Mar 18, 2025
Box of Goblins is a series with a strong story and substance, but it falls short in its storytelling and writing execution. The anime presents a multi-layered and complex plot with well-crafted events, but instead of letting the narrative and visuals gradually reveal the mystery, it relies heavily on dialogue and exposition.
Set in post-war Japan during the 1950s, the series explores obsession, mortality, trauma, and the mind-body problem, with these themes deeply woven into the story. The characters are complex and well-written, but the minimal use of visual storytelling makes the experience feel more like being told the story rather than being immersed in it.
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The anime often uses lengthy dialogue and explanations to connect the dots, which weakens the impact of the reveals. This becomes especially noticeable in the final two episodes, where the protagonist delivers extensive exposition to explain how key events are linked. While this clarifies the plot, it also highlights the anime’s over-reliance on telling rather than showing.
That said, Box of Goblins shines in its production quality. The art style and music create a strong atmosphere, with striking visuals and a great soundtrack that add depth to the setting and perfectly fit the tone.
I loved the story, but the storytelling and writing really hold it back for me. If Box of Goblins had relied more on visual storytelling and trusted its audience to figure things out naturally, it could have been a top-tier anime. The plot and themes are excellent, but the heavy exposition and slow pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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