BNA: Zero is a historical fiction novel that follows the characters Natalia and Shirou Ogami as they trek through the World War II torn landscape of Japan and the US. This novel is a work based on Studio Trigger’s BNA, going over the events that lead up to the creation of the original anime’s setting and further developing the characters of Natalia and Shirou. In this world, humanity exists alongside another human-evolved branch called Beastmen, who are less societally developed than humans and suffer from extreme prejudice from the lack of understanding between species. The Beastmen differ from humans in that they have the ability to morph animal-like characteristics and attributes that are predetermined by genetics. Natalia and Shirou both belong to this species, and both have their own unique views on it, how Natalia had grown accustomed to how humans act and how she wants to merge the two societies so they may get along, and Shirou, who wants to keep the divide in the name of safety from human malice.
BNA: Zero is a good read. I enjoyed both the main characters in their endeavors to solve the problems of prejudice with their drastically different ideals. Additionally, it acts as a perfect explanation for how Anima City came to be, using both ideals from the main pair to create a safe haven for Beastmen that is connected to the outside world.
Overall, this light novel holds charm and a decent deal of potential, for any anime fan, I would recommend this read. It does require that you watch the original anime in order to understand key aspects of the plot, however, both stories are fun and interesting. They both certainly have their flaws, however, their charm still makes it absolutely worth your time.
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