The animation is also on the same level as Naruto or FMA, it is very good in some parts with a lot of attention to the graphics and special effects. Other times it's average or it gets simple [only when they get humorous, though]. There is no breath-taking scenery or anything, it's shounen anime so it's more action based; expect characters with cool weapons, freaky looking monsters, a lot of light shows and big explosions.
I watched the Japanese version created from a mixed bag of fansub groups, which was OK for the most part though some of the dialog appeared kinda cheeky and I'm not sure that those words were the true meaning behind the Japanese audio. But I'm still grateful for any work that a fansubber does. The soundtrack is also a mixed bag of goodies and not so goodies. I especially liked the last ED theme song because she hit that freaky, high-pitched Mariah Carey note, that was cool. The OST is worth getting because it has Pop, Rock, Techno and Rap.
Solid story though I do have issues with the ending...also it does drag on in some areas with some battles spanning a few episodes. This is typical of shounen anime so I should have expected as much but if you are new to shounen anime then it might annoy you and you just want the plot to move along. Even so it's still a great show worth watching because if you liked Naruto or FullMetal Alchemist then you are going to like this show! It's like Naruto because the exorcists are like the ninjas from Naruto, each has their own brand of majic skills, that the fights last a few episodes. It's like FMA because it is an epic adventure quest; FMA was looking for the Sorcerer's Stone and these guys are looking for a similar artifact. Plus the Noah people are very similar to the Homunculi from FMA. All three shows are very similar in the fact that they are a perfect mix of action, adventure and humor.
Lots and lots of characters! About 7 - 10 key characters and then there's an endless list of supporting characters: good guys, bad guys and bystanders. I will say this though, for all their globe-trotting and border-hopping and meeting new faces....you never see a brown face or a black face, not even Allen's childhood friend who was supposedly “Indian.” you did get to see that “token” Asian face but that's about it. So that to me was kind of a set back, I will take off a point or two. If it wasn't for Lavi, I might have scored lower but Lavi is by far the best guy in the series [IMHO]! He's cute, he's funny, optimistic and a major risk-taker....he gets major points in my book. But if Lavi's not your guy there are PLENTY of bishounen to choose from. Allen and Kanda are also very cute and therefore makes this show fun to watch for those who are into bishounen.
So yeah, may be a long show but it's definitely worth watching! You don't have to worry about it losing steam like so many of these long-ass, never-ending anime shows [i.e. InuYasha...anyone?]
