Story: 6/10
Some of us who watched the show while it was still on-going noticed a drastic drop at the overall score from 9.15 or so to less than 8.90 after the 11th episode. This is mostly due to the fact that the anime doesn't quite follow the manga:
- not only it skips various scenes in favour of the more dramatic and pseudo-romantic moments, the finale is also "original"
- there's a power up on the supposedly romantic scenes (thus probably some viewers were mistakenly shipping Satoru x Hinazuki), while the purpose of Satoru's kindness is to help save Hinazuki from her dreadful fate.
- there's also power up on the drama and domestic violence, i.e. the anime aims to achieve dramatic effect in the cheapest way: by scraping the most superficial emotions of the viewer
There is also one thing in the whole scenario that is completely irrelevant: the protagonist is a wanna-be manga artist. Why did they mention that and how it contributed to the story is the only mystery in the show. And it also remains concealed.
Art: 8/10
Very well drawn, both backgrounds and characters, towns, buildings, interiors, etc. There is a quality drop somewhere along the middle of the show, but not significant. The grim winter atmosphere is very well portrayed with slightly bleached colors and makes a very nice contrast with Hinazuki's bright red clothing.
Soundtrack: 9/10
Very well made OP and ED, with the OP sequences strongly synchronised with the overall anime atmosphere and hinting the anime plot. Bonus points: OP was made by renowned artist Asian Kung-Fu Generation (known for badass openings of mainstream anime). Aaaaaaaaaand last but not least OST was made by beloved Kajiura Yuki who never fails to provide us with awesome themes.
Characters: 6/10
Standard, hackneyed one might even say.
The protagonist Satoru who has to become a hero and save absolutely everyone. And he has a cool mom.
The victim, Hinazuki. She likes to call Satoru "baka" and is a bit of an annoying brat at first and you can cut your wrists on her edgy attitude. But she's cute once you know her.
The super knowledgeable straight-man Kenya who is too mature for his age.
The obvious perpetrator who is seemingly trying to help the protagonist.
And many other, not so significant characters.
Overall score: 8/10
Despite the numerous plot holes in the time travelling element and the almost complete lack of mystery, one could give this show a chance.
Thank you for your time!
