Review: Angel Beats!

Alright! So we arrive to the date of the review.

Friday the 8th, 2013!

... Likely to be Saturday the 9th by the time I will be done with this review because I have a lot I wish to cover.

This... is Angel Beats!

The plan: review and put the anime into a broad perspective and judge it as such with as little bias as possible. The audience must be able to read this and get an idea of the anime so that they can view it themselves and draw their own conclusions.

Spoilers are not an option.

Operation Starto!

(Warning: this is a full review and is a bit long. Dip into a font of patience or make a bit of time if you plan to read the whole thing. With that in mind, I hope you enjoy!)

[I apologize for the delay on this review, it was much harder reviewing the anime than I thought it would be]

The categories that I plan on evaluating the anime and manga on go as follows:

• Plot/progression- The set up, a (hopefully) quick summary of the story and how well I think it worked.

• Characters- Well this is obvious. Just a few descriptions of the main and minor characters along with a little summary of them and how I believe they tied into the narrative.

• Sound- This will include both voice acting and soundtrack to the anime.

• Animation/art style- These are both subjective to the viewer, but I will give my take on it from an unbiased perspective and then my own.

• Overall enjoyment- this category is mine and mine alone. You don't have to agree with it but I will be giving my take on the anime and how I... well enjoyed the anime or manga all the way through.

All of these will be given individual values, 1-10, and will be used to give a final review rating at the very end of the post.

With that said, we dive into the world of angels, NPC's, the afterlife and the possible presence of God himself! 
... Or are we?

Plot & Progression?

The story is set up like this:

The anime's protagonist, a high school senior by the name of Yuzuru Otonashi, wakes up dazed and confused on an unfamiliar school campus where he can remember little more than his own name. It turns out that his body had perished in the real world and Yuzuru is now in the afterlife as explained by a strange purple haired girl named Yuri Nakamura.

But all is not what it seems as enemies in the afterlife are present. Angel, a moderator/guardian figure, designated as such by Yuri, keeps all of the souls of the deceased in tight check within the campus. Angel takes the form of a quiet white haired girl named Kanade Tachibana who holds a position as the student council president for the school. She wields awesome powers beyond those of the other spirits within the realm and she is known to make people disappear.
In order to combat this threat, Yuri created a militia with several of the lost souls of the realm. Fueled with the desire to defeat the Angel, they recruit the newly deceased Yuzuru into their ranks and shenanigans happen.

"Just a little...
I am just about 2 minutes into this anime after all."

Overall, I think the story is just fine and it's progression is even better.
It know's that the people watching are not really certain what they are looking at and they play off of that really well. And, to be fair, not many characters within the world itself know exactly what is going on either.

What we do know is that all of our characters are in the afterlife, they cannot die in this world (which leads to a lot of death-based comedy which REALLY works) and that they all arrived here through some horrific tragedy they suffered within their lives.
What I enjoy about this in particular is that we are given everything we are needed almost immediately in order to understand the world that we have been thrown into while not giving everything about how the world works. After that, it is anyone's game as character and watcher alike try to figure out the other mechanics behind this world and what it all ultimately means.

It is particularly hard to name an antagonist for this series as he/she/it is shrouded in mystery or, altogether, nonexistent.

I think it would be safe to say that this would be more of a Man vs. World scenario in this case because essentially everyone is trying to fight the machine that is this world and whatever forces may be associated with it, namely Angel, the school and the NPC's.

I, unfortunately, have to refrain from the spoiler-heavy dissection of this plot but let me just tell you that all of the essential mechanics are all well established and known by the third episode. 

And WOW was it an excellent way to reveal it all

Though I think I should touch on the subject of the anime's tone because from what I am saying so far, I have painted the anime as some sort of serious detective story... and the reality is FAR from it. 

It progresses through its plot in a pretty serious manner for the most part... but oh my god with SO much comedy in between. And REALLY good comedy at that.

The humor ranges from totally over the top, to cute little tongue-in-cheek humor concerning familiar animes and tropes and even managing to remain subtle at times with it's humor.

This one is one of my particular favorites
That just freaking kills me because she
keeps it balanced for the WHOLE episode
... while they play baseball

And it is all guaranteed to bring some serious lulz when it is all put into action.

This comedy, I believe, also helps the progression seem very smooth and lubricated making the anime a very easy one to watch.

In fact it was so smooth that while titling the screenshots for this rewatch, I could not help but unconsciously title the screenshots for one episode with the title of the previous episode. The action in this anime flowed incredibly smoothly and that is worth noting.

Awwwwww shyiiit!!
Vagueness!! :DD

Overall, I did enjoy the story and it's fast paced progression keeps making you guess as to what the world really is and what the role of the Angel is within it. All of this while keeping you thoroughly invested with the affairs of a particularly enjoyable cast of characters, their antics amongst themselves and their hilarious chemistry. 

