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Note: *This Contains Vague/Minor-ish Spoilers*

OK… hear me out. I watched this Anime back when it first released. And ever since I could not get it out of my head. Something left me so dissatisfied, so frustrated? And yet even thinking about it now, I was all the while fully engaged with the story of each episode. I went back to rewatch it to try to figure out what it was, and I think I finally realized.

But first, the Synopsis:
if you can’t read the main page summary, A young girl studies and becomes a full fledged witch who decides to travel the world just like ... the main character of her favorite book. Far and wide to different cities and countries she travels, encountering various unique people and places who in various ways enlist her to help them with their plights/situations/problems.

Now about the main character, Elaine. *THIS IS THE BIG THING BY THE WAY*
This girl is all about herself. She acknowledges that she’s pretty, though not in an overly annoying way, she doesn’t hesitate to say “no” when something doesn’t interest her. She stands her ground when she feels it necessary.
Now, that in and of itself would honestly hold the makings of a pretty solid character, right? But why? Why do I…dislike her?
So, at the end of every episode, (or at least most) when it reaches its conclusion and she flies away into the sunset off to her next location? You always see these short glimpses/ clips/ shots, of what she’s leaving behind. And almost every time, she leaves behind oncoming destruction, a family ripped apart, a fellow witch fighting to her last breath, someone devastated drenched in blood? And I thought why? Why doesn’t she care? Why is she so willing to do this?
And it finally hit me. She’s not some magical girl, she’s not a Mage. She’s a WITCH. A freaking witch. And just like that it clicked. In the traditional lore of witches? They don’t give a crap what negative fallout comes to others I. Their experiments/ tests/journeys, unless it DIRECTLY affects them. They’re self serving and self entitled. For Gods sake she’s given the title “The Ashen Witch” When I thought about it that way? It all fell into place. We are seeing the tragedies a witch can leave behind only through the perspective of a witch who neither cares nor understands what consequences come from her actions, as long as they don’t affect her directly. In HER mind? She’s just living her best life.
I honestly don’t think you’re SUPPOSED to like her. Not as a person anyway, really.
And honestly? Man, That’s so interesting. as a CHARACTER? It just…works. Really well, in fact.

As a whole all the characters in this show are solid, and overall engaging (even aside from Elaina).

Btw, I’m sure nothing I’ve said here is particularly groundbreaking, but it’s just, in my own words I suppose.


Animation/Sound: The animation is solid. Smooth, with vibrant colors. Pleasing to the eyes. And the soundtrack meshes well In Deceiving you into thinking this is an upbeat lighthearted show about a sweet traveling witch.

I have to say, I enjoyed this show in a way i didn’t even notice on my first watch through. It caught me off guard. The way your sense of morality is tugged at each episode, your inner conflict with this upbeat levelheaded witch you’re following.

8/10 all in all.
I recommend it, though I should warn, there are a few episodes that take much darker turns than the rest. Remember this show WANTS you to think it’s an upbeat slice of life about a young sweet traveling witch. But there’s more than what is on the surface.

“Haven’t you heard of ladies first?”
“I’m a man who yearns for true gender equality”

This is a review of both seasons because, well, they’re the same in every excellent way.
Let me begin by saying this.
THIS IS A COMEDY.
If you’re looking for a super action packed plot driven adventure with character development and the whole spiel, well, then you clearly didn’t attempt to read the synopsis or tags pointing out COMEDY and PARODY.

Ok now that that’s clear.

Kono Suba is probably the most gut busting and refreshing comedy I’ve had the joy of watching in a while. Everything about it makes fun of typical anime tropes ... in the best way.

Synopsis
Kazuma dies (hilariously) and is sent to a world where he is given the task of slaying the demon king and bringing peace to the world, and the goddess who sends him there is sent there with him (because karma is a B****). However when he gets there Kazuma basically says “yea screw that I like living, and desides to do his own thing and try to make the most of this new life he’s been given, which inevitably keeps dragging him and his motley crew of a party closer towards reaching that goal anyways. They get caught up in many unfortunate situations and, honestly? Fail more than they succeed. Which is also refreshing, because humor can often be found in failure. And boy is it in this gem.

