(Yes, yes, I know, another not-quite-horror series. I write about what I actually watch, and I’m in a horror mood lately. Cope.)

An unusual rumor is spreading, among both young and old, from city to countryside: a website, accessible only at midnight, where you can request vengeance against another person. Just type in their name, and the Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl) will take them away. Seekers with intense grudges will find this rumor to be true, and the price of revenge greater than they could imagine…

The series’ greatest strength is the artwork: the scenery is gorgeous, the layout of the scenes are well done, and the faces of even the many secondary characters have unique elements. As most of them appear for only one or two episodes, this is an especially impressive feat. (Compare to, for instance, magical girl shows where the protagonists are all one face design under various crazy-color wigs.)

My only complaint is the uneven pacing: the set up takes about six episodes, which all follow a very similar format. It picked up in a hurry and was fascinating right up to the end, but I nearly didn’t finish after six nearly identical one-episode stories. In spite of this, the rest of the series is worth the wait.

Review based on fansubbed version by the always excellent Shinsen Subs, though series is now commercially available under the translated title “Hell Girl”.