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Jul 16, 2010
Currently, we're two episodes in, and already the show has dived straight into the thick of things.
Naturally, this being a sequel to the original Strike Witches, it is pretty much a prerequisite that one has watched the first season before. However, in my opinion, this series may yet turn out to be better than its predecessor.
The story has as of yet not had time to develop, with the series still in the process of re-introducing the characters; however, the manner in which this has been done, including a first episode that parallels somewhat the manner in which the main protagonist was introduced in the first
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season, runs smooth as silk. Reintroduction episodes are normally rather snooze-worthy - Strike Witches Season 2 throws us into action right from the start with a dogfight within the first ten minutes of the first episode, hitting the ground already up and running. This sets up the rest of the show for more of the flygirl characters we know and love.
The art, no way else to put it, is amazing. AIC took over from Gonzo for this season, but the characters still look exactly the same - if not even better than before. The backgrounds, noticeably stiffer in Gonzo's animation, have been rendered in breathtaking quality. The vista-like skies add to the overall sense of freedom in flight that permeates the show, while the characters themselves appear to move unrestricted throughout the battle scenes. AIC's use of 3DCG characters is almost unnoticeable, with a very smooth transition between CG and frame-by-frame animation when the characters zoom toward and away from the viewer.
Naturally, this being Strike Witches, the pantsu shots fly freely. AIC has taken liberty with this, littering the show with perhaps one too many frames of female crotches. They're beautifully rendered crotches from a great many angles, no doubt, but toning down a little would greatly reduce the discomfiture of many (and greatly increase the chagrin of quite a few, I admit).
The sound is also rather mediocre. The OP and ED are instantly forgettable; the inserts, while nothing much, add greatly to the feel of the show, and in this way redeem themselves. The soundtrack is probably not something you'd listen to over and over again, but it does its job.
Nonetheless, the show is a step up from the previous series so far. The show seems to have gained a grander sense of things, a more "epic" feel, so to speak. Fitting for a show featuring golden-era fighter aces battling to save the world once again. The show has a long way yet to prove itself worthy of the original government-endorsed series of cultural excellence; but so far, it looks set to meet, and possibly even surpass, the original.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 23, 2010
As a work produced by Key and written by their foremost writer, Jun Maeda, I had a feeling this was a show I wouldn't want to miss.
However, three episodes in, the show is still leaving me with mixed feelings - the production quality of the series as a whole is high overall, but the direction feels somewhat understated.
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Story:
So far, we haven't seen too much of the story, apart from the whole scenario being set in the afterlife and several of the characters' backstories. As a result, this area is one that is slightly harder to quantify. However, based on the series premise, previous experience with
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other Key productions and the general pacing, we might be getting some very powerful scenes in the latter half of the series - but that's just a few episodes away.
In a way, this show suffers from the same problems that AIR - a previous single-season adaptation of Key's work - did; there just isn't enough space for the story to expand in. The third episode, for example, was a half-hearted attempt at engaging the viewer in the story - it might have worked out for some, but it didn't hit the right chords with me. CLANNAD After Story is seen as a really powerful piece; it took almost four seasons to build up to that climax. Angel Beats! just doesn't have that kind of time.
Conclusion: Since this show is written direct for TV, the pacing might be a bit less hectic and the story less eclectic, but so far it's hampered by slightly spotty direction and a lack of screentime.
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Art:
The art of Angel Beats! has been criticised several times, people noticing several frames where the quality is less than stellar. I've seen a few of these frames myself - the production team is, indeed, pulling off a few shortcuts here and there.
But that's to make up for the rest of the show. In the dramatic scenes - like the band scenes in the first and third episodes, and the battle in episode 2 - the quality of PA Works' animation really shines through. Creative angles, lights blooming in all the right spots, amazing frame quality where it really matters - and above all, a fluid and smooth rendition that makes the world they live in believable, whether they be walking through a school corridor or hunkering it down in an underground channel.
Conclusion: The quality is variable - PA Works takes some shortcuts in the slower/faster scenes where things aren't focused on as much, but really amps up the production when things hit the climax point. Overall, a practice that makes the lulls that much more lull-like and the peaks that much more climactic, avoiding a 'Shinkai-esque' situation - to name the director - where sensory overload makes you unable to tell when the good stuff is coming and when the fluff is on.
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Sound:
Not much to say here. The music is fine - "Angel Beats!" by Lia, the OP of the show, is a pretty piece that stays for a while, but is still rather forgettable when compared with, for example, AIR's "Tori no Uta", CLANNAD's "Chiisana te no Hira" or even Little Busters!' theme song, aptly named "Little Busters!". The ED does its job, but it's forgettable.
The insert songs are when the show shines. The band's songs are used in conjunction with the SSS' exploits - and to great effect. The mix of sound of colour draws you in, really pulling you in and letting you watch the show as an experience, and not just a show.
Sometimes, though, excessive periods of silence or forgettable background music mars the experience, and detaches the viewer, making it feel like a chore to watch - but it never gets excessive.
Conclusion: Forgettable music that does its job, but with some highlights.
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Character:
The character design of the show is done by Na-Ga, Key's other character designer who did the designs for half of the cast from Little Busters!. Personally, I like Na-Ga's work as a whole, but the designs for Angel Beats! feel a little half-hearted, with the possible exception of TK who is awesome interpolated with awesome.
Yuri has been claimed endless times to be a "Haruhi clone", and while some may vehemently deny this as trolling, it is impossible to deny that many of her characteristics - apart from the obvious visual similarity - are similar to Haruhi. But I digress. Many of the female characters' personality traits stand out, but the males' traits tend to blend into each other after a while, and it's hard telling who's who - with the possible exception of Otonashi, him being the main character, and TK, for reasons stated above.
Another character, Christ, just introduced in episode 3, is almost entirely a one-dimensional stereotype. However, since we're not far enough along the show yet, it might yet be too early to say anything.
Tenshi stands out from the rest for being the sole antagonist so far - and her very dubious history and motives.
Conclusion: Standard character designs (no showstoppers) with mediocre personalities with several exceptions. Development might happen as we go along, but there doesn't seem enough time for all of them.
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Enjoyment:
Don't let what I've said above get you down - the show's still hugely enjoyable. The gag timing is good, and the second episode is pretty darn funny in a semi-serious kind of way. There's also tons of room for the story to expand - it could go literally anywhere from here. With the great art, fitting sound and zealous adherence to the introduction-climax-conclusion triangle for each episode, the show doesn't leave out much.
Conclusion: Enjoyable.
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Overall:
Angel Beats! isn't a KyoAni production nor is it an adaptation of a visual novel with an entire team of creators backing it - and it shows. Jun Maeda does a great job as a single-man writing/music production team, but the development time isn't there, and it shows. The show suffers from a lack of proper screenplay development, being spotty in several areas, but it never draws back too much. And of course, there's the "how-do-they-do-it" production quality of Kyoto Animation as well - PA Works is a pretty darned good studio, but because of the nature of the work, it's invariably going to be compared with Kyoto Animation - and there's no competition there.
A solid, way above average anime production in general - but less amazing in comparison to the other Key greats that KyoAni has produced in writing and in art.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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