It’s chilly this summer with vengeful spirits, cursed hands and double pupils in the horror-comedy Dark Gathering. Keitarō Gentōga has always attracted ghosts, and despite his fear, he is ready to socialize again after two years. Unlucky for him, his first student as a tutor is Yayoi Hôzuki, his best friend’s cousin obsessed with finding the ghost that stole her mother. Although Yayoi’s obsession with using a reluctant Keitarō is played up for laughs, her moe appearance preserves a level of disturbing (thanks to her double pupils). By episode two, the story still feels shallow, but there’s enough spook to carry you through the heat.
The story centers on Keitarou Gentouga, who has the ability to be a spirit medium. In junior high school, he got someone else wrapped up in a spirit possession incident, and he has been a shut-in for more than two years. As he reintroduces himself to society as a private tutor, he meets a genius girl named Yayoi Houzuki. Yayoi is instantly able to tell that Keitarou has skill as a spirit medium, and she invites him to go with her to a haunted location. The two then start their journey capturing evil spirits.
A college student with a knack for attracting spirits teams up with a gifted medium to investigate a series of supernatural mysteries.
There's not much to write home about the animation or the story yet, but the mystery of Yayoi's missing mother, Keitarō's cursed hand, and why they both have these powers is a strong anchor. Even his best friend, Eiko, is suspicious. Her nonchalance towards ghosts and her young cousin's obsession with dangerous spirits is an odd detail that keeps the intrigue level high for upcoming episodes. Horror and comedy are two sides of the same coin, and there's a lot to hope for if the anime manages to keep that balance.
When opposites attract include malevolent spirits, it's okay to walk away.
