I don't think I'll ever find the exact words to describe how much Pluto moved me but I'll try. It is a show I went into with high expectations and even then it surpassed everything I thought it could be. From the first episode, it was pretty evident that this wasn't just another sci-fi anime. It had weight and purpose. While it takes inspiration from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, Naoki Urasawa transformed it into something more grounded and vastly more philosophical. It wouldn't be wrong if I called Pluto one of the most emotionally intelligent and mature anime experiences I have ever had in my life. It is the kind of anime which you experience once in a lifetime. This anime did more than just tell a story. It made me feel it, episode by episode. It's raw, haunting and so foking emotional.

The plot of Pluto is masterfully crafted. From the first episode, it grips you with emotion and mystery, laying the blueprint for the rest of the series. The first episode remains a flawless piece of storytelling- the pinnacle of storytelling. A story soo emotionally powerful and tightly executed, it instantly raised the bar for the rest of the series. While episode two felt slightly underwhelming it served as a necessary breather. From then on, the series regained its momentum and by episode 5 it enters a stretch of perfection that doesn’t let go until the end.

I have no complaints with the pacing. It's deliberate and methodical. It isn't rushed(if you forget about the last episode) and it takes its sweet time to dig into its narrative layers. There's a constant sense of revelation. Just when you think, "Heh. Nothing can surprise me." Urasawa pulls something out of the box and you'll think what the fuxk just happened here. And you know the best part? Everything fits in like a glove. Every twist is earned, every shift is carefully orchestrated. The plot thickens in a way that you can't help but be attentive towards it. The kind of writing that respects the viewer's intelligence

Characterisation is where Pluto truly shines. It's nothing short of magnificent. Every single character, no matter how much screen time they get, is treated with care, nuance and emotional complexity. Pluto is one of those shows where even the smallest moments add layers to the narrative and help you understand characters on a deeply human level. Gesicht's arc is one of the finest. He hides so much emotional depth and the way his past is revealed through Atom's perspective is cinematic storytelling at its finest. When everything about his past unravels it redefines his whole character without breaking the consistency of his character. A perfect example of masterful character evolution.

Other characters like Dr Tenma, Sahad and Epsilon, etc, each bring something profound to the story. Epsilon especially. He deserves praise for staying true to his ideals even in the face of adversity. He gifted one of the most poetic and heartbroken moments of the entire series. You can feel the weight of every word and every decision. Those dialogues particularly in Pluto and Epsilon's conversation when Pluto asks why Epsilon didn't destroy him and Epsilon says he sensed grief in him. That is ladies and gentlemen, the definition of writing excellence. [Oops spoilers]

How can I forget Professor Abullah? One of the most mysterious and complex figures in the series. His transformation throughout the show[well, can't say it's some kind of transformation, but don't have the word to use here now. You get it, right?] reflects the darker shades of ideology and grief. His demeanour never weakens. It only deepens, becoming more layered and unsettling. Even if you understand where he's coming from you'll start to question his methods, motives and justifications for violence.

What struck me most was Pluto's core philosophical depth. It explores mature ideas surrounding war, suffering, vengeance, morality, what it means to be perfect, and what it means to be human. Monster was exceptional in its psychological complexity and Pluto executed its philosophical aspect even better. But note, Monster is more grounded in philosophical aspects.

Now, while watching Pluto, it reminded me of real-life horrors. It echoed the invasion in Iran, the Palestinian genocide and the way powerful nations manipulate others for their own gain. Thracia's role in the chaos was eerily similar to how America operates. Pulling the strings behind the conflicts, claiming peace but orchestrating destruction. The metaphor was clear and Naoki Urasawa portrayed it brilliantly.

This anime makes you think about robots. Not as machines but as living entities: beings who grieve, love, fear and dream. The concept of a perfect robot making errors, lying, and even deceiving itself is a stroke of brilliance. It's a nuanced take on consciousness, that blurs the line between a human and a robot. Even the smallest symbols like tulips in Sahad's story carry metaphorical weight. Pluto doesn't spoon-feed you details but if you pay attention, every thread connects to something deeper.

Okay, now despite how much I loved watching this anime, it isn't without flaws. One of the most glaring issues is the subplot involving a radical human supremacy group, those who believe humans are superior to robots. This subplot was introduced with intrigue but sadly it never got fully explored. I genuinely was looking forward to seeing how that thread would be connected into the larger narrative but it kind of faded out. Not faded but forgotten. The anime also skipped some scenes from the manga. [I shouldn't say anything as it will spoil those who are reading this review].
Now the final episode which was amazing and conclusive felt slightly rushed. Yes, the anime did the ending and emotional aspect better than the manga, but something was missing. The side characters didn't get a proper resolution, and the episode lacked the breathing room the rest of the series had. I feel like the episode would have benefited from 4-5 more minutes of screentime.

Pluto at its core is a human story. It's about grief, identity, the cost of ideals and the blurry line between artificial and organic life. But it's also a story about war, the cycle of violence. It asks us, 'Can vengeance ever bring peace?'

Everything be it animation, OST or directions serves the story right. 'Cherished Memories' is one of the best soundtracks I have come across. The visuals are breathtaking at times, like Gesicht in the field of tulips. Shots like these stay with you even after the episode finishes. Man, the use of music is so good. It heightens every emotion- from heartbreak to hope.

Overall Pluto is one of the most emotionally intelligent and thematically rich fiction I have ever watched. It doesn't tell a story, it makes you think long after the credits roll. For everything it did despite some flaws, I think it deserves the highest praise. Certainly one of the greatest anime ever created. Naoki Urasawa is the GOAT of characterisation. No mangaka does it better than him.

"You Deserve To Remember All The Pieces Of Your Dream As I Deserve To Remember Mine."