It’s not difficult to notice that the animation quality in this anime is superb. From big action sequences to subtle changes in facial expressions, this anime has gorgeous visuals down pat. The character designs fit their tropes, but are still pleasing and almost refreshing despite being in most high-school-set animes. If you like eye-candy this anime has it.
Most of the characters are likeable and interesting. When they are in danger you actually feel something for them despite their plot armor. The interactions between all of the main characters (Akihito, Kuriyama, Hiromi, and Mitsuki) all feel natural. There is time spent on not only developing these characters but also their relationships. Nothing feels forced between these four. It is enjoyable to watch humor, drama, and even budding romance develop among them.
However, while the main cast is well executed… some of the side characters do feel forced or just not fleshed out enough. Miroku for example, they never fully explain his motives. The writers just have him be evil for evil’s sake. And when all the other characters seem so believable it is difficult to not roll your eyes at the typical cartoonish anime portrayal of him pushing his glasses up his face sinisterly. Izumi’s character also feels a bit rushed along with Sakura’s. But in all honesty, this can be chalked up to the fact the story is based on a light novel and the anime is only 12 episodes. The writers could’ve spread time and effort a little more evenly, but they chose to really focus on the relationships with the main four and that dedication shows where it counts.
The plot and storytelling are different. I don’t mean that you’ve never seen this plot before, but that the story is driven on the development between the two main characters (and the main supporting characters) is what really sells it. There isn’t just action and the characters happen to be pasted there like it feels with so many anime. The plot itself has some real appeal and a little bit of mystery, but unfortunately it isn’t handled as well as it could’ve been. There are some real legitimate plot holes that depending on your tolerance level could kind of spoil the anime for you. I’m mostly thinking of the ending, but I was so happy that I didn’t care. The shows poses a lot of questions that seem like they might be answered, but never are.
That is my only real grievance other than the lack of development with the background cast. Well I have one other grievance; the show is a little fan-servicey. (I’m a straight female) There is some unnecessary Moe-blobness that is strictly there for that particular demographic of fans who watch for the cute and not for the character. Fortunately, these scenes are kept relatively tasteful and aren’t that much of a distraction. Oh except episode six. You can completely skip episode six. It’s filler.
Overall Kyokai no Kanata is a really good anime. It is not the best anime I’ve ever seen, but it is far better in terms of production and character than many anime to come out recently. It’s a breath of fresh air and if you’re not a stuck up prick you’ll really enjoy it.
