Story; 7. This is probably the weakest point, but only because I've seen so many "aww" shows done before. And in itself it's a difficult genre to pump originality out of. However, what I can say is that the approach this story takes is very unique, telling it from the perspective of both protagonists. The contrast is very fun to watch, and the little subtleties connecting is very heartwarming when all is said and done. Nothing new, but pretty nice and relaxing.
Art; 10. This is surely a love hate relationship. Some viewers will undoubtedly find this to be ugly. However, I personally loved the simplistic style, especially the way only two or three buildings at a time were detailed. The surrounding architecture was all quick sketched and looked very cool. The characters have a Studio DEEN like lankiness to them, but look much more human. They don't all look like supermodels, which I enjoyed. The color pallet is also very painterly, which my inner artist was unable to turn a blind eye to. This is for me the series high point.
Sound; 8. I am pretty indignant about my dislike of anime soundtracks, aside from literally two shows. And Tokyo Marble Chocolate barely had any music. How can you, in two episodes? However, I must say the two themes used in both halves of the story (moreso the first one) fit the show, and cheesy as they were, they got stuck in my head just because they flowed without sounding too glossy. This was actually pleasantly not annoying.
Character; 8. I am pretty indecisive, so I could connect with the male protagonist pretty easily. The girl was also awkward; and that brings me to the selling point. Most Romantic series seem to ignore reality pretty well, and only in Rumbling Hearts have I seen similarly real characters. Luckily for viewers, TMC is the good side of romance, as opposed to Rumbling Hearts. The "gawky awkwardness" of the two characters was very cute honestly, and it really made me just feel better watching it all work out in spite of everything. This is how romance needs to be done. Oh, and this should go without saying, but Mini Donkey is THE man. Coolest animal in anime ever, hands down. He even dethroned Air's Potato for cuteness.
Enjoyment/Overall; 8. Tokyo Marble Chocolate is the most artistically out of the box series I've ever seen Production IG do, and hopefully they pick up more oddball series in the future. All in all, what is important about Tokyo Marble Chocolate is that it proves trying something overdone in a much more simplified, down to earth way, it isn't always a bad thing. Deep series are cool, but sometimes you just need to kick back and remember why it is that they say the world so full of wonder and happiness; and Tokyo Marble Chocolate is a great reminder of some of those joys.
