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"So today's class will be a self-study period...
'Cause I'm tired"
~ Yours truly, Glenn Radars (Everyone's beloved Sensei)

What started out as one of the promising shows of the season, was let down by the rapid pacing of the story that left many fans - readers or non-source readers alike - bewildered. Had this anime adapted less volumes or went for a 2 season split-cour, it would do a great justice to this light novel adaptation in a season deprived of quality magic action show.

Story: 6
Art: 8
Sound: 8
Characters: 9
... Enjoyment: 9
Overall: 8

Personally, this show is a 10/10 for my taste. But for readers sake, bias are sidelined. Here are whats in store for you:
Kawaii looking girls, definitely waifu materials or to add to your own personal 2D harem
Costumes & hairstyles? Good inspiration for cosplay materials.
Comedy that doesn't feel out of place
Decent fight-scene
MC is someone who is more than meets the eyes
You'll curse at the MC, but then you'll change your mind (everytime)
You'd wish you had a teacher like Glenn Radars
You'd wish you had an oneesan like Celica
You'd wish you had Rumia as your wife, Re=L as your imouto and Sistine as your... err, it's a bit complicated
A hint of romance here and there, but just to tease you

Strength of this show? Comedy, the fight-scenes, fun soundtrack and enjoyable casts of characters.
Downside of this show? Pacing of the story, MC personality might not be everyone's cup of tea, you don't even know what is Akashic Records at the end of the day and it's a light novel adaptation.

Most light novel adaptation are borderline bad to watchable. Fortunately, Akashic Records sits above watchable but it is plagued by the pacing of the show itself. There are hardly any continuation in a light novel adaptation, since the purpose has always been to promote the source material.

Also, only Japanese readers can easily access and fully comprehend the source materials. Majority of the English readers would rely on fans translation or adaptation that takes years to complete and by the time it's done, chances are you're not even gonna bother reading it. At least manga have the pictures to do the talking, even if you don't understand the text.

Only few series are a notable exceptions, for example SAO. IMO, this trend and practice is slowly killing the anime industry. It's high time that producers rethink on how to run a sustainable business if budget is a concern in long run without compromising the quality of the show and fans interest, else we will forever be plagued with tons of poorly adapted LNs show every season in the years to come.

Lastly,
the show ended on an open note with a mixed signal, leaving behind a small hope for potential season 2 sequel, or it's just another gimmick by the producer trying to imply "go read the source material for continuation, The End" which unfortunately is a trend in the anime industry nowadays just to promote the source material. That, I leave to your imagination.

TL;Dr - Strongly recommended to watch as your Spring 2017 line-up, a must watch of avid fans of school-action-magic-comedy-romance subplot based settings, and to read the source materials to truly enjoy and immerse of what could have been a serious contender for anime of the season/year.

"A brilliant story-telling adaptation that brought the manga to life, exquisite work of art and mesmerising soundtracks that slowly pulls you in as you immerse yourself in the twisted yet captivating world of Kuzu no Honkai" ~ Nazz

Story: 10
Art: 10
Sound: 10
Characters: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 10

(TL;DR below at the end of the review)
...
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As the manga reader, Kuzu No Honkai adaptation is one of the shows of Winter 16/17 I was looking forward to.

Even before I decided to write this review, I already envisioned this show as a perfect 10 and it did not disappoint; not only the anime was able to flesh out and portray the messages effectively as it were in the manga - It goes beyond that- it invokes a strong feeling and emotion that can't be portrayed through a static picture.

There are four main characters in the show, each with different personality and are unique. As the show progresses you'll gain insights to all of the main characters history, back-stories and struggles but the spotlight would always be on Mugi and Hanabi. I think the show did a great job exploring each of the main characters as well as the supporting ones, and the story were fairly fleshed out.

Of course, If the show is memorable then what is the secret behind it? Well, it's one of the worst kept secret but we often overlook - Soundtracks - The opening (96neko - Uso no Hibana) and the ending (Sayuri - Heikousen) left quite an overwhelming impression on me. Listening to the soundtrack on my HiFi Headphone is extremely satisfying as it invokes your emotion and gravitates you slowly into the story, especially at the end of each episode; the timely play of guitar plucking softly behind the background while the narration was wrapping up as it slowly transition to the epic OST.

Ah of course, do not forget the Art. Clean, appealing, colorful and contemporary. I admit, it exceeded my expectation that the anime's art would be equal or less than manga. For a normal bloke like me, I'm thankful they did not sacrifice the quality of the drawings which in a way, contributed to bringing the manga to life. Moreover, I'm satisfied with the voice actors & actresses performances that further heighten the enjoyability of the show.

At long last, the brilliant drawings & art, mesmerising soundtrack and sensible plot makes it one of the most memorable romance show that I had in recent memory.

While it might not be a happy ending for all, but for those who appreciate a great drama and different perspective of 'Romance' makes the immersive experience worthwhile.

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TL;Dr - Definitely a Must-Watch show for those who is a sucker for 'romance' tag like me and it lives up to its tag. The only thing is, it's not your every day romance kind of show, as it caters to the more mature audience.

Brilliant, intriguing, captivating & thrilling.

I wrote an earlier review before, giving this show a solid 10. After the conclusion of this show, I'm proud to say it remains unchanged.

By far, this is easily one of the 'MUST WATCH' anime of 2016. Though SHORT, but they did a great job keeping me at the edge of the seat for 13 episodes.

Thank you Madhouse for another brilliant light novel adaptation.

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The story grew more and more interesting as time passes by. The show doesn't feel much of a rush, taking its own sweet time to develop each characters (particularly Ikta, Yatori & Chamille). Soundtrack & narration wise, ... I'd say it fits & blends well with the show.

Viewers will often find themselves at the edge of their sits wanting for more. Though the 13 episodes felt kinda short, it has demonstrated the potential that this show has.

To keep it short, you WON'T be disappointed by what the show has to offer but you'll be disappointed if you skip this show.

Short Conclusion:
- MUST WATCH Military/Action Anime of 2016
- A MUST WATCH for Military enthusiast
- Romance Subplot
- One of the 'top' anime of Summer 2016 (which was a dull season)
- Great alternative to Action Mecha/Supernatural shows (this year's anime industry are saturated with Supernatural/Mecha action shows)
- Awesome animation & art! Fight-scenes will leave you at the edge of your sit
- Brilliantly lazy & interesting MC, with an awesome cast
- Each episode will leave you wanting for more

With that being said, this show goes straight into my 'personal favorite list of 2016'.

Until then, I pray for season 2 to happen.