Will you like it?
You may enjoy Konosuba if you...
-- find the "fantasy game" genre appealing, notably including RPG-type progression
-- consider yourself a "gamer"
-- like series that focus heavily on a singular group or party of characters
want a short, fun series that doesn't take itself seriously
You may not enjoy Konosuba if you...
-- feel uncomfortable with or have low tolerance for lewd or suggestive content
-- generally avoid the fantasy, supernatural, or comedy genres
-- don't find the main character relatable whatsoever
Story (read the synopsis first!)
The first season of Konosuba is a relatively shorter series than the average, having only ten episodes. Most episodes concern themselves with the party pursuing a given quest or training for future endeavors, with there being a slight mini-arc in the middle. As for the main goal of actually slaying the Demon King, the party keeps a realistic understanding that they are nowhere near prepared enough to take on the end-game content.
The story itself I found extremely enjoyable, nothing too expansive and more focused on the characters and their struggles than anything. I enjoyed the unique take on the fantasy world, something I'll explain further later on, and felt it to be a mixture of several different animes in one.
It's worth noting that Konosuba does suffer from confusing pacing and expository issues, notably in the second half. A couple episodes introduced characters previously unknown to the audience that somehow had relevance to the main characters. This may very well be an error made as a result of the adaption, though it's no less excusable. Considering, too, this series was insanely popular and had its second season approved quite quickly, I'm hesitant to say it was "rushed". The series could have easily been expanded to account for the missing content, so I hope to see this issue fixed in the subsequent season.
Genre & Characteristics
It's hard to put a name to the "game" genre that has blossomed quite a bit since the release of Sword Art Online. Konosuba stands apart from its fellow game series in that it pursues a traditional setting, with no technological foundation, user interfaces, or hyperactive combat. Everything is set in a somewhat feudal or medieval setting, with magic and the supernatural serving as the boundaries of the universe. Personally, I perceive this as a better, more familiar setting, and the series executed it quite well.
Further along the "gaming" spirit, one will appreciate how loyal the series is to the various attributes of a roleplaying game. Magic, progression, and guilds dominate much of Konosuba's setting. Players complete "quests" for rewards such as "xp" or "Eris", the currency of the universe, and allow themselves to increase their combat potency by learning skills and spells. Konosuba succeeded with this format, though it was noticeably underplayed. I would have liked to see a greater focus on the level progression of the individual characters than what we received, as level gains were often noticed in passing and not highlighted as we'd expect.
Any prospective viewers with prudish views towards what is commonly referred to as "fanservice" would do well to ignore this series, as Konosuba is a heavily suggestive from beginning to end. A lot of the gags are suggestive in nature, with magic involving stealing "panties" and the such. I understand that for many individuals, this may prove a turn off, so it's best not to go in the series thinking anything else. This kind of content doesn't bother me, and I don't think it affected the series in a negative way at all, but I also know how it's a "make or break" for some. Your choice.
Animation
The animation throughout Konosuba is actually quite impressive, with all of the magical effects and combat sequences vividly detailed and choreographed well. I wouldn't call it innovative, but quality in execution. The sunshafts and lighting stand out as one of the greater elements of the aesthetics, with Studio Deen proving themselves a skilled studio that understands how to build a believable and aesthetic setting.
It's worth nothing that while the animation is great, there are many noticeable moments where you notice sharp improvements in quality. Virtually all of Megumin's casts of her explosion magic were well designed and quite mesmerizing even, each their own isolated performance of devastation. Further, the animators put more effort into animating the breasts than some studios do for entire series. Honestly, the jiggle physics are unreal, borderline hyperbolic at times, and easily one of the best parts of the animation.
Sound
I can't really say that the soundtrack from Konosuba is a memorable one, but it has its merits. A few of the background tracks were inspired heavily by the fantasy setting, and those were certainly the best ones. Both the opening and ending pieces are well made and very character-centric, introducing and concluding the exciting world of Konosuba proficiently. Really, the only noticeable detriment of the music is that it can get repetitive at times, with Darkness' track coming to mind as it played each time she had one of her masochistic monologues (and these are often).
The seiyuu are fantastic, and I give particular credit to Kazuma and Megumin for their outstanding performances. Jun Fukushima (Kazuma) nails the youthful, sarcastic teenage boy voice with Megumin (Rie Takahashi) acting with the proper attitude and spunk befitting a "crimson demon".
