B: The Beginning

Reviews if you don't have time.
*SPOILER-FREE*

Plot driven or main focused shows, are normally pretty fragile, they either do an excellent job with what they have or fall into a pit of similarity. And unfortunately, in my opinion, “B: The Biginning” an original Netflix produced show, falls into the later.

As far as animation goes, despite being well animated and designed, for a studio such as Production I.G., there is always the expectation of an insanely “Attack on Titans” level action scenes. Thankfully, since it is a mystery and suspense show, those ... scenes are not as missed or needed, which helps, but doesn’t solve the fact that animation was just standard level.

In terms of the main selling point of this anime – the plot, it is well written and interesting with a decently sized cast of characters, that despite not having the most unique designs or personalities, are still pretty enjoyable to watch interact with each other and developing along the show. It starts to lose steam in the mid part of the series and for a mystery and plot driven show that is a pretty big blow.

Overall, the problem with “B: The Beginning” is that it fails to make an impact, or at least that is what I felt. Is a show that because it is so standard, in a genre that produces such big names, it makes the viewer forget all about the show in a year time period.

Summary: Insanely good action scenes, though the show mainly focuses on its convoluted plot

I really enjoyed the show on first watch. I've watched a bunch of it a second time already, and it definitely becomes less confusing the second time through.


*Probable spoilers throughout, if that bothers you, skip this review.

Strengths:
The action scenes in this show are outstanding and unique, sort of a combination of Dragon Ball Z and Ying Xiong (a.k.a. Hero (2002) with Jet Li). The fight between Yuna and Koku is particularly well done: There was clearly a lot of attention paid to color and light, and the music ... for it is great. My favorite aspect of the action is when the characters are made to look extremely powerful by only showing them in brief flashes and using their impact on the environment to convey what was happening. For example, for part of this fight, we don't see either of the two characters, but we do see and hear the beams of the temple being cut and the roof collapsing. I hope to see this technique being used in other anime in the future.

The setting is developed only to a limited extent but seems to be wide open for expansion. The show takes place in a fictional country, in the near future, with its own mythology and history. The setting reminded me quite a bit of Big O, but not quite as mysterious or noir.

Weaknesses:
With the exception of Keith, most of the characters are not well developed through the story.

Not as many action scenes as I'd hoped for. After seeing the fights with Izanami and Yuna, I was looking forward to more action sequences with the villains higher up the food chain, but there were few that lived up to those two.

Typical cop show tropes like the supergenius detective and ridiculous computer hacking sequences. I didn't mind these much since they're not any worse than Sherlock, CSI, or NCIS.

Conclusion:
It's easily entertaining enough to watch for all but the hardest to please. If you think you might like it, you probably will. I hope they do another season with a more straightforward story and more of the action sequences that are clearly one of the director's strengths.

its not great, not especially intriguing characters, noticeable plot issues and generally lacking depth in writing, and detail. While still enjoyable, its definitely nothing special besides the odd action sequence.

Story 4
It has a rather standard super humans background akin to K project, or Kiznaiver, Zankyu no terror. Proceeds with a modern (the synopsis lies about advance tech) buddy cop esque story. The mystery isn't really set up well, the suspense relies on rule of drama. The plot just really lacks overall from a lack of depth and a few too many ass pulls that don't feel justified at all (you can't just use mind control ... to make characters do everything, I mean you can, but it doesn't make for much of a plot). There are a few more story issues but they don't detract too much so they can be left alone for the most part (but seriously writers, cmon, tie the loose ends for god sake)

Art 7
Its good, animation and graphics during fights is especially nice, theres a little gore (some realistic, some unexpected) which seems a little tonally off but everything else is done well enough to enjoy. Some Cool character designs some lacking. Its a tad fanfictiony when your main/action characters are so out of place with the rigmarole/cops.

Sound 6
Generally unremarkable.

Characters 6
Again some good designs, generally interesting villains (some less so then others, as well one just uninteresting, no redeeming qualities, no matter how much the ending tried to redeem him). They're failed by the bad writing and pretty much no development. The Main Cast are somewhat endearing and if they had more time maybe they could have developed better but I'm torn on if i'd wager this deserves a second season. However the math gimmick is just bad, makes literally no sense, its not justified either. Super humans are interesting, by themselves. unfortunately the powers aren't like explained and there's this whole bit with blue steel but apparently choking works just as well so???Writing?????? Some villains die too easily but literally nothing can kill our characters, like there's no suspense. Rule of drama only accounts for so much.

Enjoyment 6
It deserves less but i can enjoy things at face value. If plot issues disturb you then you might find it less enjoyable, but if you just want to get to those sweet action sequences you might bump that up a bit.

Overall not worth watching but i'm sure there aren't a bunch of people rushing into it at this point lol

I decided to write this review in 'mixed feeling', since I know somebody may like or don't like this anime. Somes may think it's not unique or boring someway, or may have nice plot and interesting.
While the anime' content not thrilled enough for me, its main plot + sub plot is great tbh, actually I love the plot twist. I was confused about the ending but then I realized that it also has season 2, so I am looking forward to it (a little bit tho) and hope that I could enjoy it more than the first season.
Overall, the character development is normal, animation + ... op&ed are kinda cool.