I was lucky to have a friend who got me onto this little but wonderful little series.
It doesn't have any guns, or robots or any spaceships. No aliens, or talking animals.
Haibane Renmei is about a little isolated town where a miracle occurs. Angels are born there. Or rather people destined to become angels appear there on their way to becoming angels. The Haibane (grey feathers) begin their new lives completely new, with no memory at all. Just some vague feelings of a past life. It is here that they heal and prepare for "the day of flight".
They are not allowed to receive or give money. They aren't allowed to receive anything new. And they must work so that they can one day leave without being in debt to anyone.
And if they are able to transcend their own personal burdens, they will one day mysteriously vanish unseen. Though if you are lucky you may see a bright light and feathers that rise up toward the heavens.
The story follows Rakka and Reki, two of the Haibane. Rakka is the newest Haibane. Rakka is confused and afraid of this new world she suddenly finds herself in. And to make matters worse, her halo won't stay on so the other Haibane tape a coathanger to her head to keep the halo straight. And her halo has static cling! So her hair is always a mess with strands pointing up.
Reki is one of the oldest Haibane. She is a good person, but sort of a misfit. She has a nasty smoking addiction. But when she finds Rakka, she instantly adopts her like a little sister.
Its a very sweet slow paced story.
(Jewels, you are going to love this! )
Btw- Haibane Renmei translates to the Charcoal Feather Federation.
Haibane Renmei
