Yes the first few episodes are pretty bad. The story doesn't exist and the contrast between normal time and monster fighting time is ridiculous. That said there is actually a reason for this but the reason doesn't really matter so if you are having trouble dealing with the first few episodes then skip to episode 6 or if you're a real extremist just start at 10 because that is where the plot really picks up.
I know that I'm supposed to review all the aspects in order but most of them don't matter. Sound is fine. I never watch the intro or closing sequences so I could honestly care less about what they sound like. The characters neither add nor detract from the story because they don't really exist. Until the massive plot twist at the end. Even then they still don't really matter all that much.
The art deserves a mention because it is a little weird. Imagine that you are torturing someone made of rubber on a rack. Got it. Now imagine you stretch them way out. Well thats kind of what the characters look like. This doesn't bother me at all, and actually, after watching xxxholic, I have come to enjoy that style. The fight sequences are good and the animation was reasonably smooth. Good enough for me.
The most important rating here is the one for enjoyment. It doesn't matter what I or anyone thinks about individual parts as long as when they come together the parts form an entertaining whole, and they did. This show was good enough to have me search for a sequel and that means something because Im pretty picky about my anime. So before you ditch this show. GIve it a try at the very least I can promise lots of gratuitous blood.
