Let’s get something over with first. This series has the infamous studio known as A-1 Pictures in charge which spells out for some controversy. Known for their other adaptations such as Sword Art Online, Magi, Blue Exorcist, and other related works, they have created some controversy when adapting shounen titles. If you’re thinking adequacy, then you may be right. They are known for butchering up manga material with adaptations such as the latter half of Blue Exorcist and first season of Magi. For Nanatsu no Taizai, the series runs for over 100+ chapters and is still ongoing. The worry may be that the series will be butchered to an extent that will be unsalvageable. While it does suffer a bit of that, the show does shine in its own ways. It’s by no means an earth breaking adaptation yet still has its compelling ideas bought into light.
Taking on account of premise, the show should be fairly straightforward. We have a young girl named Elizabeth, who also happens to be the princess of a kingdom. From the first episode, she meets a young boy named Meliodas happily serving to customers at a tavern. It heads into an outlandish route once we learn his true identity as the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins. From here on and out, the duo remarks on a journey to find the remaining Sins. There’s also some explanations regarding the origins of the series in the beginning so all should be made clearly to the audience. Taking for granted, the show is generic from first glance. The world setting the series takes place in is decorated with fantasy gimmicks. Whether it’s one of those ancient fortresses, dungeons, enchanted forests, or even land of the dead, the series doesn’t try to pull anything new from its hat. However, it’s also important to take notice how much they have influence with the events of the series. The show puts on emphasis on some of the settings such as the enchanted forest and its significance. Even past events connected to some of the setting becomes significant in the overall story development. Similarly, most major characters in the series has holds some significance in their roles. The seven deadly sins are perhaps the most infamous examples as the Holy Knights hunts them in an almost cat-and-mouse like story on occasions.
But when it comes to performance, it’s hard to not take off eyes on our adventurers. Starting with Elizabeth, we can see how gentle she is as a princess yet also brave at heart. Her relationship with the other Sins develops gradually over the course of this show starting with Meliodas. While the two are hardly compatible, there is an innate connection between the two. It also makes us wonder more about them individually as characters. The show makes clever usage of flashbacks to give the Sins some character backgrounds such as with Meliodas, Ban, and King. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t capitalize on all of them and skips some material that are necessary. Still, the characterization is what’s important there and it adapts most of that in its right path except for perhaps Elizabeth. Her character hardly gets any character development and is frustrating to watch. That same also goes for Hawk; the pig who for some reason has the name of a bird despite being incapable of flight. During their journey, they do influence certain outcome of events but the focus on their characters on an individual level is moderate at best. There’s also a decent chemistry between certain characters including the Sins and Holy Knights. Nanatsu no Taizai is about a journey after all and events connecting with characters of the past can influence those in the present and even the future.
Relationships can also be something to keep an eye on. From strong friendship to romance, the series undertakes ways to flesh them out. However, do not expect top tier adaptation coming from A-1 Pictures. Certain parts are left out that could of made specific relationship seem more realistic. At the same time, we can also see how human some of the characters are. This is demonstrated by the emotions characters show ranging from sorrow, to anger, to regret. It extends to not only the Sins but also the Holy Knights. While not as clearly focused as the Sins, some of them do get character background with examples like Gilthunder. The show makes it clear that some of them are antagonists although there are also changes down the road. Despite all this, the show still has a trend for what shounen series does which usually leads up with predictable outcomes.
Standing on its feet, the show marks its spot for a fantasy series clearly evidenced by its colorful background. The artwork is well adapted from the manga to illustrate a diverse range of characteristics you would find in any shounen series. Mountain ranges, enchanted forests, and crude dungeons are all fantastically illustrated. The character designs also has variety to give each of them a unique look. Whether it’s Diane’s titanic figure, Ban’s delinquent face, or Gilthunder’s cold expressions, the show is able to create a concrete degree with the variety. I also give praise to the battle scenes as effort can be seen with most of the fights. A few parts will be expected to be left out while the pacing can feel oddball at times. Nonetheless, the show has a good way to balance out its action. Finally, you may be raising your eyebrows on occasions with the fan service. While the show isn’t in the ecchi territory, it does have parts when Meliodas plays with Elizabeth’s skirt like some kid at the candy store or when she is almost completely naked (for legitimate reasons) on more than one occasion.
Get ready to put on your headphones. Anyone familiar with Hiroyuki Sawano’s work will easily recognize his music style. While it seems generic at first, the soundtrack is clearly and impeccably crafted with strong precision. It coordinates with action scenes well that some of the battles feel like miniature movies. OST also has a decent balance when it comes to comedy and drama. However when it comes to voice adaptations, there are mixed thoughts. Characters such as Meliodas and Elizabeth sound dull and stereotypical. On the other hand, characters like Diane and Ban has a better fit to their personalities. When it comes to voice mannerisms, it’s important to see how their roles fit with the story. Some clearly has what it takes while others falls off short. Similarly, the OP and ED theme songs fits with the show’s gimmicks but is generic to the core when it comes to rhythm.
As a 2 cour show, it’s easy to say that adapting this series to perfection is an impossible mission. What this show did accomplish though is drawing out the shounen gimmicks to its core. The colorful cast of characters unites a variety of personalities in a classic adventurous journey. And during that journey, we see the challenges our adventurers endears and the obstacles they face. It’s not a complex show really when it comes to the story in the end. Also be aware that this season apparently leaves off some hints for adaptations in the future. With the artwork and soundtrack clearly made to the point and a reasonable premise, it’s all part of this said machine.
