Noirit Mustapha

Given the state of the anime industry these days, it should come to no surprise that people tend to lose faith in modern anime. Anything upcoming more than likely fits a very tired and overdone cliché or archetype that many purists would be sick of. Even the ones that seem special only leave a momentary enjoyment. Along comes Erased however, the anime adaptation to the 2013 manga Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, and soon the entire world regained its faith in the scene again, thanks to the vast array of emotions this one series can make someone feel.
Satoru Fujinuma is an aspiring manga artist with an unusual ability known as Revival: every now and then he will automatically travel back to a certain point in time. Said point in time is usually just before an accident or disaster occurs within his vicinity. With this ability, he has managed to avert a number of misfortunes around him, even if they end up troubling him more. One day however, tragedy strikes in such a way that he is unable to stop it just before happening. In a fit of panic, a strong Revival sends him back in 18 years in time. Now Satoru is stuck in his 5th grade body trying to unravel and solve a mysterious kidnapping and murder that might be connected to what happened in the present.
Simply put, everything in the show is absolutely fantastic. The past has black bars on top and at the bottom for a more cinematic and nostalgic feel, the animation quality is top notch but never over the top, and every track compliments every scene perfect. The most important thing Erased pulls off though is the feeling of satisfaction when completing it. This is a dark mystery that affects a lot of people, but to see it all resolve the way it does, and so beautifully at that, makes this not just a must watch for the year, but a must watch for everyone any time.