I hate it when people write reviews for shows before a series ends as much as anyone (especially ones that dub a show godly after one episode), but the rating of this show in comparison to the ass-load of complete garbage airing right now (whose names I won't mention), combined with the average user's apparent misconceptions about it (comparing it to Symphogear? lolno), combined with its low popularity, made me decide that I have to say SOMETHING.
In short: I don't get it. I don't get why this is so lowly rated when, even after just the first episode, it's proven to be superior to
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the vast majority of the other shows airing this season. Maybe it's the idol/music genre? Maybe it's the atrocious CGI rendering of the idols during concert sequences? Maybe it's the character designs—with HEART outlines in the girls' eyes and, sometimes, hair?
Those are the only problems I can really think of.
I'll admit, none of those things thrilled me at first. But when you think about it, none of these complaints really hold water. First of all, the show may be centered around idols, but the show has SUBSTANCE to go with it (I'll talk more about this in a bit). Second, yeah, the CGI for the girls during concerts is bad, but you shouldn't let a simple fluke with visuals detract your experience of the rest of the show. And thirdly, I lol'd at the hearts at first, but then I used my brain, and considered the contrast between the characters and their surroundings.
It's obvious that the girls offer a massive contrast with the world around them: their bright, shiny, hopeful colors compared to the dull, dreary, depressing ones of the planets and interiors of ships. When you think about it, it's simple but brilliant: the hopes and dreams of naive, innocent girls thrown against the rocks of a cold, unforgiving universe where entertainment is banned on many planets.
The animation used to portray these differences is quite spectacular (sans the CGI idols, of course). There is a great level of detail in landscapes that creates a perfect atmosphere for the premise of the show to play on. This includes the bright and colorful cityscapes. Character motions are fluid, with a good number of frames. Facial expressions are done really well, too.
Characterization is surprisingly good—even in the first episode alone. Nagisa is, quite frankly, a great character: she has a level head on her shoulders; she isn't too idealistic, but not too down-to-earth either; she has spirit, but isn't too eager; she is hopeful, but not overly confident in her abilities. The dynamic between her and her father, who is an Entertainment Administration official on a planet where the entertainment ban is still in effect, paints the perfect picture of just how much the situation affects the lives of citizens. Conversely, her relationship with her mother shows how she still loves and cares for her parents, even though her desire to be in AKB0048 pits her against their authority from the get-go.
The show made me get all misty-eyed in the FIRST EPISODE—and the two following it. Do you know what's required for that to happen? A vested interest in the characters and their plights. If I don't care about the characters at all, I don't care period. I'm looking forward to seeing what becomes of Nagisa in future episodes.
Currently, the other girls mostly show their characterization in their actions, making it easy to figure out their basic personality traits. Some are getting developed and having back stories revealed bit by bit, with more undoubtedly on the way. It's cool easy to see how they're reacting to their situation in a variety of ways—having second thoughts, remaining hopeful, complaining, being afraid, showing resolve, etc. It's also interesting to see some varying reasons for wanting to take this path in the first place.
In the end, the great music is just icing, really.
This show is NOT Symphogear. (It also is NOT Macross Frontier, though it is more similar to AKB0048 than Symphogear is.) In this show, music is just music: something people listen to to help them get through life, to be entertained by, to be moved by. (That's what the premise of the show operates on.) It is NOT a plot device. It is not some super-mystical force that gives you superpowers or stops murderous aliens. There *is* fanservice, unfortunately, but it is mild; not to the degree of Symphogear—no stupid, revealing outfits; no watermelon-sized tits, tasteless cleavage, or shameful pantsu shoved in your face. Nothing is contrived. And the characters are actually good.
After the superb first three episodes, I became kind of scared that the quality might change in the future; and though that fear turned out to be correct, the "worst" episode this show has aired so far is still better than the majority of other crap episodes flooding this season that you could have wasted 24 minutes of your life on.
Many will look at my score and ask "You praise it so much, yet you only give it a 7?" Well, look at my mean score. 7 is great coming from me (especially so early on). I hope that it continues to deserve it; maybe it'll even get promoted in the future. Who can say? Let's watch and find out.
In short: Look past your trivial gripes and see that AKB0048 has heart (no pun intended), and it has *substance*—a crucial thing the current cesspool of shallow, soulless anime lacks.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: AKB0048: First Stage
Japanese: AKB0048
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
13
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Apr 29, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012
Premiered:
Spring 2012
Broadcast:
Unknown
Licensors:
Sentai Filmworks
Studios:
Satelight
Source:
Original
Genre:
Sci-Fi
Duration:
23 min. per ep.
Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Statistics
Ranked:
#24662
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#2855
Members:
62,905
Favorites:
679
Available AtResources | Reviews
Filtered Results: 42 / 42
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Your Feelings Categories May 14, 2012
I hate it when people write reviews for shows before a series ends as much as anyone (especially ones that dub a show godly after one episode), but the rating of this show in comparison to the ass-load of complete garbage airing right now (whose names I won't mention), combined with the average user's apparent misconceptions about it (comparing it to Symphogear? lolno), combined with its low popularity, made me decide that I have to say SOMETHING.
