May 20, 2015
***Some parts of this review may kind of give the story away, discretion is advised.***
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei, or The Irregular at Magic High School, is set in a post-World War 3 era, where people can cast magic, implemented with the use of CADs (Casting Assistance Devices). The plot revolves around the life of siblings Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, students at the First Magic High School in Japan.
Story (8/10)
I have read the light novels and to be honest, the anime was really well-made. It did cut some corners, but then in my opinion, there isn't much compromise with this adaptation.
One doesn't have to be nitpicky
...
to see plotholes, for example, how people deal with secrecy in this anime. However, I still gave it an 8 because of how the series explained the principles behind magic. Instead of going the usual route (based on folklore), here they made magic more "scientific." They broke down magic to a more fundamental level (i.e., freezing=slowing down particles, and making blunt objects sharp=resonance), which agrees with physics to some degree.
Art (7/10)
I'd say that the fight sequences in this series are well-drawn. However, during other times, the characters' faces seem disproportionate (Miyuki sometimes have this subtle change in the shape of her face).
Sound (8/10)
I really liked the scoring and I thin the music fit the scenes well. Upbeat situations are upbeat and funny situations are funny (especially with the Tatsuya x Miyuki scenes, the BGM just cracks me up).
Character (7/10)
The series explains the characters' backgrounds well enough, and many people in Mahouka are capable in their own respect. However. HOWEVER. This anime features one of the most overpowered characters in the history of anime: Shiba Tatsuya. It's funny how people in the forums refer to him as "Jesus," and I can't say they're far off the mark.
Enjoyment (7/10)
The thing I enjoyed the most in this series is, like what I explained above, the concept of magic in their universe. I like it when things are explained to me, though some people may not really want to bother with it.
Whether a story is good or enjoyable by having an overpowered main character is always a subject for debate. I enjoyed Mahouka Koukou but to be honest, after watching this, I felt kind of desensitized, seeing the MC blow through every conflict like it was nothing. It's like, all things happened so that the MC can show off his power. It's action porn.
Overall (7/10)
I would like to recommend this series to everyone who's into science-y stuff, and those who enjoy stories with overpowered characters. I consider watching the exploits of Shiba Tatsuya to be some sort of stress reliever. If you are into anime with good portrayal of conflict and struggle, this one may not be for you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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