Review Statistics

Times Read

776

Comments

8

Reviews

Tv

Plot Synopsis

Character Conceptual Design (TV) - Eji Komatsu

Story & Characters

Okay, I have to start off by saying that although I'm giving the story an 8 only, I still think that it's an extremely well done and fleshed out storyline, considering that they only had such a limited number of episodes to work with. The fact that this isn't just your typical harem anime is quite nice. And the use of magic is what adds a touch of spice to the overall story. Things start off a little slow, with Kazuki needing some time to warm up to the girls presence (ha, wouldn't we all?) but then just as things are getting a little repetitive the show turns out a twist at the end of episode 12 that gives the series a fresh plot to contend with in a lot of ways. Most of the relationships, like the 3 main girls to both each other and Kazuki are fleshed out rather well, but some things that I thought would be explored further weren't and those incidents left me really wanting something more. For example in episode 4 the question of just who summoned the behemoth's is never answered, they were just used as a plot point to allow Kuriko to start to realize that Kazuki might just be worth something more than his genes after all. The same thing happens with the magic virus in episode 11, which I really would have liked to see more elaboration on. As well as the back story that the groundskeeper and Akai's sister. Of course while it would have been nice to see those potential sub-plots delved into a little more throughly, but with only 24 episodes I still think they did quite a good job of making the fullest of what they wanted to.

Rating

8 (good)

Art

In my opinion it is both here and in the sound department that Maburaho really shines through. From the get go the artistic style and character animation fit the genre to a tee, and the happy go lucky sense that the series is going for is really boosted by the colourful, charming artwork that is abundant in the world of Maburaho. The magic use, while not the main point often, is still particularly well done. I especially like the touch of each of the main characters having there own style of magical flavour. Kazuki is often snow-related it seems (at least in some cases). Yuuna always has those little sprites helping her out, Kuriko always uses charms (man is that open for a pun of what?) and Rin mostly channels magic through her trusty sword. It is touches like these that help bring up the art level to what has to be one of the best in the genre, if not the best. If I had to have one complaint it would be that sometimes the backgrounds can be a little bland, but the background should never overpower the characters or action, so that can be easily forgiven. Everything else is top notch!

Rating

9 (very good)

Sound

The sound is yet another high quality work that Maburaho has to offer. From the cheerful and spunky opening, to the various chimes and jingles that accompany the magic effects and facial expressions of the characters, to the way Kazuki often sounds like a chicken when surprised, trust me he tends to squak a lot in oddly intimate situations..., the sound is done masterfully and is never too overpowering or underwhelming. The voice work is especially well done, with all the girls voices fitting their personalities to a tee, and the supporting case is done just as well, from the sleepy headed Iba-Sensai, to the somewhat melancholy Akai, to the always upbeat groundskeeper, all the voices add depth and style to the characters that they accompany. There might not be much else to say, because in my opinion it's all so well done. Even the voices of some of the summoned beasts fit nicely into the motif, although granted they don't show up too often, still it is the little touches that really help a series like this, and Maburaho hits all of them right on the mark.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Presentation

Overall, the presentation of Maburaho is an extremely well put together, solid work that is a great addition to the harem anime genre. From the artwork, to the music, to the overall plot, everything comes together in a way that few animes can bring it to bare. Also the fact that the characters grow on you, despite being a little on the stereotypical side, is a great testament to the enjoyability of the series. By the end most everyone has a favourite girl, whether it be the spunky Yuuna, the voluptous and over the top Kuriko, the quiet and conserved Rin, or the girl next door Yamase who shows up from time to time. Also, Kazuki uses the average guy who's quietly amazing design very well. Other good touches include such things as Yuuna getting more jealous after the events of episode 12 despite Kazuki's condition, because she realizes that the other girls are actually warming up to Kazuki and aren't just looking for his genes anymore. These sorts of things are what make the series fun to watch, and entertaining for more than one viewing. The last point is that the show doesn't ever get to bogged down or full of itself not to enjoy, the viewer always knows what's going on, and even through the twists they can easily keep pace and continue to enjoy the anime in every regard. I myself have watched the series 4 times in total, and will probably watch it more in the future. It's the kind of happy go lucky anime that can be just the thing after a hard days work. That's why Maburaho is my favourite anime, hands down, as well as one of the best comedic animes out there.

Well, thanks for taking the time to read this review, I hope it was okay, as it's the first I've ever done, but as long as it was helpful than that's good enough for me. Peace!

Rating

9 (very good)

Final Verdict

8.83 (very good)

Reviewed by Thegman, 2y 28wk ago