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Feb 15, 2025
The Kingdoms of Ruin is an ambitious anime, but amateurish in its execution. Its premise carries the potential for an epic saga, but the lack of character development, the uneven pacing, and the excessive reliance on plot devices prevent it from taking off.
The anime starts from a fascinating conflict: magic versus science. Witches are persecuted after being considered obsolete by the technological advancement of the Redia Empire. The revenge of Adonis, the protagonist, after the execution of his mentor Chloe, is the narrative engine. The idea of exploring themes such as revenge, scientific ethics and emotional duality (represented by the relationship between Adonis and Doroka)
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is solid.
However, the execution is inconsistent. The script introduces intriguing elements that are either abandoned or barely explored. The feeling is that the work does not know how to prioritize its own elements, leaving narrative threads loose and creating a chaotic atmosphere. Essential episodes (like Chloe's execution) are impactful, but others drag on without purpose or resolve conflicts abruptly. This disorganization causes the narrative to oscillate between blood, fast-paced action and disconnected contemplative moments, damaging immersion.
Adonis is a problematic anti-hero protagonist. His anger is justified by the loss of Chloe, but his lack of development makes him monotonous: he is aggressive even towards allies like Doroka, without showing evolution or reflection. Critics point out that he "goes from anti-hero to belligerent" without gaining empathy. Doroka, despite having a tragic backstory, is reduced to an object of constant suffering, without any agency of her own. Her magic is underutilized, and her dynamic with Adonis only gains relevance at the end of the season, making her a passive element. Secondary characters are even more forgotten, serving only as disposable pieces in the plot.
Magic, which should be the strong point of the work, is another significant problem. Anime treats it as a super-flexible resource, something to "magically" solve all difficulties so that an event simply occurs, despite the odds. See, magic is meant to be supernatural, but here it always conveniently adapts to the needs of the script without clear rules. Adonis, for example, can enlarge bullets to gigantic proportions without any consistent explanation. This also extends to technology: tech from Redia Empire, although central to the conflict, is not detailed, appearing more like a plot device to justify the persecution of witches. This undermines the credibility of the anime universe, giving the impression that events are guided by convenience rather than internal logic.
Despite its flaws, The Kingdoms of Ruin has merits. The action scenes are well-choreographed, with graphic violence and impressive magic designs. Chloe's execution and the introduction of Dorothea Grethe are memorable, hinting at an expanded universe that could shine in a second season. Another strong point, a personal favorite, is that the plot avoids clichés, keeping the viewer curious, even if for the WRONG reasons.
To conclude: Kingdoms of Ruin is technically amateurish. It begins with a fascinating conflict—magic versus technology in a world in ruins—and promises an epic saga about revenge, redemption, and the limits of humanity. However, it stumbles upon structural flaws: shallow characters, unbalanced rhythm and a magic that seems to serve the script more than the internal logic of the universe. Yet there is something hypnotic about its boldness. The graphic violence, dark aesthetics and unpredictability of the plot keep the viewer intrigued, even if it is to question dubious narrative choices. It's the kind of work that, despite its flaws, doesn't go unnoticed: it captivates acid fantasy fans who value raw creativity more than technical refinement. If the anime fails to deliver on its full potential, it at least leaves the door open for a more promising future. A second season, with a focus on character development and clearer rules for magic, could transform this uncut gem into something memorable. Until then, it's a recommended experience with reservations: watch it for the ambition of the concept, the striking visual direction, and the courage to be imperfect in a sea of safe formulas.
Personal Rating: 6/10 – A concept worthy of a 9/10, executed like a 5/10. It is a work that, like Adonis, carries hatred and potential in equal measure. Imperfect, but hard to ignore.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jan 2, 2025
Undead Unluck answers the question "What if the old Shaft studio made an action shonen?". Well, former employees reunited and made it happen! With its unique quirks, the anime blends various fiction tropes in a way that's both different and delightful. It features humor, tension, and sci-fi, masterfully exploring multiple genres.
About the Plot:
The plot is another standout aspect. Constantly using the element of surprise, the anime subtly challenges your moral perceptions throughout. The cleverly placed humor often makes the audience forget it, but heroes and villains blur together, many dilemmas are resolved violently, and important secrets are kept among the heroes, to name a few
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examples.
Predictability:
Apart from these aspects, something that sells Undead Unluck really well is its dynamism: things escalate from 0 to 100 rapidly. The unpredictability is part of its charm — some events are impossible to foresee! Characters mostly stay true to themselves, but nothing is quite what it seems. Just when everything appears obvious, the plot surprises you.
Quality of Production:
Finally, the graphics and soundtrack reinforce this production's uniqueness. The openings feature fantastic songs, camera angles amplify the emotions of even the most trivial moments, fights are vivid, and the soundtrack genuinely represents each moment. The "Shaft energy" is evident throughout.
Conclusion:
Undead Unluck is absolutely worth watching for those who want a shonen that breaks away from clichés. It only needs a continuation. Some scenes might be a bit scary, but nothing sickening happens, so don't worry!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 2, 2025
Makeine delves into the complex and less gratifying aspects of romance, amplified by the characters' youthful setting. Romantic rejection is explored beyond merely "rooting for couple X or Y."
