Reviews

After watching this series, I was left with a sense of profound disappointment. I loved the premise and the setting of the show which deals with a tightly integrated science and magic fusion. Also the concept of the quiet, loner boy who was the 'weakest' but secretly most overpowered character is an oft repeated and well loved theme in all forms of media. Yet at the end, I was left feeling that this series could have been so much more.

A good story has to have 2 elements - relatable characters and suspense/tension.

Unfortunately Mahouka does it's best to keep it's audience at arm's length while failing to provide any suspense or tension as the story progresses. I have nothing against characters progressing to overpoweredness or having secret weapons, yet there should always be a sense of growth through conflict and that there is something at stake or a cost to be paid.

I won't go into spoilers but suffice to say that there is no sense of development in the relationships between Tatsuya, his sister nor his classmates/teammates. As you watch you wonder, what's wrong with the characters? Do they not have feelings? There is a vague sense of unease that the only relationship is a semi incestous one between the siblings but no sense of romantic tension with other characters.

Also, without the risk of defeat or loss, the story fails to engage and excite the viewers. The fight scenes while well drawn, do not really convey any emotional impact.

In conclusion, this is a very disappointing series. For a truly rollicking and exciting ride, I would recommend Code Geass - that is a series with true twists, turns, highs and lows. As it is, Mahouka started off with promise but ultimately faded without a whimper.