Maybe underwhelming is not the right word to describe this adaptation. Because it is a solid portrayal of the source material. The characters stay true to form, the art looks fine, the story is the same and paced similarly. All-in-all, it is a good show with a decent adaptation.
But, I could not help feeling anything but disappointed after finishing each episode of Blue Period. The manga is presented in a way that is miles above anything the anime did. The source material has this cold atmosphere that is created by the great tension that the story creates. The art is very sharp and striking to look at and conveys a very potent feeling. I feel like the anime does not capture the same atmosphere at all due to the rather disappointing art and direction that it took.
For example, in the first episode, Yatora is seen smoking a cigarette outside as the sun rises in Shibuya after a night out with his friends. This panel in the manga just radiates this cool and somber atmosphere as Yatora seemingly reflects on the sunrise. However, this scene in the anime is almost robotic. The CGI(?) smoke and how this scene in the anime is presented is just drained of any character and feeling. How can a manga panel convey a better atmosphere than an anime with music, color, and animation?
Speaking of music and art, why was it so underwhelming? I expected there to be a somber, jazzy soundtrack to convey this feeling of “blue” like the manga did. But, that is not what we got. This soundtrack was weak in most places. Many scenes lacked any music and general. I think that they tried to convey the feeling of “cold” by having a lack of music, but I think it was to the detriment of the show. Also, you’d think a show about art would have amazing art and animation. But unfortunately, that is not the case with Blue Period. The art and animation are drab and uninteresting. It failed to replicate the sharp and clean look of the manga.
I wish this show was boundary-pushing. I wish this show was executed in a more artistic fashion that took advantage of the great source material. I wish that this show did not play it safe and adapted a better art style.
I know I should just be happy that one of my favorite manga got a decent adaptation, but I cannot help to be disappointed in the execution. I expected and wanted more.
