So I watched K: Project the first episode when it aired, but was devastated that I couldn't find the rest. A few years later, I've found and watched the entire thing, and I can say without a doubt it was worth every damn second of my time.
Story: 8
While there is the outwardly generic "city-ruled-by-opposing-factions" and the "institution-vs-viligilante" tropes, K follows the butterfly effect of a politically motivated murder. The pacing is superb because a lot of the time, you get both exposition and action at the simultaneously. Then, there's the constantly switching POVs, telling you more about the plot while focussing on a character. It is essentially wrapping a rotten apple in sticky chocolate. Beautiful on the outside, it leaves you slightly horrified and traumatised by the end...
tl;dnr: poison dart in a raisin tart
Art: 10
No one can disagree that K is a visual masterpiece. There's panning, distortion, foreshadowing and a superb use of colour. From the beginning, the warm colours of Homra make you feel at home, then the slight unease of the sterile Scepter 4, to the opulence of Misashira tower and the detachedness of the Himmelreich, colour is everywhere. Its what you see in the contrasting fights, the eyes and *headshot* I can't even put it into words how fluid the action is, everything just naturally tumbles from one place to another.
tl;dnr: eye candy extravaganza
Sound: 10
Melancholy and upbeat is the best way to describe it. When the orchestral music comes on, you feel it in your chest. The opening is a bit heartbreaking because it reflects the angsty, walls closing in feeling you get from the MCs. Best part is, it's not overdramatic or overdone. Also, the voices. Mikoto's deep voice sent shivers down my spine every time he spoke, Reisi's voice is like silk, the dialogues are just so natural! Even when there were cringey "you baka/uragirimono" type conversations (read: Fushimi v. Misaki) and the loudness was annoying, it built the atmosphere for the plot. The voice acting was generally on point
tl;dnr: orgasm in my ears
Characters: 10
Like I mentioned in the story section, its the contrast between characters that really tied the thing together. The Kings are each distinct, but you can feel the loneliness, the pressure weighing down, the struggle to keep your loved ones safe annnnd.....them failing. Tragically. With horrible consequences. Speaking as a fangirl, some of the moments made me go OMG KISS ALREADY, the sexual tension is well done. I do however, dislike the lack of female leads. Anna tends to be just a damsel in distress fixture, while Seri is bitchy MILF type (or a Riza Hawkeye ripoff, whichever you prefer). Even so, they do fit into the universe perfectly, and their attitudes aren't fake or overly fanservice-y. Rage and helplessness are also major themes, and the character reactions are relatable, you can see yourself reacting the same way.
tl;dnr: real af
Enjoyment: 9
There were moments when you'd go like, okkkk there's the plot hole or just look away for a bit because on screen didn't matter. But that's fine because that is a needed break from all the emotions going on. I have seen many negative reviews for the anime, but I'm firmly convinced that it's for a slightly older audience, 18ish in my opinion. Why? Because there's betrayal, angst and morbidity, and if you are feeling any kind of pressure, K will kick you in the gonads because every character shows that strain of waiting, not feeling adequate and every other emotion in the spectrum. I personally cried at Episode 13 and the heartbreak is so bittersweet I'd erase my memory of it just to feel it all over again.
tl;dnr: Oh the feels....
Overall: 10
I am definitely watching K: Return of the Kings, already seen K: Missing Kings, and am reading through the prequels. Watched the radio dramas, read the card game and basically went full out otaku on it. It's the first series to hit home at me from the gorgeous animation to the fleshed out relationships. Like Durarara it works with a wide cast, and it does sometimes leave you underwhelmed, but if you have any free time, I recommend it unreservedly.
tl;dnr: go watch it
