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Jun 11, 2017
This tale is one of a tyrant whose palm holds,
The malignant fury of gods olde,
He was struck from his throne,
And pays bills for his phone,
Now he works full time at MgRonald’s.
But the tyrant he has a great wife,
Who does laundry and is good with a knife,
He does dishes and chores,
And scrubs all the floors,
...
(But was Demon General: Ashiya in his past life).
Then hence came the hero named Emi,
Who wanted to kill the tyrant; her enemy,
But love played her a fool,
Now she’s under his rule,
So she stalks him in hopes for the D.
Now sit down and pour a cold scotch,
We’re gonna kick it up one more notch,
Because these birds of a feather,
Call even more queers together,
And god DAMN is it well worth the watch!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 1, 2013
As a long time fan of the To Aru franchise, I had hoped to give this anime a 10/10. Unfortunately, while the show was raging in a fiery passion of excellent during the Sisters arc, it suffered during the latter half; although it was only for 8 episodes. Regardless, the first half demonstrated how a studio can excel where previously they we mediocre. J.C. Staff has displayed fine talents that any To Aru fan can appreciate... for most of the show anyways.
Plot
The narrative follows Misaka Mikoto, a middle school girl whose unique life instantly sparks your attention. Although she has a lightning quick temper,
...
Misaka is so attractive that you could actually mistake it for magnetism! It doesn't take long before the plot takes a shocking turn, throwing her life into a storm of drama. The Sisters arc covers the events that happen in Index, but from Misaka's perspective. She takes charge of her pain, anger, and burdens, displaying a strength that could inspire any person. Yet even though the first arc is electrifying, the plot becomes a bit static later on. All in all, I think that the main reason the second half of the show strayed from the path of excellence is because of filler content. An author's world is intricate and purposeful only because it's the author's world. For some authors this is not the case, and that's because their quality of writing isn't the best; however, a good writer will know the purpose of what they write. If unnecessary ingredients are thrown in to the mix, an unsavory cake is going to pop out. Regardless, I believe that, for filler, it was well done. Props to the conductor.
Characters
If you thought the TouMAN was awesome before, you'll be halfway into his zipper after starting Railgun S, and laying in bed with a cigarette by the end. Touma is the paragon of heroism, and you can whine about how perfect he is, but don't you lie to me and say you didn't sport a spiffy during the climax. Go on. Watch it now. And then tell me it didn't moisten you up. I DARE YOU. *Cough* W-well then... In addition to Touma (Yes there's more) , we have Misaka. She's spicy, she's sweet, she's quite the treat. These two protagonists are joined by their plethora of friends causing all sorts of adventures. The characters are all great except Febri; she seems too much of a one-dimensional blob of cute, I just can't see her relevancy except as walking plot device.
Art
All sequels to popular shows are animated well. This is a a sequel to a popular show. THEREFORE! This show is animated well. That was technically a logical fallacy because not all sequels to popular shows are animated well, but this show was animated well so fuck you. There was definitely a sizable budget attached to this show, and it shows through the fluid animation and cinematography. The vibrancy of academy city is distinct as it has always been; a colorful feast for the eyes. However, I have one bone to pick with the animators. I'm not going to spoil anything, but Touma somehow defied the laws of physics during one fight.
Sound
If anything helped to build tension and paint emotions passionately it was the OST. Those dramatic pieces got my heart racing so fast I thought I was having a panic attack. Maybe it was the cheeseburgers. Who knows? Anyways, we're thrown in to the show quick-paced as ever with Fripside performing the opening. The electronic music fits Railgun like a glove, as it always has. I'd comment deeply and thoroughly on the voice actors, but I only know enough Japanese to give them a slap on the back and a "sayonara" of congratulations. Seriously though, the voice acting is pretty good.
Enjoyment
Personally, I enjoyed the shit out of this for the most part. It was the kind of show where you wake up with three hot people waiting to pleasure you, but all you can do is hop out of bed and watch the next episode. Until like episode 18, then you can crawl back in to bed and watch it after a few hours of a little sumt'n sumt'n.
