Summary: This is my new second favorite anime (nothing it going to top Mia-Hime I think). After finishing an anime I like to read the top reviews to see if there was anything I missed based on the reviews and to confirm how I felt was in line with the general consensus. ON this one I couldn't find a single highly rated review that did it justice. This isn't just some anime about a NEET detective who is a loli, this is deep on so many levels and has characters that are unforgettable and a perfect ending. That being said, this is the first anime I have ever seen that has a perfect ending but made me want more because it was just so good that I could have watched another season at a minimum. I want more from this universe!
Story: 10/10
One of the best stories I've ever seen. The story builds up from the MC being a new student in the school to him joining and participating in the NEET detective agency. What's interesting is that the detective stuff isn't really what this anime is about. Several of the lead characters have emotional journeys and are helped by Alice to solve a case pertinent to their own lives. Each one drives major changes in the lead characters lives and pushes the story forward. Several of the cases are heartfelt or funny but the last case is an emotional roller coaster that cemented my love for each of the characters. This is also the first anime where it was ambiguous if the source material continued on for what could have been more seasons or if the anime shared an ending with the LN. Said another way, the ending was so perfect it felt like a proper series finale even though I could have imagined another season.
Art: 9/10
The art is gorgeous. It looks VERY good and I like each of the character models. It is bright when it needs to be and dark when it needs to be.
Sound: 8/10
When I heard what I consider Alice's teme song "teddy"" I was reminded of Peacock Blue Eyes from Katanagatari. Turns out, the same person did the soundtracks for both. I will add this is another classic from him. I rarely do this but I got the OST.
Character: 10/10
I loved every lead character in this anime. A lot of excellent voice actors from anime I've seen in the past came together to make this masterpiece. Each character that is of importance is given a fair amount of development and you feel like you get to know them. I think there could have been the pitfall of going into the NEET background of the 3 people who work with Alice or Alice herself. I think focusing on the MC and the other leads who were the main focus of the cases made more sense and leaving their backgrounds a mystery was the right approach for a single season anime.
Enjoyment: 10/10
I loved it. I haven't binged an anime in ages but this one I wrapped up in a single weekend.
Overall: 10/10
With amazing art and a solid sound track all of the aesthetics are there. Add in a character driven narrative with tons of emotional highs (and a few lows) and you have a great story that will end perfectly but leave you wanting more.
