Angel Beats is another Key powerhouse anime, but differs in that it is not adapted from a visual novel and is only 13 episodes. Angel Beats involves the concept of a "limbo" in the form of a high school where young adults go when they live an unfulfilled life or lose there memories and get lost. One such person from the second category is Otonashi. Upon arriving and not knowing who he is, he is pulled into a rebel group that breaks the rules of the school. The reason for this is because if they follow the rules, the will pass on, and the group believes if the rebel they can stay "alive". However, the student council president, nicknamed Angel, fights the group to the death regularly (since they are already dead they can't die). The story also contains very tragic back stories for the characters as well as side stories, but ultimately fails to have a main central plot. This is the main reason it is bashed. However, as many series don't have plots and succeed, Angel Beats makes up for it in full with the other four categories.
The art of Angel Beats is consistently gorgeous, which is hard to find in itself. While other series save the good graphics until it counts, Angel Beats has it throughout, and when a moment comes where it "counts", the art is beyond gorgeous. such as the band sequences or the xmas tree scene (remember this!).
I honestly don't know where to start with the soundtrack other than saying its the best I have heard in anime, by a clear mile. With beautiful flowing melodies such as "My Most Precious Treasure", exciting tracks like "Theme of SSS", kickass Girldemo inserts like "Crow Song", and a beautiful OP and ED, the soundtrack is nothing short of perfection.
The characters of Angel beats can be overwhelming. The characters are in all shapes and sizes, not one alike even in personality. This is truly unique in that its hard for characters to have original personality when there are so many characters. The only problem that I may have is that there were a few that lacked a back story, but with the important characters explained, it leaves the mind to wonder for itself, which can be a good thing.
Angel Beats is not only a fast-paced yet hysterical action comedy, but it is quite possibly one of the most emotional dramas you will find. Without spoiling anything, Angel Beats has easily one of the most tear-jerking and emotional endings in anime, as if to reward the viewer. And like I said in the beginning, this is a guide. It is up to you to find out if you like it. Personally, this is my all-time favorite anime, and will be for a long time.
