The story revolves around a number of characters who, for the most part, have a special ability hidden in their eyes. These abilities tend to be both a blessing and a curse, as our protagonists have to deal with both society and their own personal problems and traumas. However, Mekakucity Actors does not centered around one single character. Instead, it jumps haphazardly between individual stories, with only the vaguest promise that it ties together. Still, it is not so confusing that it becomes annoying. Rather, the narrative implies that there is something larger than the individual struggles going on, it just takes time to get there.
In which case, Mekakucity Actors quickly comes upon its greatest flaw: the series is too short. While it does have a distinct ending, it comes upon you so quickly there is hardly any time for a meaningful development. By the time I reached the end, I wish they had spent less time with the idle dialogues in the beginning of the series, so that they could focus more on important details. And in looking at the source material, Mekakucity Actors would have benefited greatly being a 24 episode series, rather than just 12. But that is not really the anime's fault, now is it.
One reason to watch however, is that the art is great. If you are familiar with Shaft's work, especially Bakemonogatari, then Mekakucity Actors will feel strangely similar. I for one enjoy the metaphorical animations and scene changes, as well as the odd emphasis on poses, expressions and cuts. Mekakucity Actors also focuses quite a bit on a coloration theme, and there are many times when it just looks cool.
The sound is also pretty great. Considering the original concept from the Kagerou project originated from a series of songs, it was nice to hear some in the anime itself. In fact, in many episodes the show turns into a music video that conveys the story while playing the song that goes with it. While I prefer to keep the mediums separate, it did not really detract from the style or method of the narrative.
As I mentioned before, the story is driven by the characters. Since it has to tell so many different stories, each character is somewhat unique and has their own purpose in the story. While one might point out that each character fills a generic role, I felt that each back story, and eye-ability made them individuals. Of course, this is also somewhat destroyed by the lack of time.
Overall, I would say that this is a very enjoyable series. I finished it over the course of two days, and did not feel bored or upset... until the last two episodes where everything falls apart. I would not say that the ending is terrible, but rather it outright does not make any sense. There were also characters who were introduced, but never seen again (unless I flat out missed something). Because it is done by Shaft, there is a missing sense of setting or place. This makes it hard to figure out how certain characters can meet up, or how the plot connects itself.
Mekakucity Actors has a serious case of "teleporting characters" and also "no sense of time"... you think someone is somewhere, but they might "teleport" to a completely different area without a sense of time passing. While it is not impossible to piece together, I would say that at times, the anime is convoluted, especially considering how clear the manga adaptation is. Ultimately, I would say that if you enjoyed the anime, and haven't read the manga, perhaps a year from now you should. There is more time in that medium to develop characters, and explore back-stories at leisure.
I have given Mekakucity Actors a 7/10