In short: I don't get it. I don't get why this is so lowly rated when, even after just the first episode, it's proven to be superior to ... Jul 22, 2012
With the large amount of questionable things AKB0048 attempted, this show was inevitably doomed to fail. The large casts of characters, the doubtable synopsis and its variety of genres clustered together just to name a few. Most ridiculous of all, the director expected AKB48 singers, a real-life, popular idol group, to successfully convert into voice actresses. Furthermore, most soundtracks in the actual anime will be inserted directly from AKB48's popular debuts, and this all just seemed too convenient to work out. Thus, I walked into AKB0048 expecting some terribly scripted dialogues, incorrect utilization of AKB48 soundtracks, and tons more to name. But here I am,
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Jul 26, 2012
Well now, here's something that I was expecting to be a giant pile of horse crap. I mean, come ON, a show about AKB48 saving the world through song? That's so freaking dumb. And then I remembered Macross already did that... Wait... Kawamori Shouji is directing it? THE HELL? The director of Macross Zero, Aquarion, and Macross Frontier (among others) is directing a AKB48 anime? Color me intrigued. Series is composed by Okada Mari, who has some very good titles under her belt (Hanasaku Iroha, Gosick, Wondering Son). All in all, the production team seems solid.
So yeah, that's how I started watching this show, in ... Mar 1, 2013
So, AKB was a series that not many people seemed to like, so with this review I’ll try my hardest to explain why it managed to win me over. And let me get one thing straight: it’s not like I’m some sort of idol fanboy. In fact, I hate the idol business. I really dislike J-Pop as a music genre. And I’m really not a fan of abusing moe and cute girls to pander to an audience. So yes: how on earth did this show manage to win me over?
For the people who aren’t familiar at all with AKB0048: AKB48 is an idol group, consisting ... Apr 30, 2012
I watched this simply because I'm an AKB48 fan..but I had my reservation about this anime. The design wasn't my style, I prefer less loli looking art. The storyline was just ridiculous with their premise of "moe space musical terrorists." However I decided to not judge the book by it's cover and watch this show, mostly because Shouji Kawamori of Macross and Mari Okada, who wrote Ano Hana, Toradora, Lupin the 3rd, all animes I enjoyed. There's also the amazing voice actresses cast that pulled me in.
Edited after more episodes. At first I was expecting some kind of K-on/Idolmaster typical stuffs with the extra ... May 3, 2012
Whether or not you should watch AKB0048 can pretty much be answered with two questions...
1. Do you like AKB48? 2. Does the dream to become a seifuku-clad guerilla idol that zips about on floating platform bravely fighting anti-entertainment mechas with weaponized stage props all while nailing the group choreography and keeping a tune sound like story-telling genius? (OR, more succinctly, could you really care less about a show's plot as long as you get to watch some moe chicks?) If you answered "no" to either of these questions, AKB0048 is just not for you. When push comes to shove, it really doesn't matter how good ... Jul 23, 2012
It's not often that an anime comes around that pulls one over on the audience as fast as AKB0048 does. Given what is probably one of the silliest premises ever in anime the writing takes hold and runs away with it, spinning a complex story of futuristic idols in a world where entertainment is banned.
I went into this show with incredibly low expectations and came away wowed. Although the show does not fall too dark there are some rather grim undertones - to perform their concerts in worlds where entertainment is banned the idols form two teams, a performance group and a defending group. The ... Jul 27, 2015
First let me apologize for the mistakes I can make as I am from Brazil.
I have watched some Idol animes to know that this one is my favorite of them. I will try not to tell any spoilers. Story (8): The plot spins around 4 girls who as kids attended to the concert of AKB0048, an ''rebel'' group who makes concerts on planets where entertainment is banned, facing lots of danger they risk their lifes to bring joy to people, and show love. These 4 girls decide that one day they will join this group. I really think this is a great story, it is different from ... May 14, 2012
while i see the title "AKB0048" im thinking this anime will be bored but after i hearing my friend talking about AKB48 in facebook and i give they link about this anime and in next week he says to me if "AKB0048 its anime from AKB48" (until that i dont know who or what is AKB48 xD)
but while see the 1st episode im know if AKB48 its girl band xD now i`ll review this anime : Story 8 : the story conered in this anime is about crazy rule.., yeah banning an "entertaiment" but where is bad there is good, the AKB0048 likes rebelion and they using ... Nov 21, 2012
AKB0048, its sole purpose is to promote the real life group AKB48, an infamous japanese girls group. Honestly I have been an AKB48 fan since I discovered J-culture itself, but having it become an anime was an entirely different situation for me.
I was very skeptical about AKB0048, and for a long time when I see AKB0048 on other member's anime list, I would often ignore it because the synopsis sounded stupid enough. But on one faithful day, I decided to download it and give it a try. Since the genre was "Music", one of my favourite genre's I downloaded the Blue-Ray edition... my life ... Dec 22, 2012
With the coming of a new age for the Japanese music industry, it becomes difficult to get by without mentioning AKB48. A national phenomena, and a growing one overseas with a fandom somewhat familiar yet strikingly different to that of anime.
