Kekkai Sensen is about a group called Libra, an underground society charged with protecting Alien-Infested New York + Some magic. Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty cool.
But does it live up to its uniqueness? Its aforementioned criticism?
Story (4/10)
Kekkai Sensen is an episodic anime; meaning, 'villain of the week' or similar stories along those lines. Some people hate it, some people love it and being a slice of life junkie, I quite enjoy these kind of stories. But being episodic, it's something I can't really review unless I take down every single episode and analyze it in detail. Instead, let's look at the main plot and it... doesn't look so good. Though the show does very well to set up the villains, clues and the threat it has on our main characters, the way it was delivered was very poor, often clouding the good about this main story with minuscule details that don't make sense, a clusterfuck of events that don't mesh together and, simply, BEING UNABLE TO EXPLAIN ANYTHING. Unless analyzed by Albert Einstein, none of what happens in this story will make any sense, which is a problem if the anime is supposed to be an action show casuals alike will enjoy without using their heads. Instead, the show is forcing the viewer to think and since, on the surface, it doesn't make much sense unless watched twice or more. Is it a good marketing strategy? Probably. Is it a way to get good ratings? Most definitely not.
Other than the atrocity known as the main plot, the filler episodes are seemingly enjoyable. There's not much to think about and all the nonsense that happens in these said episodes suits the atmosphere of the setting, where anything can happen and that is where Kekkai Sensen really shines.
And it should have really stuck to that.
Characters (10/10)
I rate this a perfect 10 not because the characters are smart, complex or even relatable. I rate them this way because they're, really, the most fun I've had with a big cast in my years of watching anime. Their different personalities and interaction as Libra really gives the show its flare; how they speak casually, their bond as a team and the way they communicate in combat. I don't remember any of the characters for being boring, unless you count Sonic the monkey, and even he is pretty fun sometimes. There really is no main character to speak of (If I don't mention the horrid main storyline) as each of them can be the center of the show, be it Zapp, Blitz, Klaus or even KK. These characters are products of the show's setting and not fuck-a-lot archetypes placed in other strange settings, waiting for more boobs to grope (I'm looking at you, harem industry).
And the same can be very well said for the villains. They're ecstatic, weird and overall, insane. Exactly what you'd expect from the setting. They never feel out of place and are always a joy to watch when they do something 'evil'. Other characters include Black and White from the main plot and, as I mentioned before, did very well in their set up for their clusterfuck of a conclusion.
Art and Sound (10/10)
This alone is a reason to watch it.
I don't know what came over the director but Rie Matsumoto just took the entirety of New York and put it on paper. Despite the alien-infestation and whatnot, the way it's presented still feels very much like New York, with overblown skyscrapers, ungodly amounts of smoke and decaying buildings. The design is no exception either, as the characters look and feel like they're part of the backgrounds and setting. They would look weird anywhere else but they fit just right where they are. The animation? Amazing. Exactly the kind you'd expect from Bones, known for shows like FMA:B and Soul Eater.
The sound is something I cannot overlook. As an underground music junkie, the vocal tracks just blow me away. It's very classic jazz and soothing to the ear, most notably 'On My Own' and 'World Goes Round'. The BGM itself is fantastic, making for engaging chase/fight scenes and, sometimes, more calmer moments.
The OP and ED? Addicting and that's really all I can say.
Enjoyment (9/10)
I want to think of everything bad about this show and just toss it out the window. Kekkai Sensen is, in a word, badass. This all comes from personal taste as many of the things that happen in this series is awfully well presented filler and really, it needs nothing more than that.
Overall (7/10)
With a fun cast, amazing visuals, captivating sound and just some really badass moments, Kekkai Sensen is pretty damn good, with the main plot keeping it from being great. It's a series that, while off-putting at points, is well worth the fun and excitement.
If you despise filler-induced shows with a passion or are looking for a more complex and smart action story, you high horse intellectual, you, then I cannot recommend this show.
To everyone else? Go nuts! Just make sure to turn off your brain before watching.
