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.