Overall
A solid addition to the To Aru franchise. Between the continuous world building, character badassery, fluid animation, and striking score, I believe the show deserves all the popularity it gets. What the hell are you waiting for? Another paragraph? GO WATCH THE DAMN THING.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 1, 2013
What would you do to turn your dreams into reality?
It is our names which we cherish the most. They are titles; testaments to who we are and what we have accomplished. Would you be willing to sacrifice your name, along with your home, lover, or family in order to achieve your dreams? AKB0048 is a story of growth. A tale of naive youth struggling to fulfill their ambitions and spread happiness in a dystopian universe weighted under a ban on entertainment. Directed by Kawamori Shoji (Aquarion EVOL, Macross), AKB0048 proves that even an anime about space idols can be enriching and enjoyable.
Story
We are introduced to
...
a planet under the entertainment ban; a wasteland devoid of any color, resources, and enthusiasm where we become acquainted with our lively protagonists. Chained by the irons of desolation, the appearance of a rebel idol group advocating entertainment spurs generation after generation of hope in the hearts of young girls. The bleakness radiating from planets under the entertainment ban juxtapose the vibrancy of unregulated planets. In a universe suffering under the entertainment ban, the dreams of idols come with a heavy burden as they inspire hope and defend the right to enjoy oneself.
Characters
Hailing from lush cities to smoggy factories the outrageous cast of fifteen plus girls assemble with the same dream in mind: to succeed the name of an AKB48 member and advertise happiness amidst a broken society. And despite the dauntingly large cast the qualities of each girl were lovably unique, making it quite simple to remember their names. They are the new generation grasping at the chance to become idols that spark the fire of passion in young girls similar to who they once were. The characters are a selling point in any idol show, and they sell very well here.
Sound
AKB0048 was inspired from the hugely popular idol group in Japan - AKB48. The show borrows songs produced by this idol group and animates them in a galactic music video fashion. Remixed instrumental versions of classic AKB songs are also present as flavorful BGM. However when the soundtrack truly shines is during performances by NO NAME. In addition to setting the tone of the show during the ending sequences, the bittersweet ballads capture the emotions of the scenes they accompany. The variety of songs will keep anyone interested, whether they are idol fans or not. Not many shows have a truly memorable soundtrack, but AKB0048s is outstanding.
Art
Crisp backdrops of smoldering wastelands, bustling metropolises and primitive alien forests are sharp and immerse you in the world. And while the character designs might take a little getting used to, they begin to grow on you rapidly. During concerts standard animation is replaced with CG models. Yet despite the negativity attributed to CG, the models are well done and dramatically increase the fluidity of the animation while allowing for complicated choreography that couldn't be achieved with standard animation. The fights and concerts are well animated, and the show does not suffer from many bouts of bad quality.
Enjoyment
I find I only have two reactions when following currently airing anime. The first reaction isn't really a reaction at all: I download the new episode, watch it, enjoy it somewhat, then eventually finish the show and move on. The second reaction is anticipating every episode whether it’s because of the directing, suspense, characters, or other attachments, and feeling a bittersweet satisfaction as the curtains are drawn on the stage of a quality performance. AKB0048 definitely falls under the second category.
Overall
I went in to AKB0048 with low expectations. I was never an idol fan, and the songs of adolescent girls never coincided with my previous tastes in anime, but the reward I received sticking with AKB has left my expectations in shambles. I came expecting mediocrity, but instead I was told a tale of growth. A story of youth in a broken world, willing to sacrifice even their names on a journey to liberate the hearts of humanity. In the end, this show is underappreciated and not even given a chance due to people thinking it’s trying to coast on AKB48’s popularity. In the end, it was a remarkable story with lovable characters in a detailed world. And in the end, you should take a chance and watch this show... who knows, the girls may spark inspiration of your own.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 17, 2013
"Why is her butt so round?" Man has pondered this question since the dawn of the First Age. As we look upon the history of earth - whether it be during the construction of the pyramids, the French Revolution, or the day skin tight spandex was invented; the answer to this question has been sought. Thousands of years into the future, when humanity has fallen from the heavens, this very question will be answered. "Who cares? Lets make her my girlfriend." Backed with his army of loyal friends, Tenzo Crossunite embarks on a journey to obtain a Big Busty Blonde of his very own.
