Chocolat no Mahou

Few phrases sum up this anime quite so well as 'bitter sweet.' Perhaps the next best would be 'beyond mediocre.'

Story: 4.5

Each episode - or sometimes two - focus on a different set of characters. Each time, a person in need finds themselves wishing upon magic sweets, provided by the aptly named witch Chocolat Noir. But for every wish, there is a price, and sometimes the price paid is far worse than the consequences of not wishing at all. Often, the series throws in a touch of humanity or humour. Unfortunately, the bitter tends to outweigh the sweet more often than not.

Some episodes are truly ... intriguing, filled with a surprising amount of unexpected twists, that for the most part, pay off. Unfortunately, other episodes are just depressing. In fact, the first episode was, frankly, horrible. It ends feeling concluded, yet is filled from start to finish with nothing but bullies, bad decisions, and rejection. It was incredibly tempting to drop the show then and there, because there isn't anything endearing about watching people suffer for 22 minutes. Luckily, the second episode picks the story back up, providing the series with some redemption, as well as introducing what will become the overarching arcs of the series.

That said, calling anything in this show a 'main arc' is misleading. This is perhaps the most episodic, monster-of-the-week styled anime I've seen in a while. Although there is, eventually, an underlying story and drama, it just isn't soon enough or expanded enough to be as engaging as the episodic plots.


Characters: 5

Given the episodic nature, the 'main characters' stand largely in the background, watching over various humans and their blunders. Ultimately, no character is likeable, or even unlikeable - they're just sort of there.

Art & Sound: 5

Art wise, it's pure average. Cosplayers and Lolitas alike will be pleased by the number of kooky, frilly, and creative dresses shown throughout the series. Occasionally, the camera shifts to create a very art-house vibe, but for the most part there's nothing spectacular - good or bad - to write about. The cat transition sequences are appropriate, if a bit distracting at times.

Sound wise, I honestly can't remember anything awful, or spectacular. Which is to say it was utterly forgettable.