Taboo Tattoo

The anime series, *Taboo Tattoo*, produced by J.C.STAFF, premiered in July 2016, offering a unique blend of supernatural action, martial arts expertise, and underlying geopolitical tension. The narrative centers on Justice Akatsuka, universally known by his nickname Seigi, a principled middle school student whose exceptional skill in martial arts is balanced by a profound, unwavering sense of fairness. Seigi's life takes an extraordinary turn when he intervenes to protect a homeless man from local thugs, only to be gifted a strange, indelible mark on his hand. This mark is revealed to be a powerful ancient artifact known as a "Power Crest"—a supernatural weapon capable of manipulating space-time and granting its user specialized combat abilities. Seigi is immediately thrust into a complex, clandestine global conflict. He is reluctantly recruited by the U.S. Army's special unit, commanded by the formidable Lieutenant Bluesy "Izzy" Fluesy, whose mission is to secure and manage these dangerous artifacts. Standing in opposition is the militaristic Kingdom of Selinistan, led by the ambitious Princess Aryabhata, who seeks to collect all Power Crests for world domination. The series explores the heavy cost of conflict, tragically demonstrated through events like the involvement and possession of Seigi’s childhood friend, Touko Ichinose, forcing him to confront deeply personal stakes alongside international warfare. *Taboo Tattoo* delves into powerful themes concerning the morality of ultimate power, the sacrifices required for loyalty, and the brutal reality of state-level espionage and military action, all packaged within high-octane battle sequences and moments of levity. The 12-episode run features moments of intense fanservice coupled with dark thematic elements reflecting the brutal consequences of power struggles.

*Taboo Tattoo* presents a visually kinetic and ambitious supernatural action experience, yet its overall execution suffers from severe narrative inconsistencies. Initially, the series excels, featuring dynamic direction by Yoshiaki Iwasaki and fluid, high-quality animation that makes the early fight choreography exceptionally engaging and impactful. The concept of the Power Crests, blending traditional martial arts with unique magical abilities, establishes a compelling world framework that promises depth. However, the anime's primary drawback lies in its frantic pacing. As the 12-episode run progresses, the story accelerates breathlessly, glossing over essential character motivations, thematic exploration, and critical plot developments that the source material likely covered more thoroughly. This rapid progression often leaves viewers struggling to connect emotionally with the characters or fully grasp the geopolitical stakes. While the core voice acting talent, including Mikako Komatsu as Seigi, delivers solid performances that anchor the emotional moments, the character development often feels truncated, reducing complex antagonists like Princess Aryabhata to somewhat generic megalomaniacs. Furthermore, the tonal shifts, oscillating abruptly between serious, brutal combat and gratuitous ecchi humor, disrupt the narrative flow and diminish the stakes established during darker scenes. Although the series provides a satisfying dose of visually impressive action for genre enthusiasts, *Taboo Tattoo* ultimately feels like a high-potential concept hampered by rushed production and uneven storytelling, preventing it from achieving critical success.