Generalities and Formalities.
Clannad: After story, is commonly referred to as one of the greatest animes to be ever written and created. It's up at the top with Steins;Gate and FMA, and all for a good reason. But before I get into these reasons, I have to point out the fact that Clannad: AS is the only Slice of Life anime to be in the top 5, and this is an impressive feat that gets overlooked. In a society of Anime dominated with the overwhelming fanbase of Shounen anime (action, fighting etc...), a Slice of Life anime able to break through that craze and emerge at the top. Personally, it is my number one anime out of all the animes I have watched. The reasons I will reach now.
Story. 10/10
Key, the writers of Angel Beats!, Little Busters (Refrain), Kanon, Clannad, and Air are known for their genius in writing amazing stories. They have become so famous to the point where Key has it's own anime genre (fan addressed) called "Key Anime" which refers to these slice of life animes which have a mind blowing, or completely heartbreaking/joyous ending.
Now, getting to Clannad: AS. The story takes place after the original Clannad Television series, but instead follows mainly about life after highschool. The other factor which makes this show even more enjoyable and touching is the fact that the story and characters are so real. After Story does what Clannad (Original) could not do, and that is wrap up things and answer questions.
Of course I cannot say too much or it would ruin the story, but the first season's setup led perfectly into this second season, which developed the story into something truly beautiful, and will treasure in their hearts. I shit you not, I changed how I looked at life because of this anime.
Art. 10/10
Character Art:
Obviously not the most beautiful characters out there in the Anime Industry, whether it comes to OPPAI!!! (Highschool DxD) or design (Nagi no Asukara), but the art style to Key animes are very unique. After Story is no different. The characters are perfect for the story, and could not imagine it with any other art for the characters. The eyes especially display the sadness and happiness of a character extremely effeciently!
Scenery:
This anime was made quite a long time ago (2008-9). That was 5-6 years ago, yet, the artwork was consistently fantastic for the scenery. I will quickly and spoiler free mention examples. The snow, grass fields, everything to that sort, all were amazing. even surpassing some of the animes we have to this date.
Sound: 10/10
The music, was perfect for every situation. To this day, whenever I watch the opening for this show, I get chills and a wave of reminescence hits me like a hammer. Every single character has their own theme song, which plays continuously and fits them amazingly. The OST for the situations that the anime plays through also fit amazingly, and I am not exaggerating when I say that the music becomes a part of the story telling. Now, to the sound effects. These are standard, and for a bigger company like Key is unexpected, and of course, they do not mess it up. Every sound effect from baseball noises to eating, to plates, rain, cicadas, walking, are all great. The voice acting? Amazing. They used famous actors from all over the industry. We have people from one piece, fairy tail, highschool dxd, you get it, basically the best out there.
Characters. 10/10
In an anime based around story telling, what's a good story without a good set of characters? The characters are all very different, and yet they work very well together as a group. briefly, I will go over the characters and their characteristics.
Okazaki Tomoya - A delinquent, yet a very caring guy in the inside. He likes to take care of other people. He is very responsible, and much more mature than he lets on to be. He usually takes other people's problems into his own hands to help them as much as he can.
Furukawa Nagisa - A softspoken, shy girl. She opens more once she met Tomoya on the day of the opening ceremony, and becomes great friends with him. She quickly makes many friends with the help of Tomoya. She is naturally weak, as she was born with a frail body, yet she tries everything with everything she has. She also has a tendency to cry easily, and is very caring for others.
Sunohara Youhei - Delinquent, met Tomoya through a mutual trouble making incident. He is loud, obnoxious, and has trouble getting girls. However, he, like Tomoya, is secretly very caring. He is often referred to as a clown and a jokester, because he is not as mature as Tomoya is.
This show has so many important characters I would love to go on, but this gives you an idea of how some people work. On paper, they seem generic, but once you watch the show you will truly understand this masterpiece of character design.
Enjoyment. 10/10
MY NUMBER ONE ANIME. WATCH CLANNAD AND WATCH CLANNAD: AS!!!!
I can easily give my favorite anime a 10/10 on enjoyment. I mean, why is it my number one if i didnt enjoy it?
THANKS FOR READING! Hope my review helped decide whether you should watch this or not.