Although I did not enjoy a few things about the anime's story and ending direction, particularly the third act of the story within the last 2 episodes, I won't let those opinions get in the way of the rating because even those parts are technically done well in terms of storytelling.

This one in particular is probably
one of the weakest moments in the anime
for me

Also, I was not a fan of the ending and the last episode in general. But I am a minority on this.

I am sure all of you will enjoy it very much.

Although, to be fair, I can see the
appeal in the last episode.
It is done really well from a
technical standpoint.

Characters?

Alright! So now here comes the gold mine of this series, it's expansive and colorful cast of characters.

Main Characters:

Yuzuru Otonoshi

Age- 17-18 (I don't know, he is highschool age. Get off my back)

Occupation- SSS Brigade member, senior in highschool (I believe)

Personality- Open, positive, resourceful, considerate, a free thinker and great in emergency situations

Static/Dynamic

HERESY

Yuzuru is the newest addition to this crazy afterlife and subsequently came with amnesia like everyone else apparently did.

What he was able to retain from his transfer to the land of the newly deceased was his personality and his name. And his personality is really what helps you stick and concern yourself with his feelings throughout the story.

His honest and resourceful persona comes in handy in numerous occasions and encounters in his progression through the plot. And he quickly becomes a very favored member in the SSS Brigade with his good deposition, positive personality and his tendency to act at the soonest given opportunity especially when concerned with a friend of his as well as his willingness to do so.

I REALLY like his chemistry with most of the
characters, Hinata in particular

At times, Yuzuru thinks outside of the norms from the other members of his brigade and, for that reason, he and is ideals (along with his sanity) are brought into question at times by the other members. 

But all of his actions and decisions are done in earnest good will for some force. 

And like all of the backstories of the characters from this anime, his is... heartbreaking.

Sure, all of the other character's have sad and tragic past lives but his is just on a whole different level I think.

Oh yes, there will be tears

His backstory is so good that I think it could be made into an OVA all by it's self and still be incredibly powerful. 

It is one of the few moments in watching anime or reading manga that have actually managed to make me cry. 

And I think it is the ONLY moment that has managed to make me cry again on a second viewing knowing that it was coming.

It isn't even needlessly tragic because it defines his personality, his way of acting and themes of the anime so indescribably well. It might actually constitute a Feelscast post sometime.

Yuri Nakamura

Age- 17 (Probably the same age as Yuzuru)

Profession- Being a total badass. Oh and leader to the SSS Brigade.

Personality- Observant, calculating, trusting, rebellious, adaptable, can look at the big picture and a great leader

Static/Dynamic

All while being... incredibly pretty.

Haruhi Su- I mean Yuri Nakamura (or Yurripe for short) is essentially the big boss leader lady for the SSS Brigade.

She commands (and earns) the respect of her fellow SSS Brigade members through her wit and her prowess in their operations.

While being the leader and calling the shots, she is no pushover and can hold herself incredibly well in any type of combat and will beat the crap out of you if you slip up in a fight. 

Leadership powers activate!

Yurripe has a lot of personality in her voice and she can persuade, or command, anyone to do just about anything for her no matter how they feel about the matter.

This is not painting her essentially well... but she is the type to raise the morale and spirits of a group whenever necessary and she will see an operation or objective seen to the very end by any means.

However strict she might sound, she is actually very chummy with all of the members of her crew and she openly  and frequently accepts new ideas and strategies from her fellow operatives.

Yurripe shows her love to her brigade quite often, in her own way of course, and will fight for them to her not-so-final demise.

Kanade Tachibana (Angel)

Age- Presumably 17-18

Profession- Matter-shifting president of the student council

Personality- Awkward, unassuming, quick to hide emotions and a bunch of other stuff I can't spoil

Static/Dynamic

Now Kanade is the resident jigsaw puzzle subject of this anime. 

Kanade please, I am trying to make you sound threatening.
Do ya mind?

This is the character that you are told from the very beginning is trouble. And to be fair, it is very easy to believe.

Angel is an incredibly mysterious character. We don't know where she came from (she apparently has been there from the beginning according to the SSS Brigade), we don't know her motives, we don't know if she is God's emissary, we don't know what she is doing and we especially can't say why.

What we do know about this character is that she is a force to be reckoned with.

Kanade has mysterious abilities that no other spirit of the realm possesses being able to produce blades from thin air and wield them with deadly accuracy and skill (enough to deflect bullets shot in her direction). She also has other mysterious talents such as cloning, creating shields of energy and being incredibly nonchalant about the whole deal all at the same time.

Her main problem lies in the disappearances of the other characters.

Both the characters and the audience don't know how she made them disappear but what we do know is that she is involved with it.

Past this, I can't discuss much more about this character due to spoilers but just know that every one of her actions are justified by the very end.

Hideki Hinata

Age- 17-18 (Ok almost everyone is about this age, I am done with this xD)

Profession- SSS Brigade member, highschool senior and a member of the baseball club in his past life

Personality- Confident, expressive, trustworthy, loyal, quick to defend himself and a good friend

Static/Dynamic (I think)

The yaoi jokes are not his only reason for
being there, I promise!

