Before I delve deeper into my personal feelings, let’s take a gander at the hot names involved with the show and other projects they’ve worked on, just to get an idea about the quality.
Director: Takahashi Takeo – Spice and Wolf, Love Hina, and Citrus.
Producer: Yamanaka Takahiro – Toradora and Kokoro Connect
Sound Director: Iwanami Yoshikazu – Ghost in the Shell, JOJO, and Kill La Kill, and One Punch Man Season 2.
As you can see, Yosuga no Sora isn’t just some run-of-the-mill Harem, as I’m sure most of us expected. It offers a complex peek into forbidden love and the trauma’s that follow. It’s more than just T&A (which is still offered, abundantly).
Story: Normally I don’t like episodic plots. Not to say Yosuga no Sora is episodic, but it’s also not completely linear. Based on an ecchi video game, the show mimics the “one guy bangs multiple girls” plotline. Every 3 or 4 episodes the story resets, each time featuring a new girl for our main protagonist to date. Here’s the hook, the last arch features his twin sister as his lover. INCEST ALERT! I enjoyed the last arch the most. These episodes are the steamiest, darkest, and most fascinating to watch. Do I condone insect? Not particularly. Yet, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope to see them get together.
Sound: I was immediately blown away by the musical score. My initial reaction was HOLY SHIT THE MUSIC IS SO GOOD. I still listen to the main melody all the time. The sombre score fits perfectly with the grim theme and tormented characters. As a stand-alone soundtrack, you can’t get much better than this. If you’re unsure, go to YouTube and have a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
Art: Two words describe the animation: absolutely gorgeous. Set in rural Japan, the art captures the tranquil majesty of nature. Every episode feels comfy and serene. The calm setting wonderfully offsets the intense drama. I loved the character designs and the overall quality of the art. You will not find girls with breasts larger than physically possible or chibi versions of the characters.
Characters: Although the show classifies as an Ecchi, it doesn’t avoid darkness and despair. I appreciate when the plot explores the psychological depth of young love/lust. Each character brings some sort of mental turmoil to the plot without coming off as whiny.
Enjoyment: Overall, I extremely enjoyed Yosuga no Sora. The show not only met my expectations, it surpassed them. Is the show a high brow contender for mass commercial consumption? Hell no. It's still an ecchi, but it is the best ecchi you can find. Supurb!