Characters
The key to what I think makes this show so great, is the characters and how they interact with each other and everyone else in this world around them.

Kazuma, the shut in NEET Who doesn’t want to have to work hard to do anything, and is absolutely willing to cheat or be underhanded in order to succeed. He’s a bit perverted, but not “in your face” perverted. It’s a comedy. It’s funny.
-Aqua the alcoholic goddess who is in most cases useless despite having maxed out stats upon entering this world. She is unforgivingly clueless, and also totally full of herself. Her and Kazumas back and forth banter is always hilarious.
-Megumin, an archmage, who wields all powerful explosion magic capable of leveling a city, that she can only use once a day because she collapses from exhaustion, every. Single. time. And it’s never not funny.
-Darkness, the lovable tank of the team, who can take a ton of damage, and loves every second of it. Because, well, she’s a masochist who takes “glutton for punishment” to a whole new level.

Now the key here, is you would think this would equal a harem, but the author said “yea no that’s dumb let’s be different” and instead you have a main guy who acts like most times he’s embarrassed even being around the others, because they’re so practically useless in a fight. They don’t secretly love him. In Fact? They all make fun of each other constantly and often act like they can’t stand each other. So hopefully you’ll find that dynamic as refreshing as I did.
They call each other out on their stupidity, yet they remain together, because despite it all, they’re friends. They fight like friends, rag like friends, and also care about each other like friends do. I loved it.

Overall
Honestly? The writing here is just too good. It’s witty, it’s goofy, sometimes a little over-the-top even. it’s honestly just plain fun to watch. Nothing is to be taken too seriously. The point is to just enjoy and laugh. And I’m pretty darn confident this show will make you do just that.

*This review is based on the main story based on everything that happens CHRONOLOGICALLY.* I know nothing of how it plays to the visual novels or anything, so if you’re looking for a review like that? I’m not your guy.
I decided to get into the main Fate series based solely on the synopsis, and decided I would watch chronologically rather than by release, as was the overwhelming consensus by those who had watched already. As such, I began with Fate/ Zero. Then came to this.
That is how I’m basing this review.

Let’s get started, I’ll keep it simple.

Fate/Stay Night, If judged as a chronological continuation of ... its prequel, Fate/Zero, is utterly disappointing by comparison.

Art and sound:
Credit where it’s due, the music is great and fits with what’s going on very well, and the art is beautiful considering it was made in 2006. Nothing about this was bad.

Unfortunately...THESE were...
Story:
You have the 5th Holy Grail War. After having bore witness to the brutal heartwrenching events of The 4th Holy Grail War. I was pumped for this. But what was expected to be a true battle between masters and servants wound up being a mediocre, fairly sexist, romance, with slight harem tendencies, and sprinkled in between that were some 2 minute fights here and there.
It felt like an insult to Fate/Zero, which sucks, because THIS came first. Honestly, looking at it the other way around, Fate/Zero felt more like the author was saying “I’m sorry that sucked, let me do it better this time.”
The plot as a whole is very linear, and leaves much to be desired. Fights are underwhelming, we learn so little about the servants and masters, outside of the main pair Shiro and Saber, which is lame. The ending episodes were the only point where any sort of plot twist happened, and honestly, if you’re paying attention throughout the show, it’s really not that surprising.

Characters
My issue lies with only one character. And as such, is the only one i will focus on.
All other characters I felt were fine in terms of what we were even shown about them, because it is impossible to actually connect to any of them. You learn next to nothing about them, and see very little outside of interaction with the main characters.
Speaking of main characters.
Shiro is awful. Just a completely unlikeable person. And whether anyone wants to admit it, his views towards women? They’re sexist. His “bleeding heart” attitude towards protecting the women in the show is annoying and unappealing. I couldn’t even see it as admirable. Despite his full knowledge of just how powerful Saber is, he repeatedly almost dies simply preventing her from fighting, or protecting her WHEN SHE DOESNT NEED HIS HELP. And the worst part of it is that the author justifies his stupid views towards this, by simply making him strong like her, and therefore actually able to protect her, and eventually, she comes to accept his way of thinking.
Maybe you like that kind of guy in a story, But I can only see him as a poorly written, unappealing main character. And I hate everything about him.
Saber starts out being the calm cool serious honor bound king of knights you know her to be, but unfortunately falls victim to shoujoization and it just made me feel let down.
Side note: Rin is great. You’ll easily love her as a character, no doubt.


