"Don't judge a book by it's cover.", comes into play here. You'd think the girl in the front cover, and title would get you all hype about "what wonders lies within this amazing looking light novel."? Or the fact that the PV/Trailer video about the anime was downright attractive. Well let's start with how I first knew the series.
I first knew about Mahō Sensō(Magical Warfare) back in around 2012 IIRC. I was looking for Visual Novels and/or Mangas similar to Shakugan No Shana, because it was been a while since I read a series that involves fantasy, romance, and action.
I found about Mahō Sensō Light Novel and thought to give it a try. Oh boy, it was interesting at first. At some points as I continue the plot and story becomes bland, and character-wise, everyone has little to no progression at all. I thought at first that maybe 'cause this is a Light Novel and that it'll probably be different when I actually see them in action, like in an anime, or a manga atleast?
2013, the manga was released. I gave it a try, and...it was mediocre at best. I decided to give up on the series, or atleast let it on hold.
2014, the anime was finally released. And what a surprise, it's still bland as ever.
Honestly I'm seeing a lot of potential with the theme and concept. But it just isn't working well with the whole plot and characters.
Critical Short Review:
Story-wise:
It involves 90% around a girl trying to bring her "onii-chan" back from the "Dark Side". Laughable. In seriousness, the plot is about two worlds in actually one reality. Magical Side, and Human side. Whole common concept about some dude wanting to erase non-magicians.
Not unique at all.
Art:
Mediocre at best. Even the magical effects are mediocre.
Sound:
Seiyuu/VA - If it wasn't for Nao Tōyama voicing Aiba Mui, I would've dropped this. There are others like Kenichi Suzumura, but they don't fit their characters well.
Music - There's music?
Character(s):
I'm sorry what? The main male protagonist is just your average guy from any other fantasy, romance, action, magic anime out there.
Every character is dull and boring. No uniqueness at all.
Enjoyment:
I'm really sorry, but it's not working at all.
Overall:
4.2
Sad. The concept, theme, and plot had some potential. Ruined by the common concept ideas of characters, and story-line.
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I wrote this right after I watched every episode on the date of March 28th, 2014. The date when it ended. So this is my full honest review.