Characters
Just like a great roleplaying game, a great fantasy anime needs a well-rounded cast of unique, individual members. For the most part, I would say Konosuba achieved this, though certain characters leave more to be desired in some ways.
Kazuma, the adventurer, is the most grounded character of the four, the only human from Earth. Aqua describes him, quite accurately, as a shut-in NEET, since in his former life he was an avid gamer and fairly introverted. I found him to be the most relatable character, offering realistic (and often humorous) perspectives about the various insane situations he and his party find themselves in. Characters can often get predictable within their given genres, and Kazuma offers spontaneous dialogue that greatly challenges those expectations. A good example of this would be, despite being accompanied by some considerably attractive companions, he never fawns over them like you'd expect a character in his position to do. Rather, quite the contrary, as he is often irritated by their presence considering their uselessness at times. Kazuma experiences the most growth throughout the series, as the "shut-in NEET" we once knew him to be dies off slightly as he assumes more and more responsibility. I guess sleeping in the stables for weeks on end will spur a man to action.
Aqua, the arch priest, is a beautiful yet pretentious goddess of water that enforced Kazuma's reincarnation. While she is inherently powerful, she's not very bright, ironic as she considers herself above humans. She relies a lot on Kazuma for money, generally spending what she has either learning party tricks or drinking at the guild. Though irritating at times, there are many genuine moments where the viewer can grow to appreciate Aqua, and her attitudes towards Kazuma and humanity overall change slightly over the course of the series.
Megumin, the arch wizard, serves as the party mage and is easily the most likable of the three. A crimson demon herself, beings of great magical power with chūnibyō personalities, she specializes entirely in destructive explosive spell, the most powerful magic known to man (though she can only cast one per day before draining all of her power). Personally, Megumin is the best party member of the crew, and ends up having some of the more hilarious interactions with Kazuma.
Darkness, the crusader, is a masochistic, oddly perverted champion of justice. She expresses a great deal of dedication and honor, holding the values of being a "knight" close to her heart. As her primary disadvantage is that she is clumsy and can't even hit a stationary target, she chooses instead to be a shield for her friends, though much to her enjoyment as she finds sexual excitement in the idea of taking a beating. She is the most underdeveloped of the four, though you can see glimpses of potential in her character towards the end of the season. I assume because of specific revelations that she will be further explored in the future, which is great because she's such a sweetheart.
Unfortunately, there is no sort of backstory for either of the characters that isn't revealed throughout dialogue. As someone that prioritizes the merit of the characters above all else, this somewhat bothers me, especially considering the immense potential for the lot of them. While the next season may focus more on the identities of each adventurer, I'm reviewing the current season as-is, and it falls short in this particular regard.
Fortunately, one thing the writers can be heavily credited with was their intention to not make the protagonists overpowered at the start. In fact, to the contrary, the party is at a severe disadvantage throughout the series due to their respective disadvantages and low experience. For example, in the second episode, we find both Kazuma and Aqua nearly overwhelmed with what seems to be an easy quest objective in slaying giant toads. As time progresses, everyone gets stronger, most certainly, but they still never reach a point where an action is trivial. This stylistic decision can be attributed to real life relevancy, as I'm sure that many of us have understood the despair of having friends play with you but be complete and utter garbage. I also assume this is to build up for the subsequent season(s) the series will receive, where the characters will inevitably get strong enough to confront the Demon King. Witnessing the slow, even painful growth of a group of characters generally wins out over having them grossly empowered at the start.
Conclusion
Konosuba retains an extremely loyal fanbase, and I can see why. It's got charm, character, presents itself as a fun series that doesn't try to be anything other than that. I finished Konosuba in one day while going into it with low expectations. Under no circumstance is it, as I have seen it heralded, "the saviour of anime", but if you find the concept appealing and Kazuma relatable, expect to conclude it satisfied. If the writers can iron out some of the pacing issues and give more attention to each character individually, I have no doubts that Season 2 make a quality series even better. With that being said, is Konosuba God's blessing on this wonderful world? That'll be up to you to decide.
"Come, now, and walk the path of explosions with me!" -Megumin
