Going into this show, I was expecting just the usual. Fantasy magical battle trash, something mindless I could just enjoy. And at first it did seem just like that with some of its lamer episodes and bizarre idea of character design. But once the show moved into its second half, something else reared it's head and revealed this show understood more than it was letting on.
Story is pretty simple, nothing incredible but it's mostly competent at what it does. The story is slow during the first half of the show, mostly focusing on Seth's growing as a mage and learning something about the world. The second half however starts greying the morality of the characters, opens up new possible ideas and peaks with a monstrous villain and a tragic villain. It's got potential to continue improving but as it stands, it feels like the jumping off point for something far better. The actual writing is up and down, a lot of the comedic elements tend to fall flat, but there are some standout running gags that continue to be amusing. The story is easily the biggest bar to entry as i'm sure it'll turn off the more discerning viewer and that is a shame because there is more to unpack than you initially see.
Art is pretty decent. The spell effects are nice and clear, the animation during fight scenes is pretty good, there's not too many flubs I could spot but it's nothing spectacular. It serves the purpose it's needed for.
Sound is pretty forgettable. I can't remember any distinct tracks from it, the voice acting is just fine. I've not got a lot to say on it and even the intro i'm already forgetting and getting mixed up with other shows.
The characters are easily the best part of this show. This anime was adapted from a French manga, (or manfra, idk) and it definitely shows in some of the odder designs but there's some real standouts among the cast. Whilst at first some of the characters are irritating and simple, they do develop as the story goes, Seth especially becomes a far more endearing character during the second half and whilst he's definitely not Asta levels of annoying, there's a lot to be desired. The supporting cast are pretty decent, Doc serves to be a consistent source of good humour and even the villains get larger personalities than i'd expect from a show like this, Black Clover again being a good point of comparison as to how villains usually are in shows like this.
I didn't expect to enjoy this show as much as I did. I must admit I put it off for a good couple weeks due to the nature of the show but when I did get back into it, I was hooked for each week it was on. If you can get through it's first half and find yourself enjoying the characters and the writing, you're in for a treat in the second half.
Radiant is definitely screaming for a second season to really expand it and show off everything it has to offer. I can't help but feel doubtful it will get one though due to its popularity and that big barrier to entry which is a real shame. If you have any interest in a show with this kind of premise, you'll enjoy it. If you don't, you probably won't be able to push through to when it really starts to shine, so just go at your own pace.
In the end, Radiant really brought to light with a generic looking fantasy battle anime can do once it spreads its wings and starts to fly.