In Conclusion:
If you are watching this because you want to see how it lives up to the visual novels? you may love it I guess. I don’t know nor could I say for sure.
However

If you are watching it because you heard it was a romance? You’ll also be disappointed, because it’s a poorly written pile of melodrama laced with sexist ideals, and men must protect them no matter what. And I’m sure that ain’t what you’re looking for
If you started this series because you wanted to see a war for the Holy Grail, between masters and their Heroic Servants as a continued story from Fate/Zero? Im sorry to say you will be very disappointed. It’s a mere shadow in comparison to Fate/Zero, and honestly should only be watched for continuity sake before moving on to Fate/ SN UBW(as I did).

“Ozen, If she ever wanted to reach the bottom again and confronted you. I want you to tell her. Tell her what a miracle it is that she can move. Teach her how to brave the wonderful adventures waiting for her afterwards." - Lyza

Let me level with you here. There is beauty in art. There is beauty in the telling of a good story. This story is as beautiful of a piece of art in its writing as it is to visually watch unfold in front of you.

What’s it about?
Made in Abyss is set in a world where a giant hole in the earth ... was discovered by mankind, with no knowledge of just how far down the bottom of it really is, and deep within this hole, are treasures, ancient artifacts, creatures of the deep not yet discovered by man. The thrill of such a find of course draws in the masses the same way gold drew Americans to California during the Gold Rush.
This story focuses about a young girl named Riko, who strives to be like her mother, who is known as one of the most formidable divers to ever live, who has been deeper than anyone else into the abyss. So far in fact, she’s been gone for as many years as Riko has been alive. After receiving a letter from her mother stating she will be waiting for her in the Abyss, Riko sets off determined to find her, along with her is her recently befriended companion, Reg, a small robotic boy, who is believed to have come from the depths of the Abyss. What awaits them as they descend deeper in search of the things they desire most?

Story 10
Ok, look. I’ve spent a long time searching for another great anime to truly draw me in using its story concept alone. This show has so much merit in the world concept it makes me wish I lived in such a place. From the vast and unique array of creatures found in the Abyss, to the nature surrounding the 2 kids as they descend. It’s beautiful and terrifying all in one. That feeling of fear for these kids as they go further down. The ever looming thought of how the “Curse of the Abyss”(which is a clever concept taken from Spelunking in real life) will plague them if they ascend. It’s daunting. It’s clever. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. I loved it so much.

Art: 9
Not an animator, nor am I an artist, but I’ll say this; the animation choice used to contrast with the overall darker feel of the show? WORKS. Splendidly.. It’s definitely fun to look at and I didn’t find it off putting whatsoever.

Music/Sound: 9
Too much of a casual I judge in depth so:
Voice Acting: awesome.
OP/ED: honestly? I was in too much of of a hurry to keep going with the next episode to listen apart from the first time. So...goooood?
Music in Show: Loved it. It blended very well with what was going on in the story. And never distracted me.

Characters: 10
Every one of them are characters you honestly enjoy watching. You want the best for them, you know? And each of them draw you in.
Rikos intellectual yet simpleminded straightforwardness
Reg’s constant worrying for Riko, and everything in general.
Ozens brutal and uncaring (yet also caring?) way of helping Riko and Reg be stronger cave divers.
Nanachi...I won’t explain why. But I love her. You’ll love her. You want her to be happy.
And THAT’S IT right there. You want happiness for them. These fictional characters. You feel for them. In their joy, and their suffering.
The fact that this was written well enough for these characters to draw me in like that in only 13 episodes speaks volumes to me. And I believe it will for you as well.