Story
The beloved
...
ninja takes center stage this season as he attempts to woo a certain well-endowed English woman while Musashi simultaneously defends England from an invasion by the Spanish Armada. The overarching plot is still present as Horizon and Toori continue to pursue the automotons scattered emotions, but though it is present, Tenzo's antics greatly overshadow it. The setting is infinite, the romance is touching, the story is interesting ( if not cliche), what more could you ask for? Oh wait, that's right...
Art
The first season of Horizon bore a seed. Not just any seed. It was the Money Tree Seed, which blessed Sunrise with unlimited cash. Where did this cash go? It went into crafting this wonderfully animated sequel. From fanservice to fightservice, everything in season two is well animated, choreographed, and directed, leaving nothing to be desired. Unless you dislike the art style and design in general. And to those who dislike those skin-tight tight body suits and balloon chests I say - I respect your opinions but they are wrong. If you're going to hate though, I'm sure you can hate on the...
Sound
Wait what? The music of Horizon is exceedingly fitting and filled with a kaleidoscope of variety? Well shit. I can't really complain about the up-beat and carefree flutes accompanying the daily lives of Musashi's student council, nor can I jeer at the soft-tempo'd yet emotionally rending melodies setting the mood for romance. Hell, I could say I actually liked the determination felt as Ketsui wo Himete paced alongside the rising action, and the euphoria I felt as the song resonated in tune with the climax of the episode. The ONLY tracks I could say that underwhelmed me were the English themed ones. Yet with this minor gripe in mind I can personally guarantee the OST will save you from anything.
Characters
When you have a pervert whose sadness will be the death of him, a ninja who's emotions are depicted by his hat, a mechanically armored half dragon eroge enthusiast, an all knowing erotic dancer, and a flat chested werewolf it's hard to keep the other 300 members of the cast interesting. Wait, shit. They're ALL that interesting. Whether it's our lovable protagonists, or the equally lovable antagonists, care is taken to show both sides of the story. You could hardly call the antagonists villains if they didn't oppose the main cast for the sake of history recreation. Honestly in the Horizonverse the main cast are kind of the bad guys. What with the whole "Conquering the world" thing Toori's got going on.
Enjoyment
Something of this level isn't churned out mechanically. Great care and detail is put into crafting every scene perfectly. Laugh worthy comedy, magnificently choreographed conflicts, beautifully integrated music, and compelling characters are thrown into a vast and detailed world to pursue their own goals. And you know what? I enjoyed every fucking second of it. Why exactly is it again that her butt is so round? I forgot because everything else in the series was too mind-blowing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 2, 2012
How refreshing. After slapping the Demon King's shit around and stealing his daughter, our beloved hero Akatsuki returns from fantasy-land as an overpowered motherfucker. He rides lightning-charged motorcycles, gets bitches, makes em' piss, and crushes others using only his testosterone. A refreshing character and premise indeed, but does refreshing exempt the rest of the show from being mediocre?
