I also know that this show got pretty low scores (and that's okay) or that it's spoken badly about but I'll try to show another side of this show.
Note: I have rewatched this show 16 times, so I can't deny spoiler at all. I'll try my best.
Story: 9.5/10
Simply: Kings, Clans, Superpowers and historical regard. Sounds pretty average, but it isn't at all.
The main Story of the Anime takes place in Shizume Town, it'd be a bit too confusing to talk about the Manga scenery.
The Story follows a young boy named Isana Yashiro who's chased by weird looking man for no reason - actually, it has a reason.
I won't tell anymore about the main plot for now, but I will talk a bit about the things that happened afterwards.
Just a short time after Yashiro was chased by HOMRA, the Third and Red Clan, also Scepter 4, the Fourth and Blue Clan and lately the Second and Golden Clan start engaging into the action.
K does may seem boring at the start, but with the actions of the other Clans more things, that are supposed to help understanding the storyline get exciting.
After a few episodes of fighting between the rivals HOMRA and Scepter 4, their Kings Suoh Mikoto and Munakata Reisi finally are about to show their real power.
Well, too many information already, but what the hell is a Synopsis.
I just have to say about the Story: besides one other show it's the greatest Story I've ever seen. I like historical references and everything starts with World War II. It also takes other references (for example the Sword of Damocles), the Kings and their Vessels or the Characteristic of a 'real' King like we know it from history class.
Art: 10/10
K's Animation is more than flawless in my opinion. I like the bright colours whose represent their King's image perfectly, also the daker, dusty colours when Flashbacks are shown. The Animation when it comes to fighting scenes (in the first Season) are also pretty good, just as the Character Design itself.
Sound: 8.5/10
Suoh Mikoto's OST will probably be my favourite OST ever. I can't deny that I don't shed any tears while listening to it, GoRa did a great job with making an OST a perfect fit for various characters/situations. I'm often listening to the full Soundtrack because it helps me calming down and I made good memories with K. I can't complain about the Character Songs, every single one suits their Character perfectly.
Character: 10/10
K offers a huge selection of different Characters. Surely we got the stereotypes in there, but it didn't bother me lots.
Most of the Clansmen from different Clans treat their enemies in a special way and they seem to have a favourite enemy in other Clans.
For example, we've got the Tsundere and forever-virgin (thanks fandom) Yata Misaki, who's best enemy/friend is the master of provoking, Saruhiko Fushimi. Neither of them could forget about each other and I'm sure they never will. One of my #3 OTP's though.
We've got the Red's Vessel Kusanagi Izumo and the Blue's Vessel Awashima Seri, who're having a pretty lovely, but secret relationship.
Later on we're getting a psychotic King, we've got a King like it's written in history books, a King that fights for justice, a King that lives for his country and is feared by everyone and a King who hasn't been able to forget about the last 90 years.
Every Character has their own backstory (for more information I would recommend the Manga-Series), every Character is holding a big burden, every Character has some characteristic potentional which is making them outstanding.
Okay, you may get a bit confused by all those S4 and HOMRA boys, but it'll work out.
Time to talk about my favourite Character!
Suoh Mikoto is a King for himself. He doesn't care about his burdens, his reputation, about his obligations as a King. He never wanted to be a King but he's trying to make the best out of it. Of course he's stubborn and maybe a bit demanding, he's also using violence which isn't okay for everyone else but HOMRA but he's just doing all of it for one reason.
The only reason he's still standing is his Clan, and his Clan only. He would give his life to every of his Clansmen if they would be in danger. It all has a reason and his reason is simply pain, on the other hand revenge.
Mikoto lost his Aid and former Vessel just because some other King found it funny, it's obvious that his character changed drastically.
From the K - Memories of Red Manga to the Adaption he went trough so many hells, but somehow he survived. The pain he felt would have ruined any other Character, but Mikoto is strong.
All that is the reason that he is the only real King for me.
Note: Character Developments are shown in Season 2 (S1 is only playing for a few days).
Enjoyment: 10/10
Well. K gave me a lot of Enjoyment, caused me a lot of pain and suffering, but also made me laugh so many times, the Anime sums up the given Genres nicely.
It's the only show I've re-watched for more than 10 times and I'm still not bored of it and I guess that's a sign or something.
Also K has one of the saddest Endings ever. It's still flashing me everytime I'm watching it.
To every review a bit critism is needed I guess, so here we go:
- On the one side the 13 episodes were enough, on the other side the plot rushed way too fast. I guess that can't be helped.
- I'd wish for more backstory information about how the Slates has chosen the previous kings and what exactly is the course of the Weismann-Levels limit.
With every more critism I'd spoiler a lot for the Second Season, but I also wrote a very short and spoiler-free Review for it a time ago.
Overall: 10/10
I don't care how bad Missing Kings or Return of Kings were. This is a Review for the first Season and that part of K will always stay as one of my favorite shows ever. I'm happy that I gave this show a look a long time ago.
I would recommend K for everyone who likes beautiful and flashy Animation, historical references, fight scenes but also sad Moments and the bond of a Clan.