Closing Thoughts:
Sometimes in life, ones’ destination is not as important as the road taken to reach it.
The stories synopsis sells itself. The desire for the unknown. The need to keep going at all costs. The looming fear of never being able to return home. The haunting beauty of it all. It’s daunting. It’s stunning. It’s engaging. And most importantly? It is truly interesting and fun.

I give this show one of the highest recommendations I can. Watch it, and Enjoy!

Black Bullet...

Before I ever watched it, I thoroughly read through a lot of reviews, nearly all who proclaimed it to be an overall mediocre show. This drastically lowered my expectations and I almost never watched it, but i just couldn't get passed the idea of the whole promoter/initiator partners concept. So I gave it a shot. Looking back now I actually wonder if I saw the same show as everyone else. Not to say anyone's opinion was wrong, I was just so impressed with Black Bullet that I didn't see the drastic negatives many others did.

The story takes place about 16 years or so ... in the future, in a world where humanity has been exiled into small safe territories by evil creatures called the Gastrea. The story focuses on Rentaro, a young civil officer who's job it is to fight and kill gastrea that manage to make their way into the Tokyo Area. His partner is a young girl named Enju, who is known as a "Cursed Child", which is a child born of a woman who was injected/impregnated with the venom of a gastrea. A new powerful Gastrea threat appears and both Rentaro and Enju, along with many others, must work together to prevent human extinction.

Just to get it out of the way,
Animation quality: I thought it was great. so yeah. the dark colors emphasized the dark intense atmosphere of the anime.
Music: good (mostly in terms of its intense OP and beautiful ED)

The plot as a whole, although some could argue it bears a resemblance to Attack on Titan, is actually very unique and interesting. I don't think this story can't be categorized as simply as "humans vs Gastrea" because one major conflict throughout the show is the relationship between normal people and the Cursed Children. Now even though along side human partners it's the cursed children who are risking their lives to kill gastrea, they aren't accepted by society because they have gastrea blood in them. The general public treat them cruelly, and don't allow them to be a part of normal society. This bodes the question for the viewer "who really are our main protagonists fighting for? Is this even worth it?" it provides emotional and mental conflict for both the characters and us viewers, and that makes the story that much better. Although the anime is very serious and... sad, it has it's light air of relief comedy in the relationship between Rentaro and Enju and other cursed children, who all want to marry him, which is adorable (because it's not meant to be taken seriously by the viewer, if you do, then you're watching the show wrong... it's not a loli harem). It's very enjoyable.
One unfortunate negative thing to point out is the plot did feel a little rushed, which I wish wasn't the case. I think some things could have been more properly elaborated on and explained. What would have made this show better to me is if it had been say 22-24 episodes spanning this exact same plot line. Then the pacing at times wouldn't have felt so rushed and information you need to know wouldn't have felt sort of thrown in your face at times. Do I think that messed up the anime as a whole? nah. It just prevented us from being able to further appreciate the story.

As a whole I genuinely thoroughly enjoyed this anime specifically due to it's interesting and heartbreaking action packed plot and it's plethora of unique and like-able characters (even the main antagonist is awesome.)

Even if it was too short to have 100% accurately adapted itself from it's light novel, I still believe Black Bullet is worth a watch. It's highly entertaining, emotionally gripping, and full of good quality action. However if you read the LN and are an absolute stickler for adaptation accuracy, then steer clear because you'll just end up all upset.

Shinmai Maou no Testament... man this show was ALL OVER THE PLACE

One minute I'm watching and it feels like a pretty darn good action anime...which then falls apart into a mediocre "comedy" ecchi harem that borderlines hentai...

So basically the story is...
Basara is moving into his new home with his newly adopted sisters Mio and Maria. Basara is told by his father to protect his "sisters" because they are now family. All seems well until all 3 "siblings" discover that none of them are who they appear to be. Basara and his father are actually exiles from the "Hero Clan" and are natural born ... fighters whose mission is to stop and destroy evil demons. Meanwhile Mio is actually the daughter of the former Demon Lord, and Maria is a succubus who is protecting her. Basara decides to keep his promise with his father and protect his "sisters", which being that Mio is a demon lord's daughter, means that many other powerful demons are trying to get a hold of her.
...Oh! and Maria has Mio and Basara perform a master-servant contract that backfires causing Mio to become Basara's servant, who if she ever disobeys will be overcome with lustful desires until such time that he sexually pleasures her and calms her down...yeah... I know...

