The story of its predicessor was nothing special. So this anime didn't have that big of shoes to fill. But my GOD, After Story did a better job with story telling than its predicessor (I will be comparing this anime to Clannad a lot, mind you). I can talk about the story more, but it won't do the story justice... just take my word for it, it's great. However there were times where I had to sleuth my way through the story, because I lose track of what happend, but that's not a bad thing. I like a bit of confusion. The pacing is MUCH better than the original as well, and I'm glad too. There wasn't a point where the anime slowed down for me. There were times where I cried a lot in this anime. My connection to the characters in this sequel was so strong. Much stronger than the connection with the characters in the prequel, even if they were the same characters.
The art is made by Key, so it's good. That goes without saying, once again. The enviorments are lush and beautiful and the characters are well drawn as usual. They retain the same art as usual and I cannot be more thankful.
The soundtrack is a step up from the original. Not by much, but it's a step up nonetheless. More of the better tracks are played here and they fit in with the enviorments and what happens. One thing that the original didn't do very well, and it was fixed with finesse in its sequel.
The characters were improved here, and it focuses more on the two main characters in the prequel, which is good, I liked them. But one thing the prequel didn't do very well was explain them, and it was done here, which I was happy to see. The male lead works hard to support his family, and his secrets were tragic to hear... the secrets of him and his father made me rethink my relationship with my father... as farfetched as that may sound, it's the truth, but I won't go into detail about that. The female lead is relateable and is just as cutesy as ever. However I was strongly connected to her and what ends up happening is simply tragic and one of the most memorable moments in an anime, once again, to avoid spoiling, I won't go into detail.
I enjoyed this anime from start to finish. It's an emotional roller coaster and I enjoyed being punched around by my emotions, as crazy as that may sound. Any anime enthusiast who hasn't seen this masterpiece should be ashamed of themselves and should be stripped of their anime watching priveldges for life. In fact, I don't understand why you're still reading this, when it should be watched right now, I can assure you'll enjoy it, just as much as I did.... unless you're stupid or something.
