thought Hei was never a contractor. That is why he has feelings and regularly acts irrationally. He is just borrowing her sisters powers, so he does not need to pay a price when he uses it.

[Buffalobiian]

I thought Hei was never a contractor. That is why he has feelings and regularly acts irrationally. He is just borrowing her sisters powers, so he does not need to pay a price when he uses it.

That may well be the fact. I don't think it was ever clearly stated last season (then again, what was? ;)). Bai was the one who made the contract, that's for sure, not Hei.

Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure Bai showed some brotherly love towards Hei in those limited scenes we saw of her. That, or it was only Hei holding her while she slept.

If the first case was true, then it throws the whole "contracters have no feelings" thing out the window, if it isn't already.

[KitKat]

Yeah, I believe they explained that a lot of Hei's apparent emotionlessness isn't because he doesn't have emotions, but because he forced himself to become that way. He made himself a cold killer so that he could stay with his sister, and was a force to be reckoned with before he had any powers at all. He himself is not a contractor, so that's why we see him acting "irrationally" and showing small acts of compassion to other people. Bill has it right, I think. If his sister's power is the transformation of matter, she herself could have used it to transform herself into an essence that would reside inside of him, thus allowing him to use her powers, and paying her renumeration at the same time. The question is, does her renumeration increase every time Hei uses her powers? If he stops using her powers, will she one day "wake up" and use her powers to restore herself to her normal form? That would make an interesting conundrum for Hei.

Edited in response to Bill above:
Yeah, I think the question of whether contractors REALLY have no feelings is one of the main themes of the show, and we've seen cases where they displayed emotion. I think Amber is the best example, where she really loved Hei, and at the end sacrificed herself in a very human way. Perhaps becoming a contractor only supresses people's emotions, like a drug, but they can come back to the surface.

[Ryllharu]

Yeah, I think the question of whether contractors REALLY have no feelings is one of the main themes of the show, and we've seen cases where they displayed emotion. I think Amber is the best example, where she really loved Hei, and at the end sacrificed herself in a very human way. Perhaps becoming a contractor only supresses people's emotions, like a drug, but they can come back to the surface.While I think you're right, I'm not sure Amber is the best example. Not having any feelings is not how I took that exposition.

It was more like the contractors had their past emotions and feelings stripped away. They forget about why they cared about the people they knew before they became contractors. That doesn't mean that they won't grow new ones.

Amber was the oldest of the contractors, and I thought she grew to love Hei in South America after spending so much time with him and admiring the way he treated Bai. Bai may have also lost her feelings, but Hei caring for her each time she fell asleep returned those. Bai is also a poor example because according to Amber, she's special. I believe that Amber was around long enough to create an entire new set of feelings.

There was certainly plenty of evidence that contractors have feelings. There was the one boy who blew things up with handprints. He harbored a deep jealously towards Hei, because he had a huge crush on Amber. Mao cared for his friends well being, as did April and November. That blood guy still had a great deal of pride in his own abilities, and was willing to disobey Amber (temporarily) in order to test that out.

I think that my theory is supported by the characters in the series that believe contractors have no feelings only because they see what happens to their loved ones when they forget the past as part of signing the contract. They see someone who forgot why they cared. Here, Tanya became absolutely cold, but the speed guy wasn't that bad, and I still think Shion learned to love his sister again, he just didn't remember why completely.

[shinta|hikari]

I personally think that contractors do have emotions and feelings, but have a mind that is bound to follow logic. They cannot make irrational decisions (given what they know of course), but that does not mean that they do not feel anything.

[poopdeville]

Nobody on this show is a mindless automaton. Even the dolls have feelings.

The idea that "Contractors don't have feelings" is a political agenda. They're soldiers and spies, who got caught up in a war over their powers.

[Archangel]

Op and Ed themes (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2009/10/15/darker-than-black-2-oped/)

Wait, is the story not focusing on Hei anymore?? I'm not sure how i feel about that...

[Kraco]

Wait, is the story not focusing on Hei anymore?? I'm not sure how i feel about that...

I doubt it wouldn't be. I reckon this first episode was just to reveal the basic setting and characters of this second season. Since Hei moved to Russia, it makes sense there are some central Russian characters as well, and this way we got to know them well and were left under the impression they matter. I'd have very much liked to see Yin as well, but I understand why they opted to do it like this. It wasn't bad script writing even if it didn't cater to the cravings of the simplest fans.

[kashim]

I need to watch the 1st season again because I've forgotten most of the characters and plot. This 1st ep seems a bit different but I'll continue to watch it

@Arc Do you mean the 26th ep about the cherry blossoms if so i should still have it somewhere if you still want it give me a pm and ill see what i can do

[Archangel]

How old was Yin by the time the first series started? Because 2 years have passed and she doesn't appear to have changed at all

Maybe dolls don't grow?

