DURARARA: The Anime with 15 Protagonists

[@TheCursedJudge]

Hey all. If you're curious where part 2 is, it's not made yet. I made this video right before an insanely busy time in my life, as well as much channel blowing up from video essays, so this has kinda been pushed to the wayside. I intend to post part 2 to my secondary channel once it's done, apologies.

[@irinore]

Literally just finished the video, good stuff. Good luck with part 2 (and your other videos)

[@BravoRox]

What's your secondary channel?

[@thelastcube.]

take your time to make part 2, you can also it in 15 parts as well

[@xak9697]

What's your secondary chanel?

[@tarabletv]

Did you ever publish the second part?

[@GenCavox]

My favorite description of Durarara! is: If I'm a gang leader, and you're a gang leader, then who's flying the plane? It's Izaya, and he crashing it into the ocean.

[@fireemblem2770]

Perfect. That's how it is. Even if other characters, like Mikado, keep being bad, its Izaya that manipulated them

[@fallenazrael5291]

Where tf did the plane come from?

[@gudhaxer41343]

​@@fallenazrael5291Yes

[@lunerblade13]

@@fallenazrael5291Celty celty made the plane

[@MelonHere20]

That's actually so perfect lmao

[@komos3719]

It was an early anime for me. The rotating cast of characters was so different from anything else I'd ever seen and it was interesting how they all ended up influencing each other in some way or another. It was especially interesting to see characters' hidden sides emerge when I expected almost nothing out of them. It was a one of a kind experience, quite unforgettable.

[@MelonHere20]

Agreed, it was one of the first few animes I ever watched, and it's still one of my all time favorites to this day, it was refreshing then, and it still feels refreshing now

[@DenzelVincent00]

My thoughts exactly, was such a unique watch and definitely worth every second. Gave up 16 episodes in then came back to it later on and ended up loving it

[@mitsubachihachi9643]

I guess DRRR is the definition of don't judge a book by it's cover

[@takoyakiwcheese]

Ryohgo Narita really is a genius. He has more works that also have a lot more characters. (So far, Baccano and Dead Mount Death Play have anime adaptations in case you want to check them out) (Edit: A new movie of "Kurayukaba" came out and it has Izaya and Shizuo as characters) His novel "Baccano!", with currently 20+ volumes, has about more than 40 major characters. You might think it feels overwhelming, but when you actually get into it, you get so engrossed into the world of Baccano! And you won't find it difficult to remember a lot of the characters just because each and every one of them is as interesting. The anime itself already had about 15 characters as well in just 12 episodes

[@d4s0n282]

I really need to read the novel, I completely loved the anime, it litterally had a pretty good series with only 12 eps with like 5 different MC groups

[@Awesomebaconman123]

Wait the novel kept going with the story? Where does someone start after the anime

[@takoyakiwcheese]

@@Awesomebaconman123 the anime is loyal to volumes 1, 2, and 3, but not in vol 4 so I recommend you start there (the main characters are Eve, Luck, and some more than didn't appear in the anime). From there on just keep reading them by order until volume 22.

[@takoyakiwcheese]

@@d4s0n282 I recommend you check out his other novels as well like Etsusa Bridge and Vamp. They both also share in the same universe as Durarara and Baccano. And reading the LNs make it more fun because of how much they reference each other. (E.g. Izaya's name being mentioned in Baccano)

[@raikoedgymoto]

