Jigoku Shoujo - 01

Another late-ish episode review. I promise to catch up quickly!
This time, we turn up the Miyu & Boogiepop Phantom vibes and blend them into something a bit sinister. The Jigoku Shoujo will take you a ride to Hell!



We are introuduced to a school girl named Mayumi, who is perhaps a bit naive. Looking after a commitee's money, a group of kogals taunt and bully her (rather predictably) ala Miyu style. They decide to take the money for themselves and drag Mayumi into a spiral of despair. You can't help but feel sorry for this poor girl - eventually she's at her wits end and nearly takes her own life!
However, help is at hand! On an occult website - where Mayumi hears a rumour about the mysterious Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl) can grant you a revenge..but for a price! Isn't it always like that? So naturally in her despair - she types in the name of her hated bully, Aya. Then nothing is quite what it seems! After a series of surreal events that lure Aya to the point of paranoia and hysteria - Jigoku Shoujo appears. Her whispery, soft voice (Mamiko Noto who plays Shimako from Maria-sama ga Miteru) does a wonderful job as usual, potraying this slightly disjointed but beautiful character who names herself Emma Ai.



Mayumi returns back to school as if nothing ever happened. But you know with this type of anime, there's always a little catch. Just a little! A black mark is formed on her body which signifies for the revenge she wanted and that she too will go to Hell with her bully. Oh the irony!
An excellent starter episode with lots of mystery and tension. I wonder how this Emma Ai came to be Jigoku Shoujo - but I'm sure all will be revelaed in the later episodes!
Recommended!

Overall: 8.5/10

Where can I input my revenge? ;)