[Ryllharu]

Op and Ed themes (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2009/10/15/darker-than-black-2-oped/)
Damn, with all the stuff going on, I had totally forgotten by the end of the first episode that Suou and Shion first showed up with their father while on a hunting trip, and both sported their own rifles.

Suou looked really badass with the huge sniper rifles. That changes a lot how I thought she might end up interacting with contractors. It might not be anywhere near as passive as Misaki ended up being last season.

[Kraco]

Let's hope Yin's there finally...

S2 Episode 2 - BSS (http://tracker.minglong.org/torrents/%5BBSS%5D_Darker_Than_Black_-_Gemini_of_the_Meteor_-_02_%5B1DC03D18%5D.mkv.torrent)

[shinta|hikari]

She was there, and in the worst way imaginable...

For those who are suffering from the shock of the possibility presented in this episode, I recommend reading DTB: Shikoku no Hana manga for a dose of Yin.

[fireheart]

Got to say after watching the op my first thought was "ohh great another sequal where the portrait the main from the first season as a bad guy" felt that way through most of the episode until the end. So conclusion I'm happy that they seem to not make Hei the bad guy and have Suou chase after him for revenge.

Also the new MI6 guy in red whose name I can't remember is a bit too similar to the magican in Kara no Kyoukai hell he's even a magican.

Though not enough Hei and the others in the op

[Archangel]

No no no no no no no !!!!

That better not have been some sort of power transference i saw, Hei is supposed to be the main character not some little girl !!!

[Sapphire]

Time to save myself the suspenseful despair and marathon it in several months!

[fireheart]

No no no no no no no !!!!

That better not have been some sort of power transference i saw, Hei is supposed to be the main character not some little girl !!!

That thought didn't even hit me...

[Kraco]

They possibly couldn't ruin the series like that. An interesting thought, though, but in a horrible way. I'm more inclined to think Suou just saw a glimpse of Hei's memories and will understand he's not an emotionless killer.

A nice episode otherwise. Really shows nobody can be prepared too well for the future with so many contractors around and no way of knowing their powers and the powers of the factions behind them. Quite chaotic. Suou had a funny plan in any case and very courageous. Gotta say I appreciated the boldness of the move, even if it wasn't altogether smart.

[Archangel]

They possibly couldn't ruin the series like that. An interesting thought, though, but in a horrible way. I'm more inclined to think Suou just saw a glimpse of Hei's memories and will understand he's not an emotionless killer.

The mere possibility of it scares me.

I'm already apprehensive about Hei's lack of screen time in the new opening, that along with this and no evidence of him showing his powers in the preview...

[shinta|hikari]

Wait, isn't anyone else panicking over what happened to Yin? She said goodbye, to Hei! I was looking forward to seeing a lot of her this season...

Still, it will be interesting to find out what happened, and hopefully her disappearance is not permanent, and we get to see her with Hei in the end.

Yin with such an emotional expression was interesting.

EDIT: The possibility of a power transfer (or losing it completely/temporarily) is quite large since the BK-201 star disappeared.

[EpyonNext]

Time to save myself the suspenseful despair and marathon it in several months!

This....well that and I'm headed to Afghanistan in 3 weeks. Might as well just wait instead of trying to scrape the episodes together overseas.

[Archangel]

Wait, isn't anyone else panicking over what happened to Yin? She said goodbye, to Hei! I was looking forward to seeing a lot of her this season...

EDIT: The possibility of a power transfer (or losing it completely/temporarily) is quite large since the BK-201 star disappeared.
I just don't care >_>
Emotionless only goes well with CC, i'm faithful to her unlike you damn whores!

Now that is a reason to panic, but the star didn't disappear when the powers got transfered the first time so maybe they just subsided for a while?

[Buffalobiian]

Now that is a reason to panic, but the star didn't disappear when the powers got transfered the first time so maybe they just subsided for a while?

Quite possibly so. It's about time someone developed an Anti-Contractor weapon.

Suou looks like she'll be sniping, if anything, so I'm not too worried about it. Hei's too central to DtB to just retire as an unkempt drunk.

I really can't say much about Yin since we saw so little of her. Plus, she was in like 0.2 seconds in the OP. I'm glad that Hei cares for, if not loves Yin.

[Archangel]

Quite possibly so. It's about time someone developed an Anti-Contractor weapon.

Suou looks like she'll be sniping, if anything, so I'm not too worried about it. Hei's too central to DtB to just retire as an unkempt drunk.

That's what they said about spoiler (http://2disbetterthan3d.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nagisa.png)

[shinta|hikari]

@Buff - The show is practically titled after Hei after all.

EDIT:
I just don't care >_>
Emotionless only goes well with CC, i'm faithful to her unlike you damn whores!
?

I am going for a harem ending.

[Buffalobiian]

That's what they said about spoiler (http://2disbetterthan3d.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nagisa.png)

What now?