Absolute Duo

Where is the endgame to getting stronger??? It has a good story. Don't get me wrong. The graphics are phenomenal. But, what is the bigger detail?? Lots of smaller details are referenced and we have a good competitive view, but, why develop into reaching "Absolute Duo" if there isn't a big threat to the world? I haven't seen a good enough reasoning behind it yet. I'm giving the anime an 8/10 because it has a good story and awesome animation. But, it definitely could be quite a bit better. The characters were good considering their circumstances. The situation with miyabe was a good tragedy. It ... was very enjoyable to watch. I just can't get over the underlying question of "why?".

Introduction:
An intriguing idea of a school where pupils have weapons that have sprouted from their souls is presented in Absolute Duo, an anime series based on the light novel by Takumi Hiiragiboshi. The execution, however, falls short in a number of ways, making for a lackluster viewing experience despite its intriguing notion.

Animations and Visuals:
Absolute Duo's animations and graphics are passable but fall short of making an impression. The character designs are uninspired and unoriginal, sharing many of the same characteristics as those in other anime shows. Even though the action scenes are well orchestrated, they lack the power and flow necessary to be genuinely ... captivating. The scenery and surroundings are comparatively unimpressive and lack the depth and richness required to provide an immersive visual experience.

Characters:
Absolute Duo's characters struggle with being flat and undeveloped. Tooru Kokonoe, the main character, is a stereotypically overpowering hero with a tragic backstory. His relationships with the other characters are superficial and don't make the audience feel anything. His peers and adversaries are equally one-dimensional, frequently adhering to formulaic character archetypes without any development or nuance. The audience's ability to empathize with them and get emotionally invested in their troubles is hampered by the absence of character development.

Story and Themes:
The plot of Absolute Duo adheres to the well-worn formula of a high school setting with paranormal components. It centers on Tooru and his fellow students at the Kouryou Academy, where they receive their training to become fighters known as "Duos." Unfortunately, the story doesn't have any noteworthy surprises or interesting plot turns. The series' emphasis on fan service and formulaic romance subplots obscures the superficial exploration of topics like friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. Absolute Duo doesn't stand out among other anime series since its topics and plot lack complexity and creativity.

Sounds and Music:
Absolute Duo features adequate but average sound and music. The background music suits the situation just right, yet it does nothing to intensify the mood or lift the emotions. With few exceptional performances that would make an enduring impression, the voice acting performances vary from acceptable to mediocre. Although the action scene sound effects are passable, they do not considerably enhance the overall experience.

Conclusion:
Despite its intriguing idea, Absolute Duo fails to produce an engaging and memorable anime series. The story's overall effect is hampered by the mediocre animations and graphics, as well as the undeveloped and bland characters. The plot lacks substance, and it relies too much on cliches to differentiate itself from similar works. Although the music and noises are adequate, they don't considerably improve the viewing experience. Absolute Duo ultimately falls short of realizing its promise and becomes a forgettable contribution to the wide world of anime. It could be appealing to people who enjoy the typical high school supernatural scenarios, but if you're looking for something more interesting and unique, you should look into other possibilities.

Review of Absolute Duo (4/10)

Absolute Duo had potential with its premise—a school where students wield soul-powered weapons called Blaze and aim to unlock new powers through partnership. Unfortunately, it quickly devolves into a generic harem action anime with little originality. The plot feels rushed and unfocused, characters fall into tired tropes, and the emotional stakes never truly land.

While the art and character designs are decent, the animation quality is inconsistent, especially during action scenes. The main character, Tooru, is bland, and his partner Julie—though somewhat more intriguing—is underutilized. Their chemistry feels forced, and side characters often exist just to pad the cast.

Overall, Absolute Duo fails ... to stand out in a crowded genre. It's mildly entertaining at best, but lacking in substance and memorability. A few moments hint at something deeper, but the series never fully commits.