Story-4
Really, this is nothing new- high school boy has some fantasy power and goes to a fantasy school and meets some superior-in-every-way girl and so on. I found the pacing went from incredibly slow to light speed in the last episode. Nothing in the story ever surprised me, nor did the outcome of any fights. Nothing to shabby, just, well, mediocre.
Art-6
The backgrounds were all fairly done and the school felt like a unique location. But the character designs pissed me off. How the hell are Harutora's sideburns brown when his hair is blonde? Also, I didn't really see many emotions on they're faces. The fight scenes were okay- except for that one kickass fight between Ohtono and Doman. Once again- mediocre.
Sound-6
To be fair, the OPs were the best part of this show. Pity they were wasted. The OST was so unremarkable I can't even remember one song. Mediocre.
Character-3
Here is where Tokyo Ravens suffers the most. IMO, an anime is made of three things- character, plot, and interactions between characters. I've already said that the plot and fighting were okay- leaving it all on the characters to bring up the show. Sadly, they fail. Harutora is your average gotta save 'em all protagonist who's weak af at first but gradually (painfully gradually) grows stronger. Matsumae is your tsundere childhood friend love interest, Touji is standard strong-but-silent best friend character. Jin Ohtono, despite being a carbon copy of that teacher from vampire Knight (can't remember his name), is the best character.
Enjoyment-5
I personally have a weakness for this category so I found this show at least bearable. Completely unoriginal and unfunny but also not completely awful in execution. Bottom line- I didn't hate it.
Overall-5
This show just screams mediocre. I would have rated it a 6 just because of my love of this genre if the ending didn't suck so much. It's your call whether you watch this show, but I wouldn't.
IDK how close "branch family" is but Harutora x Matsumae is kinda creepy.
