Mushishi

Mushi are basic lifeforms, but to name them only as such is insufficient. Neither good nor bad, the mushi are not so different from animals and plants. They can affect and imitate other living creatures and cause phenomena. Unlike other living beings however, most people cannot see them although they are everywhere. But a few gifted people can. Ginko, a mushi master (mushishi) travels all over Japan searching for answers about the mushi. He has a tendency to attract mushi so he never stays in one place. In his travels, he helps people affected by mushi.

Mushi is episodic and has no overarching story. It has 26 episodes that are not directly related but when put together add to the understanding of the nature of the mushi. The pace is slow just like the laid-back Ginko and the calm, mysterious feel of the places he visits. Ginko acts like a sort of detective as well and that is why it's amazing how such a series with a relaxed pace can get your mind racing at certain moments.

Ginko

Unlike most protagonists, Ginko does not have superpowers and great physical abilities, except for the gift (or curse) of being able to interact with and understand mushi. One would think that the slow pace and episodic nature of the series would make for a bad series, but Mushi has the power to draw viewers who like occult, mystery and are looking for something different. Most series have stories whose main character is central to the continuation of the story and whose appearance is essential most of the time; but in Mushi, Ginko acts like a sort of guide in the various stories.

The animation is beautiful, the mood consistent, and once you start to like the series, you can never just stop halfway. It provides a good break from all the explosive and fast-paced series that try to compete for attention nowadays, but it does not lack the elements also present in most of the best that was ever made. What else can I say except that this is one of the best, and beautiful, series I've ever watched.

Rating: 10 out of 10