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Dec 22, 2022
Rating: 8/10 | Drawing: 7/10, Plot 7.5/10, Character Development 8.5/10
The author behind One Punch returns with their art style, satire humor, and another solid story which does not take itself too seriously. This time, the whole work is now fully animated into 3 captivating seasons.
Fans of One-Punch will quickly recognize the animation style. The drawings are simple enough that sets a light-hearted mood for the show to take place. It often pokes fun at common anime tropes, and common cultural norms and expectations. For example one episode in Season III has "visitors" with large gleaming anime eyes; outside of this most of the cast has
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standardly drawn eyes. Do not expect Mob Psycho 100 to have excessive flair and next gen animation many shows have now. The art does its job while stepping back to allow the story & characters take center stage.
General story takes place in modern Japan, with one caveat - there are spirits and a few select individuals who at varying skill levels have psychic abilities. These abilities do not make the characters unrelatable though, they all have their fair share of everyday struggles like any person would. There are some cases with battle scenes (mainly season 2) showcasing psychic powers, but for the most part the show decides to let the powers serve as a source of character growth.
Without spoiling anything, the character development is where the story really decides to shine. Several of the characters each have one area of their life they struggle with, and how the quirky, twist of events guides characters confronting their own challenges. It's not a groundbreaking concept but provides decent entertainment value while doing so. More than anything this show gets better as it progresses with the 3rd season being the best in my opinion. It ends at just the right spot, hitting all the right points it wants to get across while also having viewers want just a bit more.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 31, 2022
6/10 Fair - Dystopian, action, sci-fi shonen
The story offers a unique premise in a semi-dystopian Tokyo of a near future, tackling some dark elements where morality intersects with: scientific research, systems of punitive law, & the excesses of hedonism. The artistic style and music compliment the plot and themes well, and there is enough action & suspense to keep the viewer watching.
We have the main protagonist (Ganta) who is suddenly thrust into the challenges of a new unforgiving world, along with a raw expanding cast of characters. Each demonstrate their own unique flair & skills as the story progresses. The story tries to strike a
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delicate balance between the conflict of an innocent protagonist against a dark world, while also presenting a protagonist bold enough to overcome those challenges. Unfortunately the author errs to the side of caution, giving depth to the unforgiving world at the expense of Ganta's character depth which leaves much to be desired.
The beginning and middle (of the anime) start off quite well as the story develops, though the ending for the 1st season was picked at an picked awkward place that would be difficult to stick the landing. Several years later, season 2 hasn't come and likely won't but that's okay because the manga is a better adaptation and carries it until the end.
I recommend watching the anime first if you're into a semi dystopian, quick binge watch at 12 episodes and if you like it enough can read the rest. The story's depth will cater mostly to young teens, if they're into this genre.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Mar 24, 2022
(3/10) This show is a combination of Future Diary, Deathnote, with influences of Bakuman. It tries to take the best of each yet cannot decide what it wants to be so succeeds at none.
This is sad because Platinum End is penned by the same duo behind Deathnote and Bakuman, two series appreciated for their uniqueness by many in the anime community.
Platinum End begins to a slow start because the plot, setting, and premise of a "selection process" seems forced and implausible in its presentation. Using a contrived framing from the outset makes the story feel forced. As a result the range of possibilities the
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story can take are shoehorned and limited later on.
Many of the characters in the battle royale are not memorable, relatable, nor leave an impression beyond the series. Only in few critical moments do the stakes feel elevated and does the payoff deliver (Father Green's character struggle, or the bond between "Red" & "Yellow," for example).
The tone shifts from action in the beginning to slightly more philosophical toward the second half of the series but fails to stick the landing. Mental health is a serious topic. The struggle of the human condition, life, death, and that which transcends it are definitely topics worth exploring. But by the time the story starts deeply focusing on these themes the series is already at the end of the final episode. Shame! Much of the screentime was spent instead on superficial content with plastic characters.
At the end of the day Platinum End neither replicated the success of the authors' previous works nor was a unique success in its own right. I applaud any authors for trying to take on deeper topics, but when it's a delicate needle to thread you have to go all in. This series fell short of the duo's standard of success, and many will be looking forward to their next hit which should be a return to form for them.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Mar 6, 2022
4/10
Simple standard shounen. Most key moments either include foreshadowing so obvious that it is very predictable, or are plot twists pulled from thin air to the point that it requires a suspension of disbelief. This undermines the very themes the manga is trying to portray.
Pacing of story midway begins to slowly drag on, as the protagonist cycles between underlings to defeat. Rinse, repeat. The story seems to be stuck in a rut and serves its purpose in a way. It is a missed opportunity however due to the lack of growth in many characters' development.
Cementing the experience are overdone friendship tropes, repetitive puns as a
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plot device, and sporadic pervy jokes that all dull the reading experience. Admittedly the story & art improves along the way, picking up a lot in last 7 volumes with flashes of brilliance in the plot; otherwise Rave's potential leaves much to be desired.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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