Story
Based off a sci-fi novel, the world of the Seikai trilogy is full of genetic engineering, battleships, and galatic warfare, all in space of course.
However, the reason I watch anime isn't because of the setting, but purely because I enjoy seeing characters develop and grow. Maybe it's just me, but I hate when an anime neglects characters that are given potential but aren't developed (What Tokyo Underground did to Ginnosuke is a good example). That's not the case in Banner of the Stars II, which is why I enjoyed watching every moment of it.
So the story starts off from where the original Banner of the Stars left off. After focusing on Jinto's and Lafiel's experience in actual space combat, it begins to focus more on them than on the state of the setting they're in.
A few spoilers on the story at this point, continue at your own discretion (though I'll try not to include anything you don't find in the descriptions or the first 5 minutes of the first episode).
The story starts off with Lafiel and Jinto being appointed as 'territorial ambassadors' (basically a representative) for a recently captured planet. Little do they realize that the planet is a prison planet with most of the population being prisoners. So in an attempt to avoid conflicts, they send Jinto down to negotiate, resulting in the decision to evacuate the female prisoners. However, the other prisoners don't like that idea and an internal 'war' breaks out, result in Jinto being taken hostage.
During the first few minutes of the first episode, you see a scene with a weakened Jinto barely whispering what seems like his last will to Lafiel, creating a feeling of suspense, and in some cases, sadness. Though it's not a bad thing, watching the series doesn't change that feeling from the first episode, you continue to feel a sad tone all the way to the last episode. However, saying that's a bad thing would be an outright lie. Sometimes we need a saddening moment to maintain interest in an anime. Sadness leads to suspense and anxiety, both of which are feelings, at the least, I always look forward to in anime.
Banner of the Stars creates a deep connection between the viewer and the characters, but I guess that's to be expected of an anime that was based off a sci-fi novel (how many sci-fi novels are good enough to be converted into anime form anyway?)
Art
Art... well this is the one part I always feel unsure about, since I don't feel myself an art critic. What I can say about the art is that, unlike a lot of newer 'shiny' anime, it doesn't completely blow your mind and give you headaches with horribly interwoven CGs, however, the characters are actually rather a nice refresher, especially the fact that they seem to really express the beauty of the Abh race. Then again, as long as the visuals are bearable I don't really mind what the style of animation is.
Sound
Music! When I watch anime, I'm usually too interested on the story to really pay attention to the music, and if I hear music while trying to watch the actual story, I usually find that a nuisance. But there are exceptions, like in the case of this trilogy. I won't say that this music is so great that I'd go and buy the soundtrack, but I won't say it's not good. The music always blends perfectly with the actions of the characters, and ultimately reflects the mood. And then there's the impact of the ending theme on the first episode, it was like a blow to the heart when I heard it and couldn't help but grieve for Jinto even though I should have expected that it wouldn't end that quickly.
Character
The main thing I look for in any anime is character development. If the character is already some sort of super strong invincible guy, then I don't want to watch that anime. But I loved this series for the sole reason that instead of doing some weird ritual in order to gain immeasurable strength, Jinto only increased his ability through going to a training school. Instead, they decided to develop characters (or show their development) through their actions. Jinto's growth from that small child is apparent as he views the destruction of an entire world and has a near-death experience.
Character development is something that makes anime worth watching in my opinion, the fact that it's anime means that it can be done in a manner of ways, which is why I watch it~
Enjoyment
Uh, scroll up.
