As a result, Angel Beats is very unique in that, when it does so well, it can aspire to the heights of not just one but many different kinds of anime. The strongest of these is the music. Holy crap the music. Words can't come close to the spirit even the shortest clips bring to the show. If you're at all curious, find a recording of the OP (My Soul, Your Beats) to get a good idea. What seals it to a ten, though, is the in-show girl band Girl's Dead Monster, which goes far beyond functioning what could have been just a minor plot device. Each concert is exquisite; the full album that was recently released is proof in itself.
Artistically, Angel Beats leaves very little to be desired. Character designs, while largely stock material, go through a few unexpected changes. Combat is fast-paced, fluid and intense. When the rare occasion for artistic locations crops up, the animation does not disappoint.
Those stock characters aren't really bad, just a necessity of having three main characters alongside a supporting cast of about 16 in such a short series. The show does better and better to develop backstory, weave relationships and the like as time goes on. These stories range from what you'd expect in a series set in purgatory - i.e., everyone regrets something - to the surprisingly personal. One really wonders how the expanded cast could have been utilized if the plot didn't force the show onward in the last two or three episodes. Still, anyone can find a favorite student to watch - and that's not even taking into account the awesomeness that is TK. Don't stop dancing, get chance and luck!
That plot is Angel Beats' single largest flaw. The premise is promising enough, and about nine or ten episodes in it does just fine. Hilarious interactions give way to exciting fights, over-the-top Japanese sports events and so on. But the show's climax comes a little out of left field, and ends up being precisely one episode too early, leaving a good 25 minutes filled awkwardly. Even the show's early scenes suffer from this in retrospect. So many good questions about destiny, life after death and eternal love are either subverted or go plain unanswered.
In the end, Angel Beats both lives and dies on the unique little details it contains. A perfect example is the theme of RPG elements like NPCs, invincible enemies and even a hit counter. Things like this are quite delicious, but leave you wishing for a bit more. But fans of almost any kind will find something to enjoy here, be it comedy, action, romance, drama or good old animation. Angel Beats provides quite a tangible experience for those looking for one; I know I'll be humming these songs for days to come.
