Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan

Well, let me start off by saying that this review will cover all three Saint Beast series: the original, six episode spin off of Angel Tales (Saint Beast: Seijuu Kourin Hen), the OVAs (Saint Beast: Ikusen no Hiro to Yoru Hen), and the thirteen episode series (Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan).

Saint Beast was one of the first shounen ai (boys love) animes I ever saw, which might be part of the reason why it holds a special place in my heart. The plot revolves around six angels referred to as the "Saint Beasts" and their trials on earth and in Heaven, as well ... as their relationships with one another. The story line is confusing and hard to follow if you don't do any research before hand, but once you get into the series, it's very difficult not to get addicted to it.

I will say that I am among the critics that say that the first, six episode series of fandom (titled Saint Beast: Seijuu Kourin Hen) is complete and utter crap. It does not follow the established canon (and thus is not entirely necessary to understand the plot, though I will begrudgingly admit that certain plot points in it can help clear up a little confusion), and is quite frankly not worth the time it takes to watch it.

However, the two OVAs (titled Saint Beast: Ikusen no Hiro to Yoru Hen) and the second, 13 episode series (titled Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan) are very well done. The two OVAs are fairly light in nature and deal with how the six main characters of the series met in Heaven, but towards the end begin to introduce the much darker conflict that drives Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan.

In addition to being somewhat confusing, this anime is also very dark at times, and deals with, what may be for some, ideologically sensitive material (i.e. homosexual relationships between angels, evil god, etc.). Also, if you are looking for hard core, boyxboy action, you will not find it in this anime, as the most any of the couples do is hug.

However, this anime is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorites, due it's fascinating (if at times, one-dimensional) characters; interesting and unpredictable plot; and complex romantic relationships that will, at times, have you tearing at your hair in frustration while yelling "Just f-ing kiss already!" and at the same time make you sigh at the absolute adorableness of it all. So yes, I highly reccomend this anime to anyone looking for a good shounen ai with a great plot.

Saint Beast series itself is alright. This particular selection of episodes put together had no real story plot and ended poorly. If writers wanted to have a better fan base they should have added more episodes and explained more of went on in the ending so the Saint Beast episodes would make sense. Watching this alone would confuse anyone. I fortunately found Tenshi no Shippo first which made watching the Saint Beast episode series easier to understand. I would not recommend watching any of the saint beast related episodes without watching Tenshi no Shippo first. For character development there wasn't really anything building other than ... jealousy, which is not even that of a main character. Those who have watched Tenshi no Shippo first understand the attractions of the Saint Beast characters better seeing as they have potential wives. I do like the connection between the two series but wish they would have connected them in more ways rather than only connect with saint beasts and goddess. Saint Beasts: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi tan should be followed by Tenshi No Shippo and all related before moving onto Saint Beasts which seems to connect as the second season to Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan. Honestly I gave this anime a middle grade as well as all its connections as I believe it has potential, however it was either not given the chance to use it, or they wished not to expand on what this anime truly could be. I wouldn't say it is a complete waste of time, but to those who are unable to sit through an anime that has no true depth, this is an anime you might want to stay away from. Otherwise I would say try to enjoy it and connecting the dots is probably one of the better things about it. If you can be satisfied with that please enjoy.

I sometimes think that deep down I am a masochist, because I cant understand how on earth I didnt drop this anime after the first 2 episodes and saved myself some precious time.
I will start saying that I absolutely love Yaoi, and since I love it so much I get fairly irritated whenever I come across this kind of bullshit.
I can even picture in my head how this anime was created:

Producer 1: Hey! there arent a lot of shonen ai animes out there, so if we make one NOW, all the fujoshis will watch it! right?
Producer 2: Great idea! but lets do ... it so the shounen ai is unbearably subtle and practicaly non-existent so those shoujo fans will watch it too!

Then they decided that the best way to do it would be to throw "bishounens", a lousy plot and magical creatures (because, why not?) in a blender... and thats the story of how Saint Beast was born.

Well, seriously now:

regarding art it isnt that bad... but it isnt great or even nice, either. Character`s designs arent original and not that attractive to the eye. But, that isnt the whole point, is it? Theres more important things like, you know, personality.

Well, in that aspect, this anime also fails, as there isnt character-depth, you just get the feeling that they are all kinda shallow. Their interactions with each other are poorly managed too and its obvious that the creators tried to emphasize their friendship(like, all the time) but failed miserably.
quick example:
*one of them does something stupid but that makes him look kind of "cute" like, i dont know, fall of a tree *
*another one makes a mocking but lighthearted and good intentioned comment like "wow, pal, thats just like you!"*
*the former gets "adorably" irritated and everyone laughs happily, rejoicing in the fact that they are having such a good time!*
This kind of scenario takes place quite a lot, and it gets more irritating as times goes by, believe me.

Regarding plot... I dont have a lot to say about it, I mean, the idea was ok, but the actual thing was below average, the development was poor and overall forgetable.

All in all, I obviously found it horrible and wouldnt recommend it to ANYONE, specially if you are a "shounen ai beginner"(?), because this may make you think that all shounenai animes are just as bad as this one, and that would be quite a huge mistake.

(PS:I am sorry if there are any grammar mistakes, english is not my home language and my keyboard just plain hates me)