​​​@@takoyakiwcheese Correction drugs and dominoes is volume 4 For the anime onlies who may not know the grandpunk rail road arc (train arc) is divided between volume 2 Local and 3 Express Essentially volume 2 starts exactly the same but ends with Jacuzzi's POV leaving a lot of questions like what happened to the white and black suits, why did Ladd Russo just disappear towards the end, why was Czeslaw killed by Ladd was the rail tracer an actual monster or the work of someone else, the identities of Claire Stanfield and the immortal riding the train purposely unanswered. Hell throughout the story you're Given red herrings and curve balls like crazy the main one is that Rachel the green bandanna stowaway girl and a character that didn't make it into the anime serve to mislead you into believing that they are Claire Stanfield and the immortal (czes in volume 2 is treated as though he were just a kid that happened to be caught in the crossfire of this mess with some clues already sprinkled in to give you some doubts about his background) Volume 3 is well, the full picture, you get the rail tracer reveal, the Dune fake out, Czeslaw being revealed as the immortal, the epic fight and philosophical debates between Ladd,Claire and Chane as well as added POVs from Isaac and Miria, it's narrated from the POV of a daily days info broker who ALSO didn't make it into the anime narrating the story to a paying customer who definitely is not heavily implied to be Jacuzzi But anyways I still agree If you wanna get into Baccano out of the anime I recommend either going the communities recommended route of reading all 4 of the first volumes since you get the full unfiltered story without the animes back and forth time jumping or if you wanna skip ahead start with vol 4 because honestly I HIGHLY implore you to give Drugs and Dominoes a chance The anime doesn't nearly even begin to do the arc justice, like half of the cast for that volume was just straight up cut from the story including the whole ass drug part of the drugs and dominoes title in favor of a much more deviated from the source material anime only story which makes no sense because volume 4 is shorter than 1-3 The Rolling Boolegs is around the 200 page count Grand Punk Rail Road Local and Express are a combined 240ish pages and Drugs in Dominoes is around the 180 page count

[@SixPathz]

Looking forward to part 2! Durarara deserves more analytical essays!

[@jj_genna1515]

Before I even start this video I just wanna say watching this anime was just calming for me somehow especially when the soundtrack hits

[@jj_genna1515]

If you haven't watched it, I recommend it. It has 4 parts

[@bartdude82]

The OST is one of the BEST parts of the anime. It perfectly sets the mood, the tone, and the theme of every scene. I find myself randomly humming some of them throughout the day. As a music lover, it’s top tier material.

[@komaeda0]

@@bartdude82 when i was watching the anime i downloaded all of the soundtracks of each season and my gooddd, they match like a glove even 4 years after i watched, best background music ever its like adding a spice in ordinary life fr fr

[@zosokedem]

​@@bartdude82 same for me man, a music lover myself the soundtrack of this anime is very atmospheric that just pulls you inside its world

[@TalkaboutBruno]

It’s a very fun anime

[@espiondev]

I love how much thought and effort you put into research alone. Great essay.

[@victhefoxygamer]

8:35 awwwwww snap, it's my boy. The lad himself.

[@chelith]

SO REAL

[@Lord_Revan]

I fucking love Durarara, to this day it's still one of my favorites.

[@Rexini_Kobalt]

this whole sjow really has such a ridiculously strange and encaptivating story, and the music... its next level

[@mothercrakerfu_2300]

Mikados password being baccano is a great lil detail...

[@celery8059]

This is my alltime favorite anime and a big reason why I moved to Japan this year, I’m so glad when people still discuss it because it’s got a very special place in my heart !

[@octo448]

This was the first and only anime I had to watch dubbed despite a preference to the contrary. I just could not keep track of all the characters and aliases and secrets and tiny details while also trying to process reading subtitles, and the chat scenes are nearly incomprehensible in subbed form. Still, the impact this anime had on me is profound. Amongst a backdrop of much more simple, lighthearted anime like Fruits Basket and Naruto and Ouran High School Host Club, some of my other favorites, this one really stands out as a kind of strangely lowkey and comforting psychological horror. One of the highlights of Durarara is the music, to me. You touched a little on some of it, but so much more could be said for how amazing the soundtrack is. From the usage of a much more varied set of sounds than typical anime soundtracks to the inclusion of influences from around the world (like the Russian theme when Simon is on screen, for example), Durarara's music really breathes additional life into an already lively show. I can't watch Part 2 yet because I haven't finished Season 2 of the anime, but I'm looking forward to both. This acted as a nice summary of the first season, even if it is missing some of my favorite parts. (Because really, you have to cut SOMETHING in this crazy mess of an anime.)

[@worldsdominator]

This anime had me mindblown with the everything it has and became my anime of all time since.