There are no exaggerated villains or a plot contrived to please: the anime maintains a well-constructed storyline and stays true to its concept until the end. The fact that it's an adaptation of a light novel significantly contributes.
The anime is highly entertaining, with humor that's well-timed and fitting, charismatic characters, and a coherent storyline. Watching it will undoubtedly make you curious to check out the source material and continue the story!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 10, 2024
Dungeon Meshi. Ah, DUNGEON MESHI!
It's becoming increasingly rare to watch an anime with such a good setting. The idea of detailing the creatures, dynamics and rules of a fantasy world sells very easily here, making it rich, varied and interesting. Apart from the infamous "gourmet" genre, the work's unique feature — dishes being prepared in a dungeon — is seamlessly woven into the narrative without feeling forced or disruptive, so it serves more as a bonus rather than a burden to the plot.
The idea opened up space for certain clichés to be seen in a way completely outside the obvious: not only do they innovate,
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but they execute it brilliantly through intelligent writing.
The world is bathed in a good dose of realism; there is no hegemony of the Homo Sapiens species. We don't have ridiculously overpowered characters and trivialized semi-omnipotent powers. We have adventurers trying to make a living. We have greedy managers and political conflicts. We have cheaters, crooks, good people who are not perfect, and neutral personalities. The creatures? They are a little different from animals, they invoke an image of perversity, they have special abilities, but they can be defeated with a bit of knowledge and skill.
Following this history is almost like a slightly unbalanced pendulum: just when things seem to be approaching a endearing conclusion, there are twists and turns that make the conclusion move one hundred steps back. Funny and relaxing events anticipate immensely tense moments, the kind that begs for just a spark of comic relief. It's not terrifying, just as the humor isn't ridiculous — that what's cool: the work explores all the audience's emotions very well, in a balanced and subtle way.
Each episode proceeds fluidly, balanced in screen time and with aspects of the work's genres well combined. The humor is always fitted in the right way and present in the ideal dose, despite being a little strange, at times, for some palates. The tension is real, there's no way to know what will actually happen during a fight. There are deaths, there is blood. There is always room to surprise.
Are there any flaws? Arguably yes. Some small things could be better explained. Without knowing whether or not the work is original, without any other reference or bias, some events will seem rushed. The advantages of the work, already mentioned, are valid for 99% of the screen time, but… yes, there are some tedious and boring moments amidst so much greatness.
The advantages and disadvantages are expected because of the "routine" in the plot — the pattern makes it easier to follow the story, but increases the need for surprises and twists.
Do you think you have seen it all in terms of fantasy and medieval settings? Hah. The show's "originality" was not praised by figure of speech, you'll only feel how important and amazing it is when you consume the work. Many others were inspired and will be inspired: when you read a premise "to do <insert something different here> in dungeon" and it works right, know that Dungeon Meshi was a great reference to it!
It's likely that future anime seasons won't deliver something as good as this in terms of "gourmet", at least not anytime soon. Maybe Dungeon Meshi it's the peak of what we can ever achieve, and can only be surpassed by himself, in a second season. Dungeon Meshi. Ah, Dungeon Meshi!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 7, 2024
The words "pick up girls", when put together in the title of a fantasy work, certainly conjure up peculiar mental images. As incredible as it may seem, this story delivers a very reasonable experience; there are very creative dynamics, an interesting world history and references to existing mythologies.
The journey is one of progression, satisfying to follow. Very significant obstacles are overcome, but the plot armor of some moments leaves a bitter taste in the audience's mouth. A very subtle (yes, subtle) dose of ecchi awaits you, so be careful when watching with your door open.
There is character development, and it is done well. The bad
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part is that the characters have very cliché personalities, so for those who watched everything, there won't be anything new. Villains and heroes are as expected.
It's impossible to evaluate a story that involves fantasy and magic without talking about world-building. Here, there are some doses of gamification, with some very interesting innovations. For those who care a lot about these aspects and the plot, there is no room for boredom.
In short, Danmachi offers a pleasant and satisfying experience; It's a light story, interesting to follow and fun. There are many sequels released, which is another bonus for anyone thinking of following along.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 6, 2024
Kiznaiver is a… upsetting story. It's a kind of drama with a small dose of sci-fi and “philosophical reflections”. Several interesting themes are mentioned throughout the plot, but practically none are discussed in depth. For all intents and purposes, they expect from the audience the conclusions that the anime should present.
Some gloomy things and many other morally questionable happen during the plot. Certain characters really get under the skin, and don't become better afterwards. The story progresses like this, without many relevant advances. Atrocities remain unpunished, sickly logics are basically romanticized and normalized, much suffering happens without any reparation. Character development also leaves much to
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be desired, it is completely unbalanced and selective.
The words are “subversion of expectations”: the direction is not good at conveying realism, nor at convincing you of the fantasy reality of the story. The plot is not shocking at all, nor is the progression satisfactory. The events are chosen for convenience, it becomes increasingly confusing what they are trying to prove or show. It's something very empty and doesn't leave a mark on anyone who watches it.
In short, Kiznaiver seeks to be an innovative and reflective story, just like Psycho Pass or Evangelion, but it certainly fails at that. The message of the work is blurred, as is the objective. It's a very mediocre anime.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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