Oct 28, 2012
After watching a few episodes, I felt that it was necessary to review it. So far, this anime has been like a dream, coming and going almost instantly, just like the theme of youth and adolescence that comes and goes. It hits me that this anime is somewhat different. It's like, if you mixed your run of the mill slice of life anime, and baked at 400 degrees for twelve minutes, and then sprinkled in a cup of action, this is what you would get. If you came to watch the action, unfortunately, you may be disappointed. Because there just isn't that much. You get
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a couple of minutes of it per episode, but it's not the main focus. What truly makes this anime stand out in my mind is the fluid transitions between the fantasy-like action and the relatively normal high school life.
Everything is what you would come to expect of Kyoto Animation. The animation quality is high, the music is well selected and well done, and the characters are endearing in their own weird way.
The animation quality and art looks great. As expected from KyoAni, there is a lot of detail in the backgrounds, and very fluid animations. The OP is awesome. Especially the finger twirling.
The sound matches the scenes well. There's no strange dissonance from the scene and the music. The sounds draws you into the scenes more, rather than push you out.
The characters look very average (except Rikka), but their characterization sets them apart from the average slice of life. KyoAni seems prone to make male protagonists that complain a lot, and Togashi is no exception. With Togashi playing the straight man, and Rikka up to her usual antics, this duo makes this anime very enjoyable. The characters that eventually come along, Sanae, Tsuyuri, and Nibutani, creates an interesting mix of those stuck in eighth grader syndrome, those who want to forget about their eighth grader syndrome, and those who look like they never had anything to do with it in the first place.
Even above the characters, I think the reason that I would rate it so highly right at the beginning is the lesson that it teaches, and how it reflects on these characters. We have Togashi, who tries to forget his pretend identity, the Dark Flame Master, and Rikka, who is still consumed by her power, the Tyrant's eye. Although embarrassing for Togashi, it's obvious right away that it's very enjoyable for Rikka. I would relate this to growing up, really. There are those who try to grow up as soon as they can, those who stay as children for a bit longer, and those who never really grow up. Look how fun and interesting life is for those who keep their imagination and sense of wonder alive. But, unfortunately, time moves on, and eventually, you're expected to grow up, and many do. So, the valuable lesson this show teaches, is that you should stay a kid, and enjoy being a kid for as long as you can. Those carefree years full of wonder and intrigue is extremely valuable, and often, you can never get them back. So cherish it, and don't be in a hurry to grow up.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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