I do not like to talk down about anime. I an usually incredibly unbiased and I have an appreciation for every anime released... to some extent.
I don't like to be negative and I don't like to write reviews that could sound hurtful to some people. But with Brynhildr, there is a problem. The problem is that I cannot understand why there are little-to-no contrasting opinions on this anime yet. Everything I've seen/read so far has been generally positive and praising the anime. I don't get it... isn't that unnatural? It's not that great...is it?
No, it's not. There must be some kind of brainwashing going on here because this is NOT what it's hyped up to be. I have never been so heartbroken by an anime until I started Brynhildr. As early as episode 2 it was already kicking me in the shins. I'm writing this review to protect the rest of you who are anything like me from wasting your time on something that isn't what people say it is.
Story: 5/10
With a writer like Lynn Okamoto (Elfen Lied), I had expectations that this would be a tightly nit, well presented masterpiece with clever and artistic references to various lore and culture. Well... it does that... sort of... but Brynhildr lays it on a bit too thick and really has no idea what it wants to be. I've never seen a story change direction and pace as often and randomly as this. It's way too distracting going from a dark, mysterious, bloodbath, to a cheesy fan-service episode in the next minute like nothing even happened.
A lot of this anime's praise comes from the loyal fans who read the manga. While I haven't read the manga, I can assure you that what they say is true about "The manga is great! You should read it!" However... that doesn't change the fact that this is an absolute mess of an adaptation. I haven't read the manga personally, but I can tell this anime has already skipped way too much explanation and jumped to highlights for theatrical effect. With that comes a completely dislodged story line, rapidly introduced characters with little exposition, and a story that just feels cluttered and difficult to follow. It truly is a disaster and I don't know why even the manga fans can't agree that this is not what it was intended to be.
Now maybe you like a story that's got witches and aliens and pharmaceuticals, and sci-fi... and astronomy.... and... happy-go-lucky fanservice, and molesting defenseless paralyzed girls... oh.. and freaking mouth lasers!!! But honestly if they picked ONE concept and stuck with it, this story could have been significantly better. Tasteless is all I can say.
Art 6/10
Not much to say here about the art. It's mediocre. It's not bad but it's definitely not a selling feature. If there's on thing I can compliment, it's that the very median color palette sits right in the middle for the show's dark, bloody aspects and absurd silliness the very next instant. It is exactly average. And it is exactly the kind of hint that what you're getting into is not anything special. At least it's not misleading you by looking absolutely stunning and then delivering a garbage plot.
Sound 7/10
Sound effects here and there are sketchy. I hear a decent amount of recycled effects in this anime from cats to gunshots that really don't have a strong feel to them. The music may be the only saving grace with a unique and catchy dubstep-esque OP song.
Characters 5/10
I really don't want to rant too long about the characters, but all I can say is they are all extremely shallow and not developed enough. They introduce so many characters in the short time this anime is allotted so nobody gets the exposition they deserve. Not even the main character has a convincing back story or motivation for anything that he does involving the characters surrounding him.
Surprisingly, the only characters that feel genuine are the girl who's incredibly perverted and lusty. given her short life-expectation I can understand the psychology that would drive her to those decisions. And the paralyzed girl. I'm sure if she could walked, she would've have ditched the other girls by now and found some better friends who don't take advantage of her disability. She seems like the only character who understands the situations that arise, but nobody will give her the credit.
Enjoyment 4/10
I don't drop anime, ever. I always see it to the end no matter what. But this show tempted me so hard and so early on that I nearly left it at episode 2. As of now, I've only seen 9 episodes, but I plan to finish it out as scheduled. But I don't think these remaining 4 episodes will be strong enough to pull this anime out of the deep hole it's already dug itself into. I can't be swayed any other direction, no matter how amazing the ending might be. I really do not enjoy watching this and I don't see how so many people can claim it's the best of the season.
Overall 5/5
Okay seriously. For me to write a negative review (especially before even completing an anime) is a bad sign. It means something is up. You don't have to agree with my words, but I want you guys to see the other side of the spectrum when all I see is constant glorification for Brynhildr. I simply isn't justified honor. I know there are people out there with similar taste to me and I'm writing this to protect you. I have a group of 5 friends that all watch anime together and we all agree that this is an utter waste of time.
Like me or not, that is what I have to say. I rarely offer my negative opinions, but this needed to be said.
If you agree with me, I'd greatly appreciate voting this review for helpfulness. If not, I'm sorry I offended you, but there really is no room to only leave positive feedback on something that is clearly not what it's hyped-up to be. Thanks.
