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Thermae Romae; what a delightful little read! The length of this one is just right, I think, and it ends on a fairly sensible and happy point.

As a classicist, the accuracy in the roman side details is pleasant. It's not often that you find a piece of media that knows what a “consul” is (I’m still mad about total war “promoting” player character to “proconsul”, for instance). Of course, the accuracy does deviate somewhat – as a fictional story, historical details are flexed, and there is too much water in the roman baths (Which were, in reality, more like saunas.). However, the manga is still ... one of the most charming and immersive stories I have found about ancient Rome. So, I can excuse any little slip-ups when they do happen.

The tone is largely comedic, and the start of the manga is definitely more focused on the central joke – brilliant roman architect steals everything from the Japanese than any real sort of “plot”. However, the little threads that do appear there come together nicely, as they do in any good story, and we quickly have a slightly more cohesive narrative which provides a serious undertone and structure. A small cast of recurring characters slowly gathers which are given some nice characterisation through the chapters. I don't think that it's especially good. but its definitely not bad, and at the very least, Lucius is given something of a development over the course of the story that is satisfying to reflect on.

I really enjoyed the jokes and the history of this one. it’s a very nerdy comedy. But if you are into ancient Rome, it’s definitely worth a read.

"knights and magic" is quite an enjoyable series, at least so far. The art and sound perfectly acceptable. And the plot, while a bit loose ended in some places, is enough to engage me for an afternoon; it could just be that there are only six episodes out; somehow I doubt this, but no matter.
Whats more, the pace is quick enough that it never feels boring; in the first episode, for example, we traverse 6 years. Perhaps this is why then, there is so little time for character development.

yes indeed, the character development in "knight's and magic" is very poor. Well, that is a lie; ... that would imply that there is some character development. I challenge you; watch up to episode six, and attempt to describe the characters in a meaningful way. I certainly find it hard to do, beyond "the girl who likes him", "the guy who is friends with the MC", "the MC who likes mechs" etc. Again, it could just be that the whole series is not out yet. but we are on episode six. that's 1/4 - 1/2 a season. one would hope that at this point we would at least know something about the characters.
There are hints, perhaps, at deeper meaning, at a greater depth of thought and emotion. however, these depths are left unexplored. Even the main character, who I think is supposed to be a classic paragon, fails in that regard. That I am unsure whether or not he is a paragon should be evidence enough.

on the whole, though, I found it enjoyable. The pacing of the story and the sheer scale of the crazy events that happen were enough to distract me from the lack of character. so if you are bored and have nothing to do with your weekend, and just want to watch something silly which doesn't think too hard, then look no further than this.