Animation and sound quality aside...which were fine by the way, I thought. Definitely the least of my problems with this show.
My issue with Testament is it just couldn't seem to decide what it wanted to be. Now there is no problem with mixing ecchi harem comedy with action... but the thing is Testament just did it so poorly, or rather I should say didn't mix them at all. They are almost like two completely separate entities to the same show... I mean here you have an awesome set up to a plot with an actually really great male MC. As a matter of fact I thought character wise he was so good I felt bad that he was wasted in this show. Then you add the concept of Maria being a playful succubus obviously calls out the ecchi in this (if you don't know what a succubus is it's a demon whose powers revolve completely around sex)... but to the extent that it does so and it's reasoning behind it is just completely unjustified. It just seems really out of place...
Not to mention I feel it is extremely necessary to warn you that when an ecchi...or really ill say soft-core hentai scene takes place... be prepared for over half of your screen to be beamed with white or have a ridiculous picture covering up half the screen distracting you completely from whatever was supposed to be happening. Now DON'T BE ALARMED! that's not your computer screwing up, it's just the animation company's idea of "censoring". Now I don't know if they did that on purpose for "humor"... but it was definitely annoying.

In terms of enjoyment I would have to split it into two different categories.
As an action anime, honestly I loved it. I'd give it a 8/10. It had really cool fight scenes with high intensity that really drew me in.
However as a ecchi comedy I'd say It was mediocre. 6/10 maybe. I thought all that stuff only took away from the story itself and just distracted me from what was important.

Would I recommend this show? Maybe... depends on what you're looking for. Action? Yes if you can deal with the poor comedy and ecchi parts in between.
Ecchi Harem? I mean... honestly no, simply because you won't be able to enjoy it because of the ridiculous censors...

"My music... did my music reach you?" - Kaori

Your Lie in April. I had to give my self a day on this one. I had to let my heart stop hurting when I finished it, and allow my mind to settle and think about all the care and emotion that went into this beautiful story.

The concept in itself isn't terribly hard to grasp. You have 3rd year middle school student Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy, who after his mother's death, can't find the will to continue playing, due to his inability to "hear the music" any longer. So for two whole years he stops playing ... the piano... that is until the day he became "Friend A". Upon meeting and befriending the beautiful Kaori, she all but drags him back into music, relentless and determined to show him its beauty again. Determined to make him hear it again.

Story 10/10

Genuinely outstanding. The plots course is a like a song in itself, its a simple soft start, into an explosion of emotion, character, and artistic beauty. I won't go into specific "plot points" in the show that make it so great because I don't want to give any hint of what happens. I'm going to be selfish here, and make you go find out for yourself. Which I truly hope you will, it's time well spent.
I will say though that throughout the story there is a lot of beautiful symbolism, and if you see it, (which it's not that hard to notice) it will only make the show that much more beautiful. For example the symbolic connection between Kaori and the black cat(s) that appear throughout the series, I won't say what they mean, because, again, if you watch it you will understand. If you allow this story to carry you, allow it to give you hope, make you happy, you won't regret it, because there is so much (I believe) to gain and learn from the life lessons this show has to offer.

Music 10/10
I mean... just from the synopsis you know that music plays a HUGE part in this story so ill judge the 3 different aspects of music that come into play here,
1. The OP/ED
This show has two outstanding OPs that really draw you in. I loved them, And also two beautiful and... heart wrenching EDs. When the last episode went into the ED, I will be honest and say I was crying a little, but when that music the to ED began... THAT is when I really lost it.
2. The background music is intense, its beautiful, it's life. That is all.
3. The actual classical pieces played throughout the show. I am by no means a classical music connoisseur. But I can appreciate beautiful music when I hear it. And it was very obvious to me that a lot of time went into choosing the pieces played throughout the show.

Art (10/10)
The animation to this show is INCREDIBLE. Or so I think. I think its just as beautiful as the music. I'm no pro at looking at "shadows and backgrounds and.... whatever" but I can say that the color pallet and brightness to the anime really brought out the beauty in the other aspects to the show.

