Shakugan no Shana S

Now this is what I was expecting in the Shakugan no Shana series, some peaceful and relaxing filler episodes to give breaks from the heavy contents. I feel like there are too much going on in the series, when a problem is solved another problem is presented again and it makes me feel tired.

This OVA is like a fresh air, it gives me an entirely different feeling of the show. I have never liked OVAs, I only see them as another episode of an anime and did not feel that it is more special than other episodes either however, this is OVA is different, ... it is indescribably heart warming and it made me think "wow... they both had times like this as well apart from fighting all the time" and how they can live like a human too.

Reshuffle:

This was a really funny one as it is what the series should be, Sakai Yuuji acting more manly and physically stronger and Shana being more sensitive and soft. It was very nice to see how this anime has the potential to create much better character personalities.

Domicile:

This one shows how Shana grows and adapts to the environment, she becomes more human and less flame haze. It also shows Wilhelmina and Shana's care for each other. Another heartwarming episode indeed.

Overture:

This episode is the best one it is like a prequel to the story and it shows hints of Shana's sensitive side of having feelings as well. It is actually quite sad, it teaches me about the memories we share with someone important are very precious and not being able to forgive someone can be really painful.

Overall, this is the best OVA I have ever seen and it is definitely better than the whole Shakugan no Shana series. This taught me the importance of filler arcs and chill everyday life episodes and yeah, it makes me think that Shana had a nice backstory before coming to this cursed town filled with problems to confront with everyday too. She really shouldn't have came here.

Oh yea the sounds are also very good too.

Probably the best of all Shana franchise. I wish they had made a romcom SoL for Shana instead of the mess that comes in Final.

Episodes 1 and 2 had me smiling and happy and did not prepare me at all for the wreck that Final is. Episodes 3 and 4 were ground so much better and had me invested. Hell, it made me miss my own mom. That's how in my bag I got.

Anyways, If you've slogged through seasons 1 and 2 to S, you'll probably watch the Final. Its not worth it, but its my opinion. Shana S is the best of ... all of them.

This a a four episode OVA which takes place between Seasons 2 and 3. On the whole, it is quite a respectable OVA, so I hope you'll read what I have to say about it.

Story 8/10

The first two episodes were lighthearted and primarily comedy. At the end of both, they had a heartwarming moment revolving around love, the common theme of the series. Both of these episodes are executed well and are exactly how a lighthearted, comedic special should be. Have cute moments, make you laugh a few times, and warm your heart at the end with it's conclusion.

The final two episodes were about ... Shana right before she met Yuuji. She takes the place of a torch in order to gather more information on a denizen she's hunting. She coldly erases the torch's fading existence and takes its place to do so. She does this while helping the torch's family and friends get some closure on the torch's death.

This final pair of episodes also resonate strongly. One of the strengths of the main story in the original seasons is about existence itself, and what it means to live. Getting to see more of how Shana acted before she met Yuuji was charming to me. She is undeniably cold in her attitude but is also understanding of the dilemma of a torch's existence, given her own circumstances as a flame haze. I think the question of existence and love are two threads that are easy to sympathize with. I would have loved to see more short stories like this involving Shana from the series. It's a good short story, with a bit of action at the climax without being overbearingly long.

In conclusion, considering this is a special, these short stories were rather impressive. But other than Shana, we get no development on anyone else, and nor is there an overarching plot in this OVA. So bear that in mind. For what it was, I was impressed and found my heartstrings tugged on at the end of each episode.

Art-7/10

Certainly not bad by any means, even more so since this is from 2010. I think the one thing that I've never like much about the art from this series is the lighting and mouthing style used makes mouths occasionally look too small while talking, and the lighting choice doesn't make that any easier. But for the 76 total episodes comprised from this special and the 3 seasons, I was only bothered by this a handful of times.

Sound-9/10

Ah, the music in this series is so good! The OST impresses on several levels. One of the better ones out there. The OP and ED are okay-ish. The english dub is respectable too. Particularly impressive given that good dubs were hard to come by before the 2010s. Overall, the sound is the series most consistent aspect.

Character-7/10

If you've seen the previous two seasons, you already know what you're getting into. Personally, I don't find most of the characters in this series particularly interesting, save for a couple of side characters and Shana, the star of the series. Thankfully, Shana plays a big role in all four episodes, and is the center of attention in the final two episodes. She is a big reason why this OVA turned out as well as it did.

Enjoyment- 8/10

Overall this was a very good OVA- one of the better ones you'll find. The music is as exceptional as always. Shana truly shines in her role as the series heroine with these heartwarming short stories. Although there is no overarching plot here or character development for other characters, as an OVA, this worked well for what it was.

Overall- 8/10

Pros:
+Heartwarming short stories
+Shana is a fantastic heroine
+Great OST

Cons:
-Lack of meaningful plot may be a turn off
-Occasionally inconsistent animation