Kiznaiver is a step away from their previous work, Kill la Kill, in a few big ways. Kill la Kill was centered around a relatively small cast of main characters, but with a color cast of side characters to fill the spaces. Kizvaiver takes a different approach, having eight characters as the focus and having few important side characters. Also, where as Kill la Kill was action oriented and strongly plot driven, Kizaiver is more comparable to a drama or a slice of life.
Now, these changes definitely made distance between their two works, but was that for the best in the end? My answer to that question is both yes and no. I'll explain why in the body of the review.
Story: 6
Now, you would think for a story driven drama, the story would need to be string, right? Well, sadly, in kizaiver's case, it tends to feel confusing and pointless far more often then is feels driving. The plot seems to be there just as a tool to make the characters interact and feel emotions, and, in a way, I suppose that makes sense to the plot. That being said, it doesn't make the plot any better really. It isn't a terrible story, but there are a few holes and lose ends that never really go explained and motives which make little sense.
Art: 10
By far the best thing about this anime is the art. Beautiful, colorful, and unique, the art goes far to make up for what the anime lacks in some other aspects. The style is clearly Trigger, and the setting itself is very well done.
Sound: 9
Probably one of the best OP's of the season, and the ED was very good was well. Very good voice acting, and everything felt very well done.
Character: 7
While some of the character development was great, it felt as if a few of the characters were ignored for a vast majority of the show. 12 episodes is a short amount of time to try to introduce and develop 8 main characters, and I think they did a decent job with what they had. However, it seems as if it might have been too much for them, because a few of characters felt a little cardboard, or as if they were there more for decoration than for the plot. But all together, the characters were unique and well portrayed enough to earn a 7 from me.
Enjoyment: 7
Originally, I had rated enjoyment at an 8, however, after considering the fact that I had stopped watching this show after episode 4 and only continued after being goaded by a friend, I decided that 7 was probably a more accurate rating.
This show takes a while to get going, and at first it is a little hard to see what Trigger was going for. But once you get past the halfway mark, everything starts to fall into place, and the show gets much better and more enjoyable to watch.
Overall: 7
This was a decent follow up to Kill la Kill, although being in a very different genre. It was not the masterpiece that some had hoped for, but it was definitely not a bad show in any regard. I would recommend this show to those who are looking for a beautiful and unique drama as long as you are willing to forgive some plot holes.