[@gaothepotato]

I almost forgot how I love everything about this anime, how this was one of my favorite. Thank you for reminding me through this great video.

[@COFFEEWSUGA]

I'm so glad to see a retrospective on this show! Durarara is one of those shows I just can't shake away. It's a personal favorite. Narita-san blew it out of the water, and though the plot can be... admittedly hard to follow sometimes for the uninitiated, it adds rewatchability, much like with Baccano. The first time, you're introduced into the world and follow along, but the second time, with a broader understanding, you feel a lot more involved - like you *know* these characters, because you do! It's an amazing series, and I hope that these videos of yours can help the newer generation of anime fans into finding it as intriguing and lovely as I did the first time I watched it.

[@bartdude82]

I’m literally rewatching the series (from S1 atm) as I type this and it’s soooo fun noticing the hidden character quirks in Mikado that are basically foreshadowing for what’s to come for his character. Or Izaya explaining that he wants Ikebukuro to be a “battlefield” that will awaken Celty and cause him to travel to Valhalla. And the way he does this is spelled out through his board game monologues (I actually never caught this Valhalla thing the first time). Like it’s just sooo much fun

[@Sucas_Lounge]

I honestly love this series, Durarara!! Is such a well written series, the mystery is just amazing in it

[@silksong37]

So I've spent the past day watching a whole bunch of your videos, from Inside to Games you can never play again, each one of them just fill me with this level of comfort I've never truly experienced watching KZbin. Listening to your soothing voice, talking about something that truly makes you passionate comes across. I fall in love with whatever you talk about, even if i didn't like it before. Truly great work, great music, editing, script-writing, and content creation. You are legend that will only shine brighter as time passes. I'm glad i managed to catch you before 100k. I was wondering if you would do a video on Cyberpunk 2077? While i know there are many issues with the game, there is also a love and passion (in the game) that i feel fits the vibe of this channel. Just a suggestion that i feel could be fun for you to play and for me to listen to. I wish you the best in life and can't wait for future content

[@TheCursedJudge]

I appreciate the kind words. As to Cyberpunk 2077, though I'm familiar with all the stuff that happened with the game, I actually have very little experience with it, and as such, very little to say. Not to say I'll never talk about it, but it's not in the cards at the moment. I'll try my best to impress in the future!

[@silksong37]

@@TheCursedJudge dont worry there is absolutely no pressure as i have no notions that you are obligated to put out a video on a topic I'm interested in. I simply want you to continue doing what you do as it's truly amazing work. I do encourage that you do check out cyberpunk or, a better alternative, mass effect as both games, imo, have wonderfully crafted stories, atmosphere, and locations

[@nikolavideomaker]

@@TheCursedJudge btw, what happened with part 2 of this video?

[@gravitymonkey9300]

Thank you for talking about this. Durarara is my favorite anime, I'm glad its still discussed to this day.

[@ela7354]

omg a few months ago I was looking for more durarara content, thank you for this

[@matheusmantovani5741]

i just love the mistery on this anime you did a amazing job summarazing everything

[@edithkanra1204]

I love this anime, I’m happy to someone actually talking about it! Thank you! Great Video!

[@mikejmw]

DUDE!!! U have NO IDEA how much I appreciate this. I loved this show back in the day on Adult Swim, & largely had no idea what was going on at the time. Lol It's been years since I've rewatched. I might need to check it out again. Thankyou friend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@yeahhjonathan]

this is one of my favorite animes. so many characters, so many stories, and so many interesting interactions! even some who felt like side characters got love and there’s some action in there too. 👌🏽

[@tzfsr]

finally someon else talking about my favorite anime. when i've tried to introduce this to people I say, "it's a show following a lot of people but ultimatly the show is about Ikebukaro and what's going on in it".

[@ellusiv5121]

This anime is a masterpiece man. The reveal of COLORS still give me goosebumps to this day.

[@Freemanorc]

This is one of the first animes I’ve ever watched, I remember thinking there’s a lot of stuff to keep track of, but somehow it fit together really well the magic of the series and the color gangs. It was all really cool combined with the characters. It definitely is my favorite ever anime. I think my favorite episode was that one zombie one I haven’t watched it in a while but I remember like they were possessed by something.

