Clannad After Story is a direct sequel to Clannad, a visual novel written by Key. Watching the first part of this tale is necessary to watch After Story if you want the best impact from this show.
Story: 10/10
The story begins right where Clannad left off with Tomoya and Nagisa in their final year of high school and finally establishing their relationship with each other. The story covers the next seven years of their lives and how they struggle to enter society after school. Unfortuantely a severe Tragedy befalls the young couple that changes their lives. All of the episodes prior to this tragedy were all in order to build up to this single point in the story and it really is just overwhelming. Everything that has been estblished just takes a heavy blow crashing down the world around them. The last five episodes are filled with nonstop saddness and tears.
Characters: 10/10
This is the point where the show shines the most. The main characters Nagisa and Tomoya have been steadily developing and each has extensive backstory that help identiy the characters personalities. Their interaction with supporting characters is what helps this show reach new heights. Supporting characters dont just come in and out in order to fill space instead they are solidified and develop along with the main characters helping each other reach personal goals or sharing pain. Even lesser side characters such as Misae (dorm mother at their high school) have their own story to tell which help establish a bond between all the characters.
Sound: 9/10
Its not necesarially the soundtrack thats great but rather the placement. Music is put in the right moments in order to deepen the emotional experience making moments that can have you busting out in tears. The Big Dango Family song was just a silly little thing to hear at first but as the show develops you begin to understand its significance and now every time I hear it I become a little sad.
Overall the hype surrounding this anime is extemely justified. This series an emotinoal rollercoaster it will have you laughing and crying all the way untill the end. This is definately one not to be skipped
