Anime Review: Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied contains only 13 episodes, but nonetheless it was well crafted and orchestrated to the end. Before I get into specifics of the anime, let me warn you of the potentiality of what you may see.

I gurantee you that if you don't have the gut for any of this stuff, you will not make it through 5 minutes of episode 1, because I cannot even put the amount of gore on a scale. Body Dismemberment, Decapitation, Torture, Abuse, The worst of this stuff you are all going to see in the anime. Not for the faint of heart; not for those who think they don't have a faint heart. Onto the review.

There is a top secret project being investigated about a human genetic disorder where humans grow horns from their heads and then develop psychological powers at a very young age; only killing people without mercy. They are ruthless, cold blooded killers who are preparing the way to make the world theirs. Humanity is so sick, so twisted, and so untrustworthy, that they must be exterminated. That is the story of the Diclonius.

Lucy, one of the most guarded Diclonius in the secret laboratory, has managed to break free out of her inprisonment. In less than 10 minutes, she slays over 20 people by using projectiles as weapons (pens) or bullets fired at her (to be fired back) or anything she can get within 6 feet of. Lucy viciously tears the guards limb from limb, decapitating them, and throwing their bodies and limbs against the side of the wall (your gonna see A LOT of blood). She manages to escape, and is then shot by a sharpshooter at the back of the helmet, causing it to burst, and Lucy to fall crashing off a cliff into the ocean.


Lucy is then found by a boy named Kohta who was on the beach with his cousin, Yuka. Lucy was completely naked, but she did not seem herself. Apparantly, the sharpshooter's bullet caused damage to Lucy, or it is perceived that such a fall also changed her drastically (Later on in the anime, it is said that Lucy and many other Diclonius can stop ammunition, however the sharpshooter was shooting a 50 caliber anti-tank rifle round, too fast and large to be stopped). Her personality had changed; and she is now an innocent, naive girl who can only say "Nyu". Thus, Kohta and Yuka name her Nyu.

Diclonius are a sub-specis of humanity characterized by horns growing out of the sides of their head, like a cat's ears. Around the age of 3, Diclonius begin to develop vectors, invisible arms that stem from the back which cannot be seen by regular humans, but can be seen clearly from other diclonius. Anything can be picked up or manipulated with the vectors, and some vectors can even twist or slice objects, commonly seen in the anime. Diclonius have a larger pineal gland than humans, and as such, Diclonius can feel each other from a distance, and their thoughts or intentions. It is not clear whether Diclonius are homicidal in thought due to harsh treatment, or as a side effect to their developing vectors. I can't say much more or it would spoil a lot of the story.


This is the first anime I have seen opening with a Latin song, but it is very appropriate and very dark and gloomy. The art is done fantastically. Looking at when this was released in Japan (2004) this is a relativly new anime to the USA (I was quite lucky to find it and pick it up!). The voice acting is SUPERB and it fits the characters well (I ENJOYED the english dub). Japanese wise however, there is not much cultural background, but it does exist. In a personal opinion, I am gravely upset at how the Diclonius are mistreated, neglected, and attacked, however they are; dubbed appropriatly "The enemy to mankind". You'll get to form your own opinion as you watch. I highly recommend the series if you have the stomach for the unexpected times Lucy or other Diclonius will literally rip people in half. The ending leaves a lot to be desired, but it ends in a good way. Pick it up the next time you are at Suncoast.