Summary: Aslan Jade Callenreese, known as Ash Lynx, was a runaway picked off the streets of New York City and raised by the infamous godfather of the mafia, Dino Golzine. Now 17 years old and the boss of his own gang, Ash begins investigating the mysterious "Banana Fish"—the same two words his older brother, Griffin, has muttered since his return from the Iraq War. However, his inquiries are hindered when Dino sends his men after Ash at an underground bar he uses as a hideout. At the bar, Skip, Ash's friend, introduces him to Shunichi Ibe and his assistant, Eiji Okumura, who are Japanese photographers reporting on American street gangs. However, their conversation is interrupted when Shorter Wong, one of Ash's allies, calls to warn him about Dino. Soon, Dino's men storm the bar, and in the ensuing chaos kidnap Skip and Eiji. Now, Ash must find a way to rescue them and continue his investigation into Banana Fish, but will his history with the mafia prevent him from succeeding?

Trigger Warning for: sexual assault, CP, drugs, gang violence, sexual trauma, rape, etc (please make sure to understand the possible triggers of this show before watching) also SPOILERS AHEAD

Let me just begin by saying that this story is one of the saddest most gut-wrenching works I've ever seen. BANANA FISH will always hold such an important place in my heart. One of the many reasons that this show remains with its viewer long after watching is because Ash's story is so real. The things that happened to him were something that is happening right now to so many kids in America. He is so unlike any character I've ever come across.

Ash and Eiji's relationship also resonates with me to this day. Due to all of Ash's trauma, he didn't trust anyone or let anyone in. But, he trusted Eiji unconditionally. During some of his most vulnerable moments, Eiji was right there by his side. They were literally the textbook definition of soulmates.

Another thing I absolutely loved about BANANA FISH was its use of the theme of "flight." In the first episode after Ash rescues Eiji from being kidnapped, he says to him in the hospital "I envy you. You know how to fly." We come to later understand that he meant Eiji could "fly away" from the situation. Ash never believed he could. In his mind, there was always something holding him back and keeping him in that violent cycle. We would notice upon further inspection that whenever Ash is seen (alone) looking out a window, there is always something in front of it. Eiji on the other hand is never see like this.

In closing, BANANA FISH left me with emotional wounds that I don't truly believe will ever close. If you take anything away from this, please remember: It's Blanca's fault that Ash decided to go to the library instead of the hospital :)

BTW: sorry that this was really rushed. I'll probably end up making a better one later