A normal setting with a plot that’s a little difficult to integrate yourself into. The tension that moves the storyline seems unrealistic and over-dramatic. The nuances of magical realism (such as Celty Sturluson and Saika) appear mismatched in this modern setting due to poor plot execution partnered with a rather terrifying showcase of horrible relationships.
What really really puts me off is how this anime portrays relationships. It shows you what happens if you miscommunicate, manipulate, lie, or omit the truth on a horrifying, super-dramatic, and lightly supernaturally-induce scale. Like a chunk of the plot could have been unraveled entirely if a certain someone just told their friends the truth. Like, seriously. A sentence would have done it. A text. 5 minutes of the character's time.
That being said, however, there are times when the storyline and the plot shines. I find the pacing very well done and I very much like how well-integrated the multiple storylines are. Still, I feel a majority of the anime is tedious.
-Art-
The art is quite good. Very fluid.
-Sound-
I would really recommend the Japanese-With-English-Subs version. Partly because Izaya's low alto voice doesn't translate very well in the English Dub. The English voice actor went for a more husky, relaxed sigh, and I personally preferred the low, lilting taunt the Japanese voice actor does.
-Characters-
Horrible relationships aside, I find the characters themselves quite interesting. Celty is so ironically down-to-earth. Masaomi is awesome. Shizuo is hilarious. Mikado's character growth is excellent throughout the series considering. The characterization doesn't seem too far-fetched and the characters themselves are very well-presented. Like, everything you need to know about Izaya's personality is showcased in the second episode. You know exactly what kind of person he is and he is an horrible, despicable, human being (and I love him.)
My favorite character is Izaya Orihara, as his introduction into the plot sets up the theme of the entire series. As Izaya says: ""Everyone lies, everyone hides things, no one goes through this life completely honest." Izaya also says one of my most favorite lines in the series: "Your guilt will be your past and that will be your god." Love it.
