Boogiepop Phantom Season 1 Episode 1 Portraits from Memory

Boogiepop Phantom is a supernatural, sci-fi anime TV show that takes place in a fictional town called Shinyo. The show is based on a novel series written by Kouhei Kadono. The first season premiered on January 5, 2000, and comprises of 12 episodes.

The first episode is titled Portraits from Memory and it begins with a young girl named Nagi Kirima, who is investigating a mysterious case of people disappearing in the city. All of the sudden, she experiences a strange phenomenon, where time seems to have stopped and people around her are frozen in their tracks. However, she's not alone as she senses another presence, Boogiepop, who talks to her and asks for her help in saving the people from an unknown force. Boogiepop is a vigilante entity who only appears when something is wrong and often saves people from supernatural entities.

Meanwhile, the city is abuzz with rumors of a new drug called "Type-S" which seems to be linked to the sudden wave of disappearances. The police are baffled, and the citizens are terrified. A girl named Kazuko Suema is one of the people taking the drug, and she's convinced that it's the only way to escape from her mundane life. However, after taking the drug, she realizes that something inhuman is happening to her and that her body is changing in ways that she never imagined.

As the show progresses, we get a glimpse of various other characters, their stories, and their experiences with Boogiepop. One of the more prevalent stories is about a boy named Masaki Taniguchi, who goes to school with Kazuko. Masaki has a crush on Kazuko and is upset when she starts taking the "Type-S" drug. Soon after, he starts experiencing weird dreams that seem linked to Kazuko and the supernatural happenings in the city.

The episode ends with Boogiepop taking down one of the supernatural entities that has been causing people to disappear. However, there's still a sense of unease in the air as the origin and scope of the problem are still unknown. The episode leaves viewers with many questions and a sense of intrigue.

Portraits from Memory sets up the overall tone and feel of the show perfectly. It's dark, haunting, and ethereal. Throughout the episode, there's a sense of foreboding and unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The animation and art style are top-notch, and the soundtrack sets the mood perfectly.

Overall, Boogiepop Phantom is a masterclass in storytelling and world-building. It's a show that can be enjoyed both for its plot and its artistic merits. The show has garnered a cult following over the years, and with good reason. If you're a fan of supernatural anime shows, then Boogiepop Phantom is a must-watch.