First of all, I'd like to start out by saying, don't be turned off by the main character, Shu. You see, the character sets forth some gears for the story to take off, and it's goal is to be a courageous character, a person who would do what's right no matter what happens. But a major problem with how he was displayed as courageous in the events of the story is him at times completely lacking fear, or at the very least common sense. This guy at one point will jump off great height at somebody because someone will need help even if it would mean certain death against opponents that are impossible to beat which somehow he manages to fend off. And the fact that for instance at one point he will have guns pointed at him, he will stop because someone shot near his head, then he starts running again, because that's really fucking smart, but the real smart part of this, is, his dialogue afterwards: "Why did they have guns? ... Why are we running?" I blurted out laughing at that point and was like, seriously? However, Shu is the type of character what he considers is morally right no matter what consequences are brought on him, he's a means to an end, he won't feel realistic, and often will just feel like a really dumb person. Also if you think the warning in the initial episode he gets from the guy that defeats him in Kendo will be heed by him, which is "Stop rushing in and think through for a second what you're about to do." it really won't come to that. This dude will have no plan and he will not think. Period.
But that's not really that bad because the other characters do. Each & most other characters deal with some burdens, have their own worries and have some place in the plot and set some gear in motion for the other characters. They all have their own place and have something you can learn from their overarching plot, things such as for instance, don't be stuck in your ways expecting something will get better or that the means don't always excuse the ends, and so on and so forth.
Another character that the story might possibly fall short is the fact, how can someone follow someone so insane as the person they're following. King Hamdo is a guy who wants to rule the world who has clear mood swings and outbursts of insanity, he's tyranical and not very intelligent altogether. I guess the fact that his army is mostly comprised of little boys he captures does make that a little more believable, but the fact that nobody has overthrown the goddamn moron is beyond me. I actually have no idea how the fuck he would ever be able to assume such a position in the first place?Basically the story falls short on the main character, who is the personification of all positive personality traits you could look forth for that world, and the main villain who is the personification of all the negative. They both feel somewhat exaggerated, but you kinda do get used to it and end up not minding it as much.
The story I'd say is kinda good, but it could definitely be improved more. You see, the story is about the lives of the characters in a world under the threat of a tyrant who has the power over a ship called Hellywood and subordinates to boot, giving him enough power for him to be feared. The story puts great focus on these characters, but sometimes, some characters will not get as much details thrown together as the others and some will end up having some gaps in their overall mindset. Some characters will feel more complete than others which is a shame because with a little bit more time spent on them, with only a little more detail about each, the story could've become really good. The story itself also sometimes takes some small but significant twists for its characters and it's not ever completely predictable, but by the final episode you could say it becomes, somewhat predictable. Like you won't predict EVERYTHING but probably most of the episode you'll see through. Even some major events from the final episode won't be completely predictable, so it will definitely have its twist sand turns.
As for the art and sound, I'd say the sound feels a bit generic and nothing you wouldn't expect. The art is easy on the eye, it might feel slightly dated, but it is pretty decent and nothing that should turn you off by any means.
So if you really enjoy stories that get into the lives of the characters and that are about human tragedy, this will be a good choice for you, as you will most likely enjoy this. If you won't mind how into the extreme the protagonist and the antagonist go, you will most likely get through with this series with a good experience. The story will have some faults here and there, but you will most likely like the journey. Just keep in mind that some things will fall short at times, but not into an unsalvageable hole.