[@avocadothecat]

Man I appreciate this. I never really understood the story tbh, now I do! Ty! (well maybe I should have watched the show again now that my english is actually good enough to be fluent in it)

[@reaper6.312]

One of my favorite anime’s. Enjoyed this video a lot . Great editing and your voice is so calming to listen to as others have pointed out haha.

[@nnand6997]

Izaya was so important to me when I was a teenager, it was not good for my social life but I still love durarara

[@darianwood2159]

I know the views are lacking on this one but great video give us that part 2

[@TheCursedJudge]

I do eventually plan to, though my life is a bit hectic atm

[@blasecube]

I just discovered your channel (Well, not JUST, but just today I realized I've seen some of your other videos and started to check your channel out) and I really hope Part 2 is still on your plans. Durarara! is one of my favourite animes and I barely see anyone talking about it.

[@JarrettSpinks]

I’ve rewatched this series 4 times and I love it

[@have7476]

This was a good refresher for the first part of Durarara. It reminded me a lot of the Man of Recaps videos

[@oranjmix]

ok only half way through the vid but I gotta thank you, I watched this show subbed as it was coming out and my teenage brain could not even understand half of how everyone was connected but I feel like it's clicking now like almost 10 years later loool, it was always in my top anime though cos of vibes, it really felt like you were prying into peoples lives because of all the moving parts. I also love how most the comments in this vid is saying basically the same thing as me hahaha

[@wariodedede]

I remember watching this anime when it came out. It was so different from the anime I watched at the time, mainly being the big shonen like Naruto and Dragon ball. The music, the fighting, the plot were like nothing I experienced in anime and this quickly became one of my favorite.

[@twenty3XX]

damnnn its been a year and im still waitin on the day my man drops a part 2

[@willow6willow]

This was one of the first anime I ever watched, very confusing for little 11 or 12 year old willow but I'm so glad I watched it so early on. Really made me fall in love with anime

[@andh1729]

This has been one of my all time favorite animes since I discovered it, makes me happy to see it get some attention

[@samx23]

this anime was really fucking good and so is your channel , i'm loving it

[@tekbox7909]

I need more this video was great. well all of your videos that i've binged so far have been great but yeah I want the second part

[@dearyvettetn4489]

Thank you for this. I’m looking forward to part two. It’s been along time since I’ve watched this anime and now I’m nostalgic to go back and watch it again. Shizuo Heiwjima is one of my favorite characters because while I shared his anger, enduring the pandemic and stage capitalism in the US and all that it has laid bare, I occasionally wish I had his strength. Watching him vent his anger was downright therapeutic. Nowadays there’s more than enough…people (I’m being charitable here…) in this world that need a trashcan upside the head. Feel better soon 😊

[@lua_programmer]

I remember watching this back when I didn't know much English. It was just on my sister's PC and I was grounded with no internet at the time. Honestly, for one of the first anime that I've really sat down and watched, I didn't understand anything, but remember being really amazed by it for some reason.

[@justinx590]

The reveal scene is so damn good. I love this show. Great video!

[@marvel096]

Ohhh this was amazing!! I love durarara!! It’s my favorite anime ever, I miss the characters so much. Looking forward to part 2 ❤️

[@hugodecarlinunes296]

Durarara is my favorite anime ever. I remember when I watched the first ep and how much I managed to identify with the filling of being a person from the country side starting to live at the big city, and eventually getting to know and learn about the other characters, it was exactly like real life, at first u are at weird place where everyone is on a hurry, and minding their on business. But eventually u start to know ppl and realize how alive that city is, everyone has its on story, groups and cultures and when u see it, u are making part of that City and what u first though it was a lack of individuality it's actually a huge collective that u now understands and makes part of. English it's not my first language, but even if it was i doubt that could explain the filling that this anime gives me. I really liked the video, u manage to summarize the story very well, durarara has a very dense type of storytelling and I had to watch more than once to really be able to follow it, I think it can be harder to someone who lacks some anime/japanese culture ( not trying to sound like a webe btw). I'm excited to watch the next videos and i think that would be cool if could give more of your opinion on the story during or in a separate video bc there aren't many ppl who have watched it unfortunately.