Character 10/10
Why give it a 10? I wouldn't say specifically for character development. Even though there is plenty of it in the characters that matter and needed it. But its more than that, This also has to do with the deep connection between the characters. One thing you will come to notice in this anime that I think is pretty unique is that there is actually no real antagonist. Like at all. and THAT'S OK! Why? Because this show isn't about winning something, it's not about good vs evil. This is a show about overcoming the pain of loss, and finding beauty in something you love again. Also I just want to point out that I think the parallel between Kaori and Kousei's mother's character is awesome. So cool and deep. The relationships that are revealed throughout the show not only show us who they are as people, but why they strive for what they do, which of course it mainly revolves around how every character has been in some way deeply affected by Kousei and his music. It's the music that brings them to learn and love together. and that is a beautiful thing.

Enjoyment/ Overall 10/10
This has risen to the top as one of my favorite anime to date. It made me laugh, cry, and think deeply about the value of life. There wasn't a single moment when I wasn't hooked and I can say through watching this I have gained a new deeper appreciation for classical music. It is truly a wonderful anime.

If you have any interest in music, or love... or life... if you have a beating heart and you feel emotions. I highly recommend you watch this anime. I am 99% sure you will not be disappointed.

Kimi no Uso... here's looking at you kid...

"Over the last three years here at Sui High, I've made many dear friends. And what allowed me to meet them... was a student dorm called Sakurasou." - Misaki

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. When I first read the little summary of it on MAL I got the horrible feeling in my stomach it would be very sexually forward with a lot of fan service and very little plot/char. development. I thank God today that I'm terrible at guessing plots to anime, and I will take this second to simply say "I apologize" to the writer for having low expectations. Because I could not have possibly ... been more wrong.

This story is about a group of what I can only describe as misfit geniuses. These are the rejects of the school, and at the same time some of the most artistically gifted students at Sui High. For various reasons, be it financial or social, they each have ended up in the cheapest and fairly rundown Co-Ed dorm at the school, Sakurasou. Kouhai (The main male protagonist) was forced to move into the dorm after he tried to take care of a stray cat he found, however dorm regulations forbid him to keep it unless he moved. So of course, he decided to move until he could "find another owner for it". However, by the time the show opens up on the present at the start of out story, rather than him making any progress, he has actually taken in like... 10 more cats. As I said, so at the open of the show Chihiro sensei (runs the dorm) asks Kouhai to go pick up a transfer student who will be moving into Sakurasou. That transfer student is none other than the beautiful, quiet, legendary artist Mashiro. He comes to find out she is essentially incapable of taking care of herself on her own, so in the same nature as his cats, he takes on the responsibility of being on "Mashiro duty".
The misfits have many little adventures and antics and overcome many trials during their time at Sakurasou. As time passes friendships form and grow, bonds grow stronger, fights, love, tears, all come into play among the six friends of Sakurasou.

Now Ill do that thing where you separate it into sections

Art
Actually, even though I'm not big on being able to tell huge differences and intricate details between different anime, this show's art really stood out. It felt smooth, clean, and beautiful. I daresay it was made to look so as to reflect the fact that they are all artistic students in their various fields, to match the level of beauty they themselves can create. The only other anime I know of with animation better than this would be Nagi no Asakura. So that's pretty darn good. I appreciated the high quality.

Music, Sound
Not a pro on music, I can basically tell you whether I
1. Liked the OP and ED. (I really did)
and
2. thought the music distracted me from the show or helped to amplify it. (It blended well and I liked it just fine. Nothing to report back negative on.