Story
'Tis a rare thing, my Pappy once said, to find a show with enough courage to stray from your average cut and paste framework. So the protagonist goes in and comes out with the belligerent demon armies dry humping the ground he walks on... then what? We see
...
that protagonist use his new found badassery to engage in shennanigans like putting assholes in their place, or stealing girls underwear? Sign me the fuck up. And while this is surely present in Hagure, behind the scenes there stirs a new disturbance just begging the hero to be brought back into the whole "We are the secret organization. You don't even meet our standards. Wahahaha." trope. "But Selsica!" You argue "It didn't reach that point in the anime, and we'll probably never get a second season!" Ahhh how right you are, but that brings up another point. Good stories have an ending, a conclusion that ties together the relationships, plot, and ultimately, the world of the series, leaving you with a feeling of bubbling warmth. Not the kind of bubbling warmth you find after eating a week old bean burrito either. In conclusion, interesting premise, bad execution.
Art
Good character designs make shows more enjoyable. Beautiful animation makes shows more enjoyable. This is a fact. Akatsuki looks buff, powerful, and ready to rip a dinosaur in half and piss on its face. But then, so do the girls (minus a loli). I loved the damn show, but it could have been much nicer to watch. Anime is a visual medium, so love should be put into making the visuals decent. Oh, and this show has ecchi up the ass. I can see the studio in their planning stage: "How much of this shit can we put in before it's considered a hentai?" "Well son, we'll cross that bridge when it comes."
Sound
Fitting, yet unmemorable.
Characters
First, the obvious reason to watch the show. Akatsuki. A good protagonist drives the plot, he is not swept along by it. And Akatsuki drives the plot through motherfucking 6-inch walls of steel. However, good protagonists are also developed, which is a tad hard to do when the development stage of the story is confined to past-tense conversations between the fantasy worlds denizens. That aside, Akatsuki has been one of the better protagonists this season. In fact he's SO powerful you can't help but feel the enemies aren't really much of a challenge, or in his friends case, much help. He overshadows the others by a large margin, adding some predictability to the show.
TL;DR... Uhhh, I mean Overall
Despite my criticisms, I enjoyed Hagure Yuusha immensely. You like a good ol' fashioned shonen? Pick this up. Your hand feelin' a little antsy after that break up? Pick this up. You tired of pussy MC's? Pick this show right the hell up, because alphas are a rare commodity nowadays. The show is decent for what it is, but it isn't going to go breaking any records any time soon.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 18, 2012
I write this to you as a fellow anime fan; a comrade who you can trust... someone who only wants to save you from the fresh hell that is this anime. Leave now. And never look back. Usually a show has SOMETHING to offer, whether it be by way of characters, plot, fan service, or other devices. Shining Hearts' one forte is the ability to lull you into a deep sleep, one which you wish never to wake from.
Story - 2
What story? They bake bread, offer no foreshadowing, then fart out a deus ex machina ending and treat it as a special twist. It is
...
a half-baked attempt to knead some plot into a stale series. All puns aside, the story is trying to be both a battle fantasy and a slice-of-life-harem. It focuses on one throughout 90% of the series and snatches away what could have been some modicum of a satisfying slice-of-life-harem conclusion and replaces it with the most terribly written battle sequence ever produced. If you're going to have the story focus on romance the entire time, BATTLES AND FURY does not a good ending make.
Art - 8
Character designs by Tony? Yes please. Decent production quality all around, but a sexy looking turd is still a turd.
Sound - 2
No memorable tracks, and by god the ending is scary to watch.
Characters - 2
Picture a blob; a peach colored gelatinous ball of goop. Now imagine this blob growing three heads; one blonde, and two brunettes. Congratulations! You've successfully imagined the three main heroines of this story! They are a perfect match for the main character because all four of them share one thing in common! Can you guess what it is? Thats right! They're all characters with no personality! Rick, in his infinite sadness, spends his days contemplating the meaning of bread while commanding his three mindless sheep to run the shop. And the sheep do exactly that. What, were you expecting character development? Or even characters to begin with? Shame on you.
