A new law to protect the public turns a free society into a draconian one in the new 12-part anime Toshokan Senso (The Library War). Even though it contains a strong socio-political message, this anime is balanced with some zany comedy.
Originally a light novel series written by Arikawa Hiro and illustrated by Adabana Sukumo, it later evolved into a manga version illustrated by Yumi Kiiro for the anthology magazine LaLa. The anime is created by Production I.G., which has churned out such hits as The Prince of Tennis and xxxHolic.
A new law called the Media Improvement Act (MIA) is passed to allow the prosecution of individuals who disturb public order and the social climate, or who violate human rights. Claiming they're protecting human rights and preventing negative media influences on the young, government bodies launch tactical raids and are granted extensive power to use violence against those that stand in their way.
To counteract the MIA, the Library Freedom Act is passed shortly afterwards, making libraries self-governing bodies with their own army. Thirty years on, the conflict between the libraries and the federal government has escalated into civil war.
Kasahara Iku, a new recruit with the library armed forces, dreams of becoming a protector of books like her hero (and love interest) who saved a book from certain demise in a censorship raid. But she discovers that army life isn't easy.
This is an interesting anime, especially if you compare the MIA to America's real-life Patriot Act. Find out what happens to our heroine Iku when the series comes out on DVD.
