Is Banana Fish worth watching? Why this tragic crime epic still hits hard

Those who watch anime would at one point have heard the name Banana Fish and wonder if this series is worth watching. Interestingly, this particular series has made a name for itself in the world of anime because of how it leaves its audience shocked with the story it delivers. It is a kind of series that keeps on building itself up and would definitely leave a lasting impact.

So when it comes down to deciding on whether to start this show or skip it, the answer is simple: Banana Fish is worth watching if anyone is a fan of action and psychological drama. It is a story that refuses to be forgotten. The plot of this anime is about Ash Lynx, who is a prodigy raised within the criminal underworld of New York.

Now his life takes a full turn when he meets Eiji Okumura. In this story, this character is a Japanese photographer's assistant. This is an oddball combination as both are from two different worlds, but their dynamic helps set the tone of Banana Fish.

A mature story that does not hold back

A fair warning to those who want to watch this anime: the story does not sugarcoat the realities of life. There is a concept of violence, gang warfare, child exploitation, political corruption, and more. This is another reason why viewers felt compelled to watch a show like this. In the world of anime, it is rare to come across a series that is not afraid to show the realities of life. Additionally, Banana Fish does not romanticize cruelty; it uses it to explore trauma, survival, and the fragility of human connection.

A major highlight and point of discussion is the relationship between Ash and Eiji. It’s not boxed into typical BL labels, even though the story is often categorized that way. Whether you interpret them as lovers or soul-bound companions, their connection is undeniably the emotional backbone of the entire show.

While the series has amazing action, the main reason why it keeps the audience hooked is the emotional depth it offers. On the surface, the plot may feel like it is about mafia wars or conspiracies. If we take a deeper look, we see that there is a bond being formed between two people in a world that is hell bent on tearing them apart.

Flaws, strengths, and why it stays unforgettable

No show is perfect, and Banana Fish does have some flaws. Few viewers feel that Ash has survived a few scenarios from the power of plot armour because there is no way he could have made it alive. There is also one minor criticism that the pacing dips slightly in the middle before picking back up.

What truly sets Banana Fish apart is its atmosphere: dark, dangerous, but always human. The story is fast-paced, partly due to this being a smaller anime series than the typical legendary shonen series, but the themes covered remain relevant to modern times, just as they were when the original manga was released.

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Final verdict: Is Banana Fish worth watching?

Banana Fish is absolutely worth watching as it caters to multiple fandoms. Those who want to watch it as a story of BL can enjoy a show where the setting does not follow the usual format of the genre. Meanwhile, viewers who like series that never shy away from showing the deep reality of society and prefer some action could also give this series a shot. For many who have watched this series, it has become not just a favorite but an experience that changed the way they look at life.

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