I came into watching this Black★Rock Shooter (TV) series after watching the OVA and listening to the Hatsune Miku song, so I sort of already knew what I was going to be in for. Black★Rock Shooter (TV) is a great story stuffed into too short of a time, but still done well enough to leave an impact.
Story: 6/10
Like I mentioned above, Black★Rock Shooter (TV) suffers greatly from too much story to tell in too little time. The first 3 episodes of the series (which I call the "Kagari" arc) should have lasted at least 8 episodes in and of itself. The drama and plot started too quickly without letting the audience get attached to the characters. I think part of what saved this arc for me was the fact that I was already familiar with Mato and Yomi as characters.
Still, don't let anyone tell you the storyline is bad. The story is full of well planned twists and turns that keep you waiting with baited breath for the next episode. The use of symbolism is especially good throughout this series, which is to be expected since the world where Dead Master and Black Rock Shooter dwell is where emotions are turned into physical movements and battles. In my case, I saw this story as an interesting take on what happens inside the heads of the depressed.
Art: 8/10
The artwork of this series is great. BRS' world is absolutely beautiful. The backgrounds are gorgeous, and the character designs for the "other selves" (a.k.a Black Rock Shooter, Chariot, Dead Master, etc.) are well thought out and interesting. While the coloration of the characters is very simplistic, it almost makes sense in the world they live in. The art for this series would be a perfect 10 if not for the rather boring look of the "real world." Also, I don't like that they gave Yomi/Dead Master glasses.
Sound: 7/10
The opening theme is one of the best vocaloid Miku songs ever made, made by one of the most famous Vocaloid songwriters, supercell (also known for "The World is Mine" and "Love is War"). The ending theme carries through the symbolic theme for the series as well. That being said, both are kind of forgettable. The soundtrack is good and well placed, but doesn't add much.
Characters: 5/10
Again, the lowered score can be partially blamed on the short time we have with the characters. The characters are very interesting, and even the throw-away side characters seem to belong in the story. And, in spite of the insanity and depression that seem to plague much of the cast, they all seem very relatable. While some may be irritated at the rationale of these characters, its very interesting to look at it as a person with depression. Many of these characters more vocally struggle with the same feelings many depressed or paranoid teens have.
Enjoyment: 7/10
In spite of its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed Black★Rock Shooter. I am seriously considering a cosplay of Kagari or BRS.
Overall: 7/10
Give it a try, because this is a must watch.