Enjoyment
On a scale from "Oh god my insides feel like they're being incinerated in a sea of napalm, kill me - KILL ME NOW" to "It was aight yo" I'd have to say its at about a "Oh god my insides feel like they're being incinerated in a sea of napalm, kill me - KILL ME NOW"
Overall - 3
By the powers vested in me as a fellow peer and anime watcher, I sentence the plot to be improved by a grade schooler. I sentence the character designs to be the source of many doujinshi. I sentence all copies of the OST to be delivered to Beethoven so he - and only he - can listen to them. I sentence the characters back to their childhoods in hopes that whatever stopped them from having a personality doesn't occur again. Finally, I sentence that the show and all it's merchandise be cursed by blackbeard and cast into the endless sea in hopes that none shall ever be taken by its evil clutches ever again.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jun 26, 2012
Oh the things this could have been. When one of my favorite manga became slated for an anime adaptation you can bet your ass I was jumping for joy, however the initial ecstasy was soon power-slammed into the ground and pissed on as time flew by. Penned by phenomenon known as Nisioisn, the Medaka Box manga started mediocre but eventually established itself as a wonderful clusterfuck combination of every genre known to man. The problem with the anime is that it didn't get past the mediocre part.
Story - 6
Gainax produced a 1:1 adaptation of Medaka Box's first arc, but this faithfulness is one of the
...
anime's fatal flaws. By choosing to animate the series with only 13 episodes Gainax trapped the show in its slice of life phase. The problem here is that Medaka Box wasn't meant to be slice of life, it was meant to be a jumbled mess of battle, romance, fourth wall breaking, screwed up villains, and character interaction. The series pretty much focuses on the introduction of the story, and introductions aren't really that stimulating.
Art - 5
The inconsistency in quality is quite apparent, you can clearly tell the budget was saved to animate the last few episodes. One might mistake Medaka Box for an anime made in the early 2000's as the quality is far below the average series produced today. Rejoice though, for the budget can be found hiding in the final arc of the series! Unfortunately the first part was done so bad that I doubt many people even made it to the final arc, which is quite a shame really. In contrast to the questionable animation plaguing the opening sequences, the latter half of the series is animated quite nicely. It displays the vibrancy of Medaka, the immense power she wields, the emotion filled faces of her enemies, and all her splendor when what little sanity she has is substituted for the primal fury of a wild dog.
Sound - 3
There is no better way to start off a series than with a vapid J-pop song that doesn't compliment or tie into the story in any way, right? Thank god Medaka Box has one of these opening sequences to distract us from the generic ending song. All jokes aside though, the only thing memorable in Medaka Box's soundtrack is how unfitting the music is with some scenes.
Characters - 8
Enough with the negativity! The characters of the series are depicted as well as I could have hoped, showing each persons unique traits in a flavorful way. Akune's aura of superiority, Kikaijima's aloofness, and Medaka's overbearing superiority are fleshed out skillfully in the narrative. If you enjoy watching overpowered characters accomplishing a myriad of insane tasks then I definitely recommend this series. Characters are the driving force of Medaka Box, and while there are many who dislike overpowered characters, for those who do this anime is a special treat.
Enjoyment - 6
My views may be biased as a manga reader as I know the series should have been longer and had a quicker pace but I still enjoyed the show, if only for the ending. While the slice of life portion may have drudged on and on, the battle arc at the end nearly redeemed the series. Nearly.
Overall - 6
Many, many things could have done better but if you enjoy school life anime with a twist of battle shounen then I would recommend you at least try Medaka Box. Even if you're only a fighting anime fan then it may be worth it to marathon this series in preparation for season two which I predict will be MUCH better. Manga readers may be disappointed with the anime, but for a first time audience of the series this show may be quite the treat. All I have done is pointed out the major flaws afflicting the series, if you can deal with these gripes then by all means try a few episodes.After all it IS written by Nisioisin, the man who brought us beautiful works of fiction such as Katanagatari and the Monogatari series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jun 25, 2012
Excellent storytellers always have a way to weave suspense and doubt throughout their works so subtly that you can feel somethings wrong but not think it. Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is an adaptation from the similarly named manga following Teiichi and Yuuko as they expand their relationship and face the chaotic horrors born from the catacombs of fear deep within each students mind. Providing a brilliant mix of horror, romance, and drama, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia makes you feel genuine fear, contentment and sadness.
