Magical Destroyers is a fascinating show that breaks the mold in many ways and while it's quality may be lacking in certain areas like the animation and pacing, it's music, art direction, and story surprised me in many delightful ways. It kept me guessing as to what reality was at every point, and I think the messages it portrays are valuable not just to artists like myself, but also those who consume it as well.
As much as I want a season two I understand that it's not what the show is about. I think my real problem however is we just needed more time, with the characters, with their personalities. More time to hint and have characters interact with the overarching narrative would have been a better use of time than the unfortunately lacking beginning. Still, the ending left me pretty emotional and while it was a pretty disappointing show animation wise, the concept is so good I almost hope someone gets inspired to make a spiritual successor that really delivers on the themes and story.
It is admittedly a pretty rough watch though, very boring and not that funny, but there's passion and a real attempt to be more than the sum of its parts. Where Kiznaiver disappointed me by forcing itself into tropes and a by the numbers and really bumming ending, Magical Destroyers has me wishing the show was less afraid to show its hand and give proper buildup to its unique ending.
I've gone through a lot of anime lately that felt like they could've had more time in the oven, leaving me a little bittersweet. Even so, stuff like this is real art, I couldn't see any boardroom making something like Magical Destroyers ironically enough. It's a real experiment, and as they go, while I'm disappointed that its potential wasn't reached, it's gonna stick with me, and likely go on to inspire my own work.
..and for that, it was worth every second.
(And in accordance with the guidelines, you'll probably find it neat.)
