If I were to summarize Ikuharas Penguindrum in a single word it would be bold. Be it direction thematic exploration presentation it screams being the artistic expression of a man who marches to his own penguindrum. Partially psychological partially absurdist comedy and partially mystery but 100 a brain broiler it is neither orthodox nor easily digestible. Controversial themes are included and the narrative is not to be taken facevalue. I recommend against nitpicking at first watch opting instead for an empty and open mind intuitively absorbing information. https://i.gifer.com/MwTi.gif Episodes are rollercoasters or rather trains alternating or mixing seemingly incongruous elements such as offbeat comedy intrapersonal and societal themes liberal use of plot twists metaphors: Despite not being purely comedic there is a wide gamut of jokes/gags some vocal some visual some selfstanding and some parodies. Those occur even during serious scenes a bit hit or miss element but also part of Penguindrums charm. Better not spoil too much on themes but I note those three outside fate and predestination: conformism repressed desire and inherited sins. Ikuhara excels at constantly dismantling expectations and presenting new angles to characters or issues. Some narrative tools are abused back and forth but not haphazardly at all. For metaphors one of the trademarks of Ikuharas style see section 2.. On characters stars are the Takakura siblings as well as Ringo Oginome yet the whole cast is functional within the narrative. Various outlooks on fate are presented depending on each ones experiences e.g. more cynical outlooks being juxtaposed against more romantic ones. 1. A few words on soundscape Sound quality is allround good be it voice acting music or ambient sounds. Himaris seiyuu is in my opinion the 1 especially before and during the iconic musical scene but other voice actors are not far behind although I believe a couple of voices mismatch their roles e.g. Kanbas. https://www..com/watch?v=BlEmAcDm8pY Music is varied including but obviously not limited to multiple spicy endings two bittersweet openings and even some classical insert music here and then such as the Blue Danube. Tracks harmoniously match with respective scenes and/or thematic exploration and so do ambient sounds. On occasions I also appreciated the lack of background music that allowed other elements to add their own sound. 2. And on Penguindrums aesthetics Penguindrum thrives on visual storytelling with images as a narrative tool on their own right. Always keep in mind it is highly symbolical. Be it trains and train lines the iconic penguins bird no Im not referring to the penguins and apple motifs or even the first openings title there is often more than what one only sees. Say penguins: outside providing comic reliefs even during somber scenes they also serve e.g. as a Ring of Gyges parallel. https://i.pin.com/originals/a0/94/a4/a094a4cb1752733cfa05e36e8b968c9d.gif Even the presentation of the world follows this philosophy for scenes can be highly stylistic overall or certain colorful ones can make vivid contrasts with more mundanelooking scenery. Either way there is much screenshot material to be found I assure you. 500https://i.pin.com/originals/a8/97/92/a897922241e4e62fac70cea26a12f56b.png On direction Ikuhara is influenced by theater opting for a stage playlike presentation where key details are highlighted whereas secondary ones are minimal. Other than being economical this approach allows to pinpoint focus on what truly matters evident in e.g. extras being represented by signpost figures. There might also be a metaphorical reason behind this approach but I cannot judge this easily. All in all within animation Penguindrum is a highly unconventional work displaying vision passion and much technical skill from its staff. Please give it a chance you might not appreciate it but you will never ever forget it. Hope you enjoyed my review