Story Quality/ Why I Enjoyed It

This has to be one of the best stories of friendship and love I've ever seen. Now when I say love I mean it in a universal way. Not JUST romantic love, although there is plenty of that. I mean also the love between friends. Best friends. Think of a friend of yours who is the absolute most important friend you don't want to have to be without. Now take six of y'all and go live in a dorm together. That's in essence what you have here. The plot was paced very well, nothing happened too quick or too slow. The pain and struggles each character went through had me feeling like I was right there struggling with them. Is that not a powerful thing? When a story can draw you in so much that when something big happens, whatever it may be, it has the power to make you FEEL emotion. And no I'm not talking about "man I'm so pissed the plot went in this direction". No... I'm talking about when you see a character get their heart broken, you feel for them, you cry with them. It's really not easy for an anime to do that. But for me, this did.
I'm telling you, Misaki's graduation speech TORE ME UP (that means it made me cry).

Closing Thoughts
I highly recommend this show to anyone who loves a good story about the bond between friends. And young love. This show is as funny as it is sad, as it is heartwarming as it is beautiful.

Hats off to Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo.

I decided after looking at my list of all of the anime I've watched, I HAD to start expressing my feelings and critique (if you will) for at least some of them. So I thought why not start with one that impacted me most. I'm no pro reviewer. I'm just a guy who likes anime. The normal guy. I don't watch a show to break down everything about it piece by piece... I'll explain why I ENJOYED watching the show. what DREW ME IN. what ENTERTAINED me.

Ladies and Gentleman, the Rom-Com you've all been waiting for. The love story other anime only WISH they could ... tell. I give you, Toradora.

Now look, I know none of you are dumb. So I know that when you read the little summary of the series you know what it's about and have an obvious idea of what will happen. You've got the kindhearted but unfortunately "evil faced" Ryugi, who all he wants is for people to not view him as a delinquent. And then you have the feisty, adorable, brutal little Taiga. These two happen to cross paths by LITERALLY crossing paths, ending in Ryugi getting knocked on his butt by Taiga's fist. Now it just so happens the two are both in love the the best friend of the other, so they make the agreement to help each other get with the ones they love. And of course as you can guess the more time they spend together the closer they grow and their relationship develops... etc.

Ok here's where I do that thing everyone does and separates my review into sections and stuff...

Art
I'm not an artist so I can't give you some pro critique, I thought it looked great and it never came off as "bad" to me. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sound
Also not my area of expertise. I gotta say I love the OPs and EDs to this series. I catch myself humming them sometimes. So that's a good thing in my book. As for the rest of the music it blended right in and never took away focus from the show so...I guess that means it did its job right?

Story
Excellent. This show's pacing and plot were great. I absolutely loved everything about it, The journey the writer takes these 5 characters on in 25 episodes is beautiful. Now when I say journey I don't mean an actual adventure (obviously). I'm referring to an emotional journey. The growth of these characters in their friendship with each other. The depth behind each of their choices, their feelings... it's unrivaled.
Also I'd like to throw in that being that this is a romantic comedy. While it is in fact focused more on the romance it is NOT without good humor. This IS a funny show. Ryugi and Taiga play off each other perfectly, providing great wit and funny antics between them.

Character Development

my god...I mean... wow.
Each of the five main characters to this show are unique, beautiful, and perfect. The writer begins with making them out as 5 of the main cookie cutter character types: the "average guy", the feisty tsundere, the "weirdo" girl, the student council member, and the shallow b****. I can't explain in depth each and every character so I'm gonna give one of my favorite examples in this show.
Ami (the Shallow B****)
When we are first introduced to Ami she is a whiny, selfish...you know what, disguising herself as a sweet ultra ditzy girl so that everyone will like her. Now of course she only shows her true evil colors to the main characters, thus revealing her "fakeness". Totally easily hate-able character right? However she comes to grow so much throughout the course of the story that she eventually becomes one of the most genuinely honest and real characters in the show, to the point she actually forces other characters to be more honest with themselves.
It was really awesome to see such a change in the main characters as the show progressed.

Oh and sorry if i'm "spoiling" anything... I really don't think I am though.

This show is wonderful in every way. The writer of Toradora took the lives and deepest emotions of 5 teens and just laid them out for us all to see. It's as if he was saying "Do you understand how they are really feeling right now?... Well I'm gonna make damn sure you do." And boy did he, ever so spectacularly.

Do you like good romance? do you like SO FREAKING WELL developed characters? Do you like feeling emotionally attached to an anime? Then Toradora is the anime for you.