Speculation from media and fans alike have all pointed towards AKB0048 to being a anime cashout as required for the expansion of the 48 group empire, a journey into the world of animation. Under the tutelage of Shōji Kawamori of Macross fame however, we receive a unique and interesting look into a microcosm of idol fandom and a surprisingly clever critique of the wrongs within the ... Jun 17, 2019
Another Robert's Too Late Review coming atcha! This particular anime is an interesting one, and not for the best of reasons. As always I'm working from the dubbed version, which I'm led to believe is fairly significant, as the real life pop group, from what I understand, did the voices in the original Japanese. If the story was as convoluted and overbearing in that version, my assessment would stand just as firm. Another important note is this review is covering BOTH seasons of the show, as they do make for one (in)coherent whole. No matter how cute, there will not be a spot on the
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May 16, 2013
AKB0048 is a story of a group of girls’ dream to become a part (some, as successors) of a famous all-female entertainment group AKB0048, or 00 for short.
Story: (9/10) A group of girls that rebels against the government thru entertainment and music? What a stupid idea. It’s so stupid that it actually turned out wonderful. Planets, under the entertainment ban, are dull and lifeless. Entertainment is their only catalyst. I can now imagine how bad our lives would be without entertainment. AKB0048 has this excellent storyline that begins with a small piece, progresses, and links up all of the characters’ stories but still maintains those small ... Sep 29, 2012
Audiences can easily dismiss the "Three episode rule" while watching AKB0048, for that everything you see in the first episode is what you will see in the all the upcoming episodes. It's straightforward and the audiences can immediately tell if this is their thing or not.
AKB0048 the pure concentrated Shoji Kawamori crack, it's harmless, silly, over the top, visually stunning, and honestly embraces itself on its shortcomings. While these may not be the recipe of what makes a legendary piece, the show keeps viewers relaxed and satisfied. I myself came into this show with zero knoweldge about AKB48, and ended up still knowing nothing about ... Mar 20, 2017
Okay.. starting to review AKB0048 is hard for me a bit I guess.. but here goes...
Story- 10/10-- The story is a bit unrealistic, with girls fighting with weapons and also singing with the. But it's truly fun and entertaining. Art- 8/10-- The art is nice and I liked it alot. But sometimes it turns me off and other times it is awesome for me. Sound- 10/10-- The background sounds are awesome. The seiyuus do a great job in voice acting. Music is entertaining. ... Nov 26, 2016
First, I’d like to mention that when I watched this anime a while back, I was unaware of how popular the idol industry was in Japan, let alone who the group AKB48 was. I came into this show expecting an enjoyable music-focused anime, and I was happy with what I got.
STORY: The best thing about this show is the mixing of genres. It has a futuristic sci-fi setting, which lays the foundation for the universal ban on entertainment. The group of idols also serves as a group of rebels who are fighting to bring their music to their fans all across the universe. I really liked ... Aug 5, 2022
Watched it bc I'm an AKB48 fan :) it really touched my heart in certain moments cause I've wanted to join 48G since I was 15 and seeing the girls leave their homes, being nervous on the selection process, practice along with the other members, having their first handshake event and their own concert made me tear eyed :') I may not be able to acomplish this dream of mine but seeing them do it really filled me with joy. Love all of the details, big and small, from the inclusion of the wotas to the Mayuyu cyborg xD at first I wondered why they
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Mar 31, 2020
Wow, what a ride this anime was. In short, my recommendation is to just watch AKB0048. It's amazing.
Art and Sound [9/10] Both top-notch. They can sometimes feel like they could be better in some ways (though I wouldn't be able to tell you why), but overall they manage to be very amazing in AKB0048. The moments where the characters appear 'on stage' are especially spectaculair. Story and Characters [7/10] As for the characters and story, these are also really enjoyable to watch. However, it's here where I can spot one of the few flaws I see with AKB0048. There's a little bit too much 'training arcs' for ... May 14, 2017
I'm pretty sure people would hate me for this but I honestly thought that AKB0048 was better than Love Live! School Idol Project. This was because the idols in AKB0048 were fighting to put on shows and I think fighting idols are cool. I literally kept searching and searching to find a fighting idol anime like this. Not only that but the art style gave the characters this glossy look and I loved all their eyes! Most people said that this was as failure anime but, I thought this was an a outstanding anime. Somwhere along the line I had something that I could
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Jan 4, 2013
Have you seen those videos of Metallica performing in Moscow in 1991, just after the oppressive Communist regime collapsed? A sea of human beings - hundreds of thousands - are going absolutely nuts to experience firsthand music that just a few years before had been banned. Harried-looking soldiers are desperately pushing back against the tidal wave of people, trying to maintain some sense of order. Imagine all of this but with rainbow-colored teenage girls flying through the sky and robots battling anti-entertainment forces and you have an idea of what AKB0048 is like at its best.
This should come as no surprise, since ... |