Sep 23, 2012
Hyouka is a visual masterpiece. From Kyoto Animation, you wouldn't expect anything less from this studio in their works on K-On, Nichijou, and Clannad.
Art- 10/10
From detailed character expressions to beautifully crafted scenery, Hyouka has it all. I've been captivated on how much detail is drawn on every character. The anatomy of hands, wrinkles on their clothes, to the strands loose of hair on their backs. The animated mystery visuals are handled so smoothly.And the way this anime skillfully uses colors ,shading, and contrast to their environments to fit the tone on each and every scene. So much effort is put into the animation, that you
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can't help but stare in awe in each and every single episode.
Sound- 10/10
Voice acting was exceedingly one of the best parts of Hyouka. With a cast that includes Nakamura Yuuichi (Clannad, Durarara!, FMA:B, etc.) and Sakaguchi Daisuke (Clannad, Baccano!, Gintama, etc.) You can hear each actor put so much skill and emotion through our animated characters. In terms of music, the soundtrack is great, with various elegant classical pieces played throughout the series.The openings have also been one my favorite songs this anime season.
Character- 10/10
This is what drives Hyouka. From the beginning, each character is set in their own way. They have likes, dislikes, fears, interests, strengths, and weaknesses. It doesn't stick to character stereotypes. The dialog is smart, funny, and rather refreshing. But now what Hyouka handles so skillfully, that most animes aren't able to accomplish, is character development. This anime is driven by the characters . Each Mystery Arc will develop these characters. The differences in development will be small, but incredibly significant enough for you to realize the romance and interactions of the characters have been handled so smoothly and realistically that you can't help but call it amazing.
Story- 9/10
This might be called Hyouka's weak point, because Hyouka is considered to be a Slice-of-Life/Mystery show, a combination you rarely see. It's not a based with a large plot, but divided and driven into Arcs, each a differently unique mystery added inside them. A twist to the anime mystery genre, mostly about conspiracies and murders, Hyouka takes a different approach. These mysteries are not driven as to "Who did it?", but as to "What happened?" and "How did it happen?". All intricately designed. I found myself caring for things I didn't care about before.
Enjoyment/Overall- 10/10
What Hyouka made me realize is that you don't need plot and big, world-ending problems to be a great anime. It can be driven by the characters and their life, their stories, interactions, and experiences. The way it weaves a world filled with people who you actually grow to care about, that in the end, hate to part ways.The fact that I was never let down in each episode, is truly miraculous. Hyouka is a great ride, and if you would give it a try, i'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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