The story unfolded very nicely throughout most of the series. Characters were slowly introducted, each given a moment to demonstrate what role they would be playing, perhaps even given some background knowledge. Each episode covered new, and interesting plot developments, taking its time to explain exactly what was happening, and covering sufficient points to make it all believable. This all changed somewhere near episode 18 or so. For whatever reason the enjoyablely comfortable pace which was unfolding before the veiwer rapidly increased and became very confusing. Characters actions became far-fetched, absurd, and nonsensical. The plot was rushed and nothing was explained. What was once close to being a perfect anime, crumbled away to medeorcrisy.
The characters themself were all extremely thought out. Our protaganist, young Ayato, your average high school kid, is thrust into an unbelievable situation which he has no control over. Everything he has ever known and learned to believe has been chalked up to lies and fantasies, and now he must learn some hard truths while dealing with it all. All he can really do is go along with it and hope things work out. His main responsibility consists of piloting the RahXephon, a giant mecha which only he can manouver. He is complimented by an arsenal of military men and women, a small number of friends, and a mother. All have a certain role which they are doted with an each play that role very well.
The art is a very simple, very clean, 90's style of animation. It's honest beauty is unparalled with todays standards, but in my opinion, there is absolutly nothing wrong with it. It's perfect. The character designs were unique and not overused. The costumes had a certain chic futuristic look. The backgrounds were swarming with small details that tied entire scenes together. And the camera angles captivated me and left me wanting more. All in all, one of this series best qualitities.
My favorite aspect of this series, however, were RahXephon's enemy. The D1 are one of the things that I found were rushed and not explained properly. This being said, each one was designed and drawn perfectly. Each one was completely original. And when each one "sang", with its mouth gaping open, its eyes poppping from its sockets or squeezed shut, its face distorted, it transformed into an unimaginablly frightening (literally) experiance. And its shrill voice topped it off like nothing I have ever experienced. I want to give the guy or girl who developed those mecha beasts a huge hug and tell them that what they did changed me. They are THAT cool.
Other then the confusing and rushed plot during the last 8-10 episodes, and the very confusing last epiosde, I would say that I really liked the series. I tried to keep pace with what was going on during those last few, but in the end I just sat back and took it at face value. The interesting characters, classic art style, beautifully rendered BGM, excellent voice acting, and certainly the D1 enemy made this not only an enjoyable watch but one I would highly recommend.
