At first, I was hesitant in picking up the iDOLM@STER. The first episode was dull and boring. I mean, sure, it introduces the characters, but it's some person filming girls. Unless you're into that stuff (not judging), you don't really have any reason to continue to the next episode, because it doesn't offer anything to grab your attention.
That was my initial impression, but as I forced myself to go on with the series, I grew more and more thankful that I didn't completely drop it. It was surprising- everything was. By the end, I felt content. It had grown on me, and I wholly welcomed it.
Given the premise: "to become a top idol", the story outline is pretty linear. Every time they reach a new height, they slide down a bit, only to get back up higher. Although that's the case, the story wonderfully used the elements of the idol industry to highlight each character's traits, and use them to raise each one up even higher.
The characters are pretty diverse, though pretty generic. Each one has their own selling point, and everyone sort of compliments each other. This relationship between the cast is what powers their push to the top. When put under the spot light, they dealt with it in their own, unique way. Seeing the characters grow and claim their personalities as their own is what made me love iM@S the most.
A-1 Pictures did this series good. The art has this fun contrast that makes it memorable and visually appealing. The characters are drawn simple and plain, while the scenery and backgrounds are made detailed and extravagant. The animation was clean and fluid to an extent. That may seem pretty average, but what surprised me is that everything, except the audience at certain scenes) was drawn by hand, even the dance scenes. Props to them for that. Though that's pretty typical for them, I guess.
For an anime about idols, the music was quite underwhelming. For the most part, their songs were used as background music. It was hard to fully appreciate the music when something else is happening, especially when there's dialogue at the same time. The focus of the viewer is put more into what is seen, making most of the songs forgettable.
With my point above, I made it seem like the idols are their music. Maybe. But, what does it really mean to be an idol? It doesn't matter as long as you're having fun.
The iDOLM@STER is a spectacular show that revolves around the idea of idols as a career. It showcases the struggles of getting into the industry, and the problems that come with rising to popularity, and how it affects people and their relationships. The experience is fun, and the bonds that are built along the way are lasting. Everyone's feeling reached out and touched me, and I'm sure your's too if you give them the chance.
"Is the goal near? No. This is just the beginning". 9/10
