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Despite all its shortcomings, Ajin: Demi-Human is a decent addition to the supernatural/mystery genre that may be worth your time.

This is not an anime for the fainthearted as the level of violence is taken to extreme lengths. Without giving away potential spoilers, repetitive killing and torturing children are heavy components of the story. Whilst Ajin employs a lot of elements of suspense and horror, it is not a downright scary show. Rather, what is presented to the viewer is a mysterious premise, with a number of clues along the way. One can either put the clues together or simply just await the shows conclusion for ... a better understanding of the supernatural elements.

Ajin introduces an array of characters that may pique your interest. Admittedly some of the character archetypes feel recycled, and character development could also be considered a weak point of the show. Nevertheless, honestly just one character is mysterious and peculiar enough alone to warrant your attention – you would know who I’m referring to if you’ve already watched the show.

The 3D rendering is also a big talking point of Ajin. Suffice to say, the action scenes are amazing. But this reviewer still found it difficult to watch; movements outside combat appear jerky and stiff. Perhaps with a better budget Polygon Pictures can look to improve their overall CG animation for season 2. One can hope.

For what it’s worth, here’s a summary;
+ Supernatural elements are mystifying and interesting enough
+ Action scenes are mostly well-done
+ Excellent start and a well thought-out ending
- Dip in the middle of the show will give you the shits
- 3D animation is polarising
- Character development is overall weak

For better adaptations of horror/supernatural works, you may wish to see Tokyo Ghoul or Parasyte the Maxim – the latter is often highlighted as the masterpiece of this genre.

Shinmai Maou no Testament is definitely an interesting series. Evidently, a range of inconsistent reviews render it to the category of "you either hate it or love it".

The overall story is simplistic at best. The character development offers nothing unique; a hot red-head is presented as the primary love interest, a long lost childhood friend is introduced almost immediately after, former enemies develop feelings for the main character, and so on. Most of these clichés are now well-established fragments of the harem genre.

The battle scenes are not exactly terrible, nonetheless they offer nothing special. The overall animation and sound quality are also quite ordinary ... and not memorable.

Well then, it begs the question; why is an average, mediocre series rather interesting? Bluntly speaking, the sexuality in this series is beyond over the top – make no mistake, if you happen to be watching the uncensored version, the ecchi and fan service scenes turn into borderline hentai. I found myself questioning whether I was watching an ecchi/comedy or hentai on numerous occasions. Further, the show takes itself very seriously into catering the “step-sister” fetish. By the 3rd episode, I realised it was a guarantee that a serious scene will be followed by “onii-chan I need you touch me” scene.

And this reviewer feels the poor juxtaposition of such two scenes is the downfall of Shinmai Maou no Testament. The willingness to push into hentai boundaries leaves little in the comedy to be desired. The attempt to connect the sexuality into the story is rushed and poorly executed. Granted, the story is neither thought-provoking nor original, however at least the comedy could have been much better appreciated overall if the show didn’t emphasize the “I must pleasure my sisters” element so seriously.

Nevertheless, much of the series is entertaining enough for harem/fantasy fans. If you can tolerate borderline hentai, I would encourage you to check out at least the first 3 episodes and see the interesting juxtapositioning for yourself.

For what it’s worth, here’s a summary:

DO WATCH IF:

- Enjoy watching a likeable MC slowly acquire a harem
- Enjoy demon – fantasy settings that are not gloomy but rather comedic
- Interested to see an ecchi series pushing the borders into hentai