as in any of my reviews, I never compare an anime to other animes, and I judge them solely on the impression they left me with. not the "well its alot like*****" and absolutely NO spoilers!!
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON ALL 10 (current) SEASONS, NOT JUST THE FIRST. (this season)
Story:
Its a very well built world that is very rich and believable, nothing really feels like a stretch. If it don't make sense they usually fill in the gaps not long after, and forgotten elements of the show will reappear later and finally make sense. Its a long way from perfect, but this show is very underrated despite its decent reviews, its a shame its not more popular.
Art:
I would put the animations in a category just below the fate series (in the later seasons about an 8) in the beginning of the show its a bit rough (about a 6 at most if your pushing it) and almost looks like a cheap video game with semi-decent graphics, but funny movements of background characters or items. As long as your in it to enjoy the story it is definitely worthy of your time and those choppy movements of background items or people gradually go away as production is obviously given a bigger budget. my only gripe is them wanting to make the main characters appealing, they don't look their age in the younger years, 6 years old looks more like 10-12 in height and size. not a huge deal, but its hard to wrap your head around at first.
Sound:
the sounds in the show are absolutely great, never really notice music in animes, don't really care about it myself, but in this one it caught my attention and the music placement and feel wrap it all together.
Character:
the character building is great, besides the issue i stated before about them not really looking their age. they build upon their very believable world and insert the characters into situations and traumas that are both great for maturing and strengthening their character. none of the main characters or supporting characters feel useless, and they all have a role to fill.
enjoyment;
once passed the bloat the show is amazing. It will have you sucked into the story, the fights are nice, but the story is traumatic and deep, full of pain and joy with someone fighting for the things they love. thrown into a rich and detailed world its a wonder its not more popular.
overall;
overall I enjoy this series and I'll be here for its completion whenever that may be. my product placement is the only real gripe. if you can shoulder through the animations in the beginning and the product placement then you should have no trouble enjoying this world and the journey the characters are on.