Story - 7
One can never expect a deep and compelling plot from shows focusing on romance, the show usually depends on
...
character relationships to hold the anime together. However while Dusk Maiden suffers from the lack of a gripping plot, the simplicity of the narrative is one of its strongest points. The horror is intense enough to keep yourself checking behind you every few minutes in uneasiness, and mysterious enough to make you wonder "What exactly is behind all this?". The horror leads up to and settles down nicely in the conclusion. With the simplicity of the plot we are drawn into the world of Dusk Maiden, but not enough that it detracts from the true essence of the story: the characters.
Art - 9
Silver Link never fails to provide quirky yet majestically beautiful visuals. Every character is handled with care, the backgrounds are stunningly effective at setting the mood, and the directing is top notch. The only thing bringing the art down from a ten is how static the characters' movements are. Subtracting that from the equation Dusk Maiden provides the quintessence of horror visuals, with each scene perfectly encapsulating a different variety of fear; insanity, doubt, sacrifice, and above all, fear of the unknown. Of course the directing and art aren't limited to horror scenes. With Shaft-like directing we are treated to a kaleidoscope of different angles and settings that make the important scenes quite unique.
Sound - 7
Dusk Maidens soundtrack itself is mediocre, I'm writing this with no recollection of any memorable tracks besides the opening, ending, and insert song. However even if the score is sub-par the tracks still correctly set the tone and mood of the scenes where they are used. And although I enjoyed the opening, it's inclusion at the end of the final episode ruined the mood which doesn't sit well with me. The ending was adequately suited to the show, providing a melancholic feel. Shifting the actual ending sequence itself provides excellent foreshadowing which is well done. Onto the insert song. The inclusion of this song in the finale was THE most brilliant thing the director of this show chose to do. It absolutely PERFECTLY sets the mood of the last episode, and I was bawling my eyes out the entire time.
Characters - 8
Our dynamic duo Teiichi and Yuuko share a fresh and different relationship compared to all the rabble churned out every season. Skipping the countless episodes of "D-does he like me...? I don't know... Better postpone anything romantic until the penultimate episode..." Dusk Maiden skips right into the lovey-dovey action. Some people may be put off by this but trust me, it's one of the shows greatest selling points. By choosing this relationship the studio has provided us with actual romance in the story instead of angsty teens, and provides us with a powerful ending that will throw your emotions into a roller coaster of turmoil. Yuuko as a character, Teiichi as a character and the relationship between them warrants a 10, but unfortunately the side-characters bring the rating down. There will be Kirie and Okonogi fans pissed at me saying this but when you have such a strong established romance the only thing potential rivals do is annoy you.
Enjoyment - 9
The final and penultimate episodes are usually the strongest in the series, with Dusk Maiden being no exception. With the heartwarming romance, horror, and drama all converging throughout the story one would expect a finale that far exceeds the sum of its parts, and that is exactly what is delivered. The final episode caused a few tears to stream down my cheek, and the last anime that made me cry was Clannad After Story. The directing was done so well that during the episode I didn't know if I would be left a sniveling mess or the happiest camper since cavemen discovered fire.
Overall - 8
Viewing Dusk Maiden of Amnesia was a pleasure each week, and while various nuances detracted from the shows overall enjoyment, it didn't keep the show from starting strong and ending with a bang. Whether you're looking for chilling horror, loving romance, tearful drama, or any combination of the three, you will enjoy Dusk Maiden. And remember, a story can be good whether it has a happy ending or a bittersweet one.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 24, 2012
From the mind that gave us works such as Madoka and Saya no Uta comes a tale spun as a predecessor to the wildly popular series Fate/Stay Night. Of course, anyone who has read or watched Fate/Stay Night knows the outcome of the fourth Holy Grail War, but only half the fun of a journey is the destination. Gen Urobuchi and studio Ufotable guide us through a magnificent world saturated with dynamic characters, a beautiful score, jaw-dropping visuals and fluctuating idealistic views, which all congeal into a compelling narrative. Mistakes are made by Ufotable, but compared to the grandiose story and execution they only serve
...
as minor annoyances.