[@vincentgarcia1132]

One of the first shows I watched at the start of the pandemic, I gotta rewatch it now! Cant wait for part 2!!

[@STAAAAAAAAAAAARRRS]

Honestly, Izaya, Celty, Mikado and Mika were characters I couldn’t help but love and find fascinating! All having such dangerous secrets in their own ways and using them differently! Izaya revealing how he is in fact terrified of death and wishes to change his fate contrasting his usual cold and smug attitude about human nature and how he approaches it. Mikado’s almost self-convincing to keep a low profile and avoid revealing how he is the creator and leader of the dollars… despite having been advised to stay away from them when arriving in the city for the first time… how internet has such power no matter if you’re from a small area or a main metropole… Mika going through experiments to stay alive and simultaneously be Seiji’s ‘Celty’ while losing her memories of being a stalker and then Celty… in constant limbo and search for that head… so close yet so heard to reach… in her reach but warded and constantly baiting her… Amazing!

[@EstebanArias93]

Don't cut your videos or upload extended versions pls, I love your story telling and would love longer videos

[@glorpluv]

time just hits different when watching a cursed judge video

[@rajibsikder3315]

In just 8 minutes there is all I needed to know . For a 2004 masterpiece. A really lovable 💖 recap . Thank u very much

[@matheusmantovani5741]

That's one of my favorite animes! Great video

[@battledroid8240]

Really hoping part two is in the works, would love to hear you talk about it again

[@somdedudeumet8170]

I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!

[@missmummsy5666]

This show had such a good soundtrack

[@Aeon_Is_Near]

This was a really good take on Drrr, I'm glad people are still showing it love after it's conclusion

[@shira_yone]

This is really nice, I'll stay tuned for the next one whenever that comes

[@Koseiku]

cool stuff man 😁 i remember watching this anime when it came out in 2016 or so. it somehow was both frustrating and satisfying at the same time and i couldnt stand how the entire plot was so vague without any concrete conclusions. maybe i was just too much of a simpleton lol. i think these days i would look differently at this. thanks to your video i might give it a second shot, good job.

[@JustAJauneArc]

It's one of those shows--especially the first season--that's hard to wrap your head around until you watch it a second time. The second time it makes SO much more sense.

[@CandyThePuppy]

In the back of my head for the past few years I have been casually writing a story featuring 5-6 main characters, each with their own stories that intersect every now and again. It's kind of cool to see this same idea has been tested already and that my little story isn't doomed to flop should I ever decide to write it.

[@fan4every1lol89]

I love this unconventional writing style as well. I suggest studying how GoT is written.

[@CandyThePuppy]

@@fan4every1lol89 mmhm! 👍

[@ethansou]

Definitely a great video.

[@grayfoxx4]

looking forward to part 2!

[@tacksyt]

is it still in the works? the conclusion said only a few days

[@grayfoxx4]

@@tacksyt i have no idea! i just found this channel and love his videos. I hope it is!

[@hanniemarie]

when I think of shows that really impacted me in my life, I will always think of durarara.

[@TheRealHoodedGeek]

"The next part will be coming in 4 to 5 days" 2 months later...

[@rikunessbaboon]

I've watched this show at least 30 times and it never gets old! It's an absolutely brilliant anime and easily my favorite. No anime even comes close to this one 👍 Narita is a genius!

[@Bronk7]

Judge's anime vids are too good, they deserve way more views. Although his main focus is on videos about games, at least we'll always be here for the occasional anime vid.

[@TheCursedJudge]

I do plan to make at least 2 anime videos in the future, but it might be a while into the future. Specifically, one about Beastars and one about Paranoia Agent.

[@EggBastion]

@@TheCursedJudge ooh!

[@WhoIsGoLDENRaTi0]

One of the best OSTs we've ever been blessed with

[@parthasarathisahoo5410]

Another anime video !! Fantastic video it was, the interpretations and editing, top notch. Hope to see more from you !!

