Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

A modern fable, a tale to be told and retold with a captivating cast and important lessons to be taught, with a finely-carved slice of Japan folklore. What else to ask for, you ask?
Well, given that this tale deals a LOT with depression, it's understandable that our heroes, little Anzu and the dog-guardian gatekeeper of the netherworld, are not exactly two rays of sun, and the point of the tale is just that: Find your inner strength even when the world is intent in crushing your spirit.
And yet...PLEASE! Anzu spends half of the time (no kidding!) just crying! in more than one point it seriously affects the pacing, and doggo does no best, as he spends that same time moping around!
Despite those flaws, though, the story comes to an epic and heartfelt conclusion without forcing the hand to reason. Nothing happens by mistake here, and despite me being an ol' horse, I really liked it.
Oh, and yes, I bought it for the dog!