Banana Fish

Set in a shadowy New York City in the 1980s, Banana Fish follows Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader who commands respect through wit and fear. Behind his slick bravado lies a past filled with abuse and manipulation by those who pull the strings in the city's criminal underworld. When a determined Japanese photojournalist named Eiji Okumura crosses his path, the two form an uneasy alliance to untangle a web of violence tied to a new and deadly drug. As rival factions circle Ash and those who care for him, the case spirals into a larger conspiracy that tests loyalty, trust, and what people will risk to survive. The story balances brutal crime with emotional depth and power's toll too.

Released in 2018 as a television anime adaptation of Akimi Yoshida's Banana Fish, the series brings the source material to life through a focused creative team led by Hiroshi Seko and produced for television by MAPPA.

Banana Fish has been praised for its mature tone and uncompromising look at abuse, power, and crime. Its vivid urban animation and tight storytelling helped stand out among crime dramas aimed at older audiences.

Critics highlighted its pace and character depth, noting how the series blends noir mystery with coming of age themes. It explores trauma, loyalty, and the costs of violence while maintaining a brisk, suspenseful mood.