[@KarennTingle2000]

This is one of my All Time Favorite anime! You described it perfectly. Miss it and want more!💖

[@shizuwolf]

Good to see one of my favorite animes is still getting some love 👍

[@topcat59]

Great vid bro.😺

[@ALLHAILSUNSETYOUTH2]

Ah, my favorite show!

[@K..C]

Amazing video

[@parthasarathisahoo4438]

Want to see more anime videos from you. These are some great contents

[@bennettasoleil9714]

11:32 - I know it was probably a slip of the tongue but it was actually the Yagiris’ uncle Seitarou who had the head! 😊

[@steviebea]

amazingly well done!

[@fan4every1lol89]

Saw a few random episodes on Animax a few years ago, but never fully watched Duarara. It seemed to be a bizarre show me that time.

[@Zer000Naught]

Please make a second part to this 🙏🏾

[@joelarizola8524]

Anxiously waiting for part 2 lol

[@JRPGGUY]

Amazing show. Should really get more attention.

[@Wafflelover344]

There's a 16th you forgot about, the POV. It shifts from one character or plotline like it is itself wandering and bumping into the story points and characters throughout the city. For me it's what really made the show unique.

[@IamSupreme333]

No faggot, there isn’t a 16th. Stop being gay and extra for no reason.

[@locodesert2]

I appreciate the video man! I should check out the anime sometime!

[@bobotartelette4239]

this anime really has a nostalgic vibe I don't know what it is about it, it's weird but it's like time stops when I watch it.

[@downest1]

This is awesome

[@riganman6959]

Love this show so much...

[@jollyjalapeno]

I just got done explaining this show to my cousin, who had never heard of it. I said it had about a dozen protagonists, and there were so many plots that weren't sub plots, but main ones it burnt my brain out on anything like that,which I why I can't watch anything like Naruto.

[@Joymax]

Crazy to see the sights I recognize from when I used to frequent 'bukuro years ago.

[@mikkel2241]

its really weird to see a normal novelle writing form in anime. the fact that the story is in the same area, is a known novelle writing form (got an ekstra grade in highschool for knowing this :P)

[@mothiestman4995]

The fact that it also takes place in the year I was born honestly adds to the surrealism to me

[@blackman7186]

This anime was a pure joyride

[@TalkaboutBruno]

Ain’t saying is the best anime of all time, it’s definitely one of my favorites definitely right there with FullMetal

[@rolandcarpenter4538]

man 12 minutes and 52 seconds in and I realize that I just let myself get spoiled of a huge plot twist in a show I just decided to watch.

[@ela7354]

There’s still a lot going on that werent mentioned, there are inbetween plot points that are expanded upon in the second season.

[@jasonfurumetarualkemisto5917]

I assure you. A video filled with nothing but spoilers of this show would be much, MUCH longer than this.

[@icyyy_sg3682]

I love Durarara. The story, characters, and setting are amazing. And the anime enhances it with style and especially that amazing fucking soundtrack.

[@Frakenstien20]

Man I absolutely love Durarara

[@afrylyrfa]

The reveal of the Leader of Dollars, realt shocked me, the only anime gave me that feeling

[@cRnVNu]

Celty & Shinra are, the Persephone and Hades, of _DURARARA!!!!_

[@missskabls2247]

Interesting 🧐 I like that 👍

[@AaronDeeHancock]

You guys make this sound so easy. Why cant my brain work like that?😢

[@vvv-hm8fd]

I love this anime

[@kisukoev]

I wish this anime somehow got the chance to be in the spotlight again, maybe a big streamer or youtuber could talk about it, idk. I don't think it needs a remake at all, I'm actually rewatching the show now after basically 10 years from my first and only watch and the show hasn't aged a day, except some references to pop culture which are obviously dated

[@Dboy21ish]

It's basically like the tv show "lost" but in the big city. They even have their own smoke monster lol.

[@henrykdodwel6913]

I want to wach this anime sooooo, i will wait with this video