Great show with a fairly good ending!
I’m very uncertain on what those final couple of minutes or so was implying but I, personally, think that Kuriyama is not alive in real life simply because she clearly said that her real body is long gone and it wouldn’t make sense for it to just came back since the ‘shade’ has returned back to Akihito. Could it all be inside Akihito’s head, rooting from regrets and dissatisfaction?
Plenty more Questions even from here onwards:
- Who exactly is Akihito’s mother and what kind of a background has she had with Akihito and Izumi? Moreover, where is she off to now and in order to do what exactly?
I honestly this is one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the story because his mother surely knows exactly what’s up with Akihito.
- How did Mirai not collapse?
Clearly, she used a lot more blood, like tetra gallons of blood, than before and it seemed as though using that little amount had a lot more affect. Even if it was because of her getting the hang of her power or becoming stronger, there was little to no implications on that.
- Why is Izumi contaminated with ‘shade’ and where on earth has she disappeared to?
Does it have anything to do with extra power? Probably not, but I’ll just thrown it in here anyway in case that minor possibility is actually legitimate.
- What was the motive of Fujima? Would the destruction of the world have helped him in any way or was he planning to control the beast afterwards?
And more...
All in all, a really good series despite this little lapse in the conclusion.
- Storyline/Plot Development: 5/10
Honestly, this felt a bit flat throughout. For starters, the world building aspect of the show was awful and I have no idea how the whole Spirit hunting association and such works. Meanwhile, I, for one, really adored episode 6 but it, and another episode or two, were clearly side-stories which were not a part of the overarching plot and even the timing for them was a bit off. Ending of the show was haphazard too with a lot of things thrown in to the mix and some of it wasn’t really backed up with enough details sadly. Still, a average to fairly good department regardless.
- Characterization/Character Development: 7/10
It could’ve easily hit the high 8s and possibly the 9/10 and even the 10/10 mark had it focused a bit more on the antagonists and the final trump cards, that is Akihito’s mother and Izumi for instance. Main cast were an intriguing bunch, meanwhile, and the side-story episodes really made me adore this bunch a lot more! I think what really sold them to me was the realism that KyoAni managed to perfect in this show. Overall, a bit disappointed but adored the main cast anyway.
- Art/Animation Scale: 9/10
KyoAni simply providing what they provide best, and that is evidently gorgeous animation! Battle scenes were eye-candy to watch and the action sequences totally mesmerising, there were so many instances when I would replay a certain scene just to go through the experience again! Basically, it delivered whenever it was required and was above par throughout! Great stuff!
- Sound Department: 9.5/10
Op and ED, along with all the soundtracks, were top tier! Really, amazing stuff! Op had this really nice moody feel to it and the ED was great to hear after each and every episode! Soundtracks during the comedic scenes were really well placed and accurate, and likewise for battle scenes. The eerie soundtracks made me really invested into the heavy intense moments. I’ll definitely miss the cameo of these two last two Departments!
- Personal Enjoyment: 8/10
I really enjoyed the show, truly! I would’ve given this an easy 9 had the conclusion for the show been handled better, but it was still brillIant! Plot twist there at Episode 10 revealing the backstory leading up to Episode 1 was, in particular, an amazing ride! Directing of that episode was great and it just had the right mood to it, I guess. Comedy aspect of this show was cho-very hilarious and a great and memorable company(I won’t forget Episode 6 for a while for sure), especially when Akihito and Onii-Chan would be in sync! Overall, definitely going to miss this show!
-> Overall Final Score: Solid 7.5/10!
Looking forward to seeing the sequel movie tomorrow morning(or probably not anytime before afternoon, it seems)! I know that not all of my Questions will be answered but I hope at least some will. In particular, I really hope we get to know more of Akihito’s mother. |