On the surface it's Harry Potter in a harem anime; and it could have went there an stayed there.
Instead we have a continuing evolving plot-line involving a regular cast consisting of over 30 characters; all of whom drive the plot with complex motivations and backgrounds..
This series roughly follows the manga for the first 21 episodes, then veers off into an original emotional rollercoaster finale that allows for a satisfying end of the anime.
Story: The story starts out simple enough. Orphan boy wizard wants to become a great wizard like his father was. It gets original when he's chosen to be a teacher at an all girls middle school to complete his wizardry training, but he must do it while keeping his mage status secret (which he repeatedly fails at). The fact that many of the girls are outright Shota-cons is a little silly, but it ups the fun quotient at the same time.
The story moves along but some of the episodes are silly, like the "dramatic" dodgeball fight.
The anime's original ending is quite emotional, but really hooks you into it.
Art: The art is simplistic, even compared to the sequel series. The drawing is almost minimalist and they didn't go to any special efforts to wow the viewer. The art was pretty forgettable.
Sound: This anime's weakest link. It was never inappropriate or ill-fitting; but it was entirely forgettable and the opening was almost trite in it's childishness.
Character: It's the characters that drive this show and make it fun. The main character Negi has a class of 31 students, all of them interesting and unique. They all have different hobbies, histories, motivations, and secrets (a WHOLE lot of secrets).
I can't go into too much detail since I could take up pages.
Negi and Asuna (the boy wizard and the student who first finds out about his abilities) are the primary protagonists. Negi is well written, but rather simplistic (he's only 10) as well. Most of the humor of the series is him getting into trouble either through magic or through the attentions (not always appropriate) of his students.
Asuna is the type of character who doesn't exist outside of animes. Overhyper, super fast and strong, and hot-tempered. She develops more character as time goes on and gains more backstory.
One can't mention characters in Negima without a huge shoutout to an early antagonist turned protagonist, Evangeline Anastasia "Kitty" McDowell. Vampire Girls are nothing new to anime. Even vampire girls who dress in (even called this by the character herself in the manga) "Goth Loli" are nothing new (disturbing).
Yet you never see one have as much fun playing the villain. Naturally in an anime like this she secretly is a sweet girl, but she outright enjoys being one of the badguys. She doesn't bring the usual skycap of vampire angst to the party; making no excuses for who she is and what she has done. The only sappy part is her crush on Negi's father, but even their interaction was humorous.
Enjoyment: Despite a few "dud" episodes, this show is very enjoyable. With a lot of humor and some satisfying action at times; the overall experience is very positive and emotional at times.
Overall: I highly recommend this series. Though it can get a little sappy at times, it's a fun watch with something for everyone.
Pros: Huge cast with great storylines and they are all unique and even poke fun at some classic stereotypes. Very funny in places but can get serious at times; giving a good mix of humor, drama, and action.
Cons: Follows the manga which developed slowly and you are left wanting more that is never delivered (sequel series is an original script with more comedy). The artwork is nothing amazing and the soundtrack is a dud.
Lastly the ending episodes is an emotional cartwheel, with some of the saddest scenes I've ever seen in an anime, followed by a dramatic reversal for the expected happy ending.
If one is looking for a similar story with a lighter plot, I recommend the sequel "Negima!?" which has a lot more comedy while sacrificing character development.