Plot
The Grail War has been done before, but never like this. The same rules apply. Seven masters, seven servants, all fighting in a fierce battle royal in order to determine the rightful owner of the Holy Grail. However in contrast to Fate/Stay Nights cast of children struggling to accept the responsibility so prematurely forced upon them we have a plethora of adult men ready to sacrifice anything to achieve their goals. By Juxtaposing the series and its prequel it becomes evident that Fate/Zero is a darker story focusing on the ideals of each characters along with the suffering these ideals bring forth. The plot is essentially a catalyst that lets the characters tragically develop as they spiral closer and closer into despair.
But through its greatness Fate/Zero suffers from its link to Fate/Stay Night. As a prequel, its freedom was constrained by the eventual conclusion that loomed just beyond the horizon. But even as a predecessor limited to one conclusion Fate/Zero succeeded in producing a story that left you on the edge of your seat.
Art
In addition to Fate/Zero Ufotable is also the studio responsible for the Kara no Kyoukai series; a powerhouse in the visual arts department. No corners were cut in producing Fate/Zero, either. Ferocious battles, twisted emotions, and familiar yet exotic settings are illustrated beautifully with the use of hair-raising choreography, movie quality animation and god tier CG. Now, CG is a turn off for most viewers, me usually included. However the CG in this series is so stunningly well done that I can't imagine it would be animated half as well any other way. In addition to CG, Ufotable has once again incorporated a beautiful contrast between neon colors as seen in Kara no Kyoukai. The warm orange glow of a streetlamp beating down on the lifeless world bathed in the hue of moonlight really gives the show a sharp look that is pleasing on the eyes. Fate/Zero also houses THE most amazing fight in anime I've seen to date, I won't spoil which fight it is, but those who have already seen the anime will know.
Sound
A beautiful orchestrated soundtrack is the icing on the cake. The music accompanying the series is a kaleidoscope of melodies invoking emotional responses when needed; happiness, despair, tragedy, splendor, evil, conflict, etc. The opening and ending songs both intertwine with the story effectively as well. The opening has an emotional feel to it as compared with the upbeat actiony sequence present in season one. It adequately inspires a sense of foreboding in the viewer. Now onto the ending. It serves to flesh out our protagonist Kerry by presenting us with how he and Iri came to be a couple and have their child. Teasing us with Kerry's past and how happy the two lovers were during the short time they spent together only serves to harden the impact of the finale.
Characters
These are what makes this show shine so brilliantly. There are no exceptions; every single character is quirkily unique, each one sheltering an array of conflicting emotions, and impossible ideals. Labeling any character as an antagonist, protagonist, side character, or otherwise would be insulting as almost every person is artistically created with personalities astonishingly fleshed out and consistent. Gilgamesh for example was once the ruler of pretty much everything on earth. By standing above everyone else figuratively and literally for his entire life, he has fostered an incredible superiority complex. Infinite weapons fill his treasury, and he only expends four on an enemy that is about to destroy the entire city before retreating saying that he "Does not wish for the weapons to be returned because they touched that filthy creature". That is beautiful characterization right there.
Enjoyment.
I enjoyed the shit out of this. There's nothing more to be said.
Overall
One episode was filler, some others were rushed because of it, and a certain track wasn't included in the score, but this does not stop Fate/Zero from being one of the best anime in a long time. With a bravura of directing, animation, plot, character development, sound, choreography, and dialogue, Fate/Zero exceeded all my expectations and got better every single episode. Fanboyish as the review may seem, a wonderful story is a wonderful story, no matter which way you cut it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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