Watch Read or Die

Read or Die is a captivating anime series that debuted on G4 TV in 2001. The show follows the life of an introverted bibliophile named Yomiko Readman. She's a sweet, soft-spoken girl who works as a substitute teacher in her daily life, but when the country is under threat, she transforms into a superheroine named "The Paper." The series is based on a light novel of the same name by Hideyuki Kurata.

The premise of the show is that there are special people who have extraordinary abilities to manipulate paper. They can change paper into any form they wish, and their abilities only get stronger as they read more books. These people are called "paper masters." Yomiko is one of them and has an extensive knowledge of books, particularly historical manuscripts. She is dedicated to the preservation of books and serves as an agent of the Library of England, a secret government agency that is responsible for collecting and protecting rare books and manuscripts.

At the beginning of the show, Yomiko comes across a young girl named Nenene Sumiregawa, who is a famous novelist. The two strike up a friendship, and Nenene agrees to help Yomiko with her search for a mysterious book called "The Book of the Dead." At the same time, a new villainous group called the "British Library Special Forces" appear, led by the enigmatic "gentleman" Joker. This group is determined to obtain the Book of the Dead, and they will stop at nothing to get it.

The story of Read or Die is both action-packed and suspenseful. Yomiko and her allies must face off against the British Library Special Forces in a series of battles that grow increasingly intense with each episode. Each time, Yomiko must use her paper manipulation abilities to fend off the enemy, and the battle scenes are visually stunning. From intricate paper planes to razor-sharp paper cuts, Yomiko's powers are fascinating to watch.

What is particularly interesting about the show is how it weaves book and library themes throughout the plot. The Library of England is portrayed as a powerful organization with access to arcane knowledge and powerful magic. It's refreshing to see a story that gives such weight to the value of books and knowledge, and fans of books and libraries will undoubtedly appreciate the show's message.

The characters of Read or Die are also a standout aspect of the show. Yomiko is an endearing protagonist who loves books more than anything in the world. Her fellow paper masters are all unique and well-developed characters, each with their own quirks and backstory. Some of the most interesting characters are the villains, who are a fresh take on the classic "megalomaniacal mastermind" trope.

The animation in Read or Die is top-notch, even by today's standards. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, and the use of paper as a weapon is both creative and visually stunning. The background art is also impressive, with detailed renderings of both modern-day London and historical locations like the Vatican Library.

Overall, Read or Die is a must-watch for fans of anime, action, and library themes. The show is a thrilling adventure that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, with well-written characters and stunning animation. The series also has a wonderful message about the value of books and knowledge, which makes it a refreshing change of pace from other action-heavy anime shows.