This is another Netflix reboot of an older, popular anime with new graphics that manages to buck the trend by being (OMG Gasp) GOOD instead of disappointing like some others I won't mention. A large part of this is because it is 100% completely on brand with the original and in the spirit of the manga from way back in the late 1980s when things weren't as politically correct as they are today. The anime is tagged Ecchi for good reason, and it's not even tasteful Ecchi, but rather, no apologies no f---s given Ecchi. Expect every episode to feature titillating glimpses of one or more scantily clad or unclad females in compromising positions, you have been warned!
Protagonist Dark Schneider is an anti-hero Bastard!! He's handsome, spends a lot of time semi nude showing off his 12 pack abs and toned physique. Believing he is God's gift to women he shamelessly chases, gropes and attempts to charm into bed any attractive female within reach while loudly proclaiming how great he is. He also happens to be overpowered and dressed in plot armor like you wouldn't believe, so things go his way a lot of the time. In today's updated parlance he would have graduated from Bastard!! to F--- that F---ing MF'er, if the censors only allowed it.
The plot is largely predictable, the characters well drawn stereotypes, nice animation and a decent OST that fits the vibe of the anime. Female characters are barely dressed with gravity defying boobs while the males are GAR type muscleheads that seem brainless. The dialogue is cheesy and cringe in parts.The fights are over the top with more explosions than a Michael Bay movie. It's not going to win any Oscars, but if you like this sort of anime you're going to enjoy the hell out of watching this enjoyable guilty pleasure series.
To make it more fun, here's a drinking game for the Bastard!! series. For the braver ones, substitute sips with shots.
Take one sip (or shot if you're brave) every time:-
* Dark Schneider boasts about how powerful, handsome or awesome he is
* a female character loses portions of her armor or pieces of clothing
* Dark Schneider says or does anything lecherous (groping, fondling, suggestive tongue stuff)
* there's a heavy metal reference in city name, character name, spell name whether it is by a band, or song. More well known ones include Anthrax, Metallica, Slayer, Deep Purple, Bon Jovi etc.
* Netflix close captions say "Rock Music playing"
* Seemingly defeated characters get up and return to the fight!
Bonus extra fast drunk - take a sip or shot every time:-
* A female character says "Darsh ~~ "
* Any character starts chanting a spell
* there's an explosion that breaks a part of any built stone structure like a castle or bridge
* Dark Schneider is bleeding
Drink a bottle or multiple shots) to celebrate every time:-
* Dark Schneider does the deed with a female character