Hideki is one of the veteran members of the SSS Brigade and a friend to Yuri.

Honestly, I am not sure if he should even be in the main character category because there honestly isn't much to say about him. But I am going to keep him here seeing that he is very close to the protagonist and is frequently seen throughout the events of the story.

I mean don't get me wrong, I liked him a lot as a character, it's just that looking back he does not really provide very much to the story other than some great comedy.

Hideki is mainly there, on screen, to aid the protagonist in his efforts, support him in his times of doubt and mainly acts in that "best friend character" sort of matter concerning most of the members of the brigade. And honestly... I think I like it this way.

He acts as that wall you need to bounce your ideas off of. Except that this wall can kick ass and fight for you because it is an incredibly loyal wall.

Hideki may be called an idiot (like most of the people in this series) but I think it is mostly a friendly jab him.

If I remember correctly, he doesn't make a single enemy throughout the series and I think that in itself says something big.

Yui

Age- 16-17 or possibly younger (thank god, some diversity in age D; )

Profession- SSS Brigade member assisting with propaganda, a member of the diversionary squad

Personality- Energetic, expressive, incredibly positive, adamant/stubborn and very willing to assist

Static/Dynamic (for the most part I think)

Again, with this character, I don't really know if I should be grouping her with the main characters. This time around because she does not appear within the main action as much as the other main characters in the series.

Maybe I am putting her on this list because I want to elaborate why I liked her so much in the series...

But with that said, now THIS character was a joy to have on screen. 

The... image speaks for itself.

Not only was she the funniest and most enjoyable character to watch on screen (mainly due to her quirky personality, unique animation style paralleling her constantly active state and her hilarious way of dealing with her situations) but I believe she had some very defined roles and met them all to a very inspiring degree

Despite her seemingly minor role in the scheme of things within the actioney parts and operations, she was probably the number 1 fan of the high school rock band "Girls Dead Monster". And one might ask what the heck that has to do with anything. 

So I will explain that the band acted as one of the primary forces of the diversionary squad which had long been working as one of the key elements in the success of the various operations of the SSS Brigade. 

Have I mentioned that I am a sucker for fangs?
That might factor into my love for her character
just a tad ._.

Yui's love of the band eventually (or easily) drove her to spread their name across the school. I mean seriously in her premier scene, she is seen illegally posting posters for their concert around the school's bulletin board. 

And if her role in the success of the SSS Brigade doesn't count much for her character, the relationships she forms with the other members probably will.

Yui is a very underestimated force amongst the ranks of the SSS Brigade typically being seen as some typical trendy ditz. And... honestly I could easily see why they would think so. But I believe that, with events in the story, she makes a name for herself and consistently tries to prove everyone wrong despite all of the criticism that she receives. That tenacity she has inspires me a bit and, with revelation to her backstory, all of it is put into perspective and respect is given where I believe respect is due.

Minor Characters:

Nota: He is the big tough guy character who wields a big halberd and is defined by his brash and brazen personality. Nota notably forms a... friendly rivalry (?) with the newcomer Yuzuru in attempts to make him know his place as a newcomer (in his opinion). Despite how harsh and out-there he is when it comes to his relationships, he always acts under the name of Yuri and holds unquestionable loyalty to her and the cause of the SSS Brigade, whatever it that might be at the moment. He is the typical act-and-ask-questions-after sort of guy but his personality does show through these actions for the most part.

Oyama: The cute little boy who is instantly introduced as the boy with no specific talents. He is sensitive and gentle but acts when he is told to and always works with the SSS Brigade in mind despite how much of a screw-up he can be at times. His comedic value mainly stem from his sensitivity and his... no talent having ability?

Takamatsu: Probably one of the more unremarkable characters that provides some comic relief when it is needed in a very... special way. He is introduced as an "idot who perks up his glasses to make him look smart". Well that is a good start.

Matsushida (5th-dan): An expert in judo and a somewhat serious figure, he is one of the main assets to the SSS Brigade in its operations with his willingness to do anything for the common good of the group. Despite this, he remains earnest and modest in personality.

I can guarentee you that at least one of TK's
one-liners will become one of your catchphrases.
They are THAT good.

TK: A mysterious character whom no one knows anything about. Well, that is all fine and dandy but the fact remains that he only speaks in Japanese on occasion... preferring to speak in short random English phrases most of the time. TK is the most out of place and yet most essential member to the comedy crew that is the SSS Brigade with his consistent movement (seriously, I could probably count the frames of still animation for this character on my hands and feet), his hard-on for everything dance and the perfection of his timing. His comedic value stem from his... well his everything. I think there is a physical law written in some journal of physics somewhere that states that he is impossible not to like.

Masami Iwasawa: The "cool beauty" type of the SSS Brigade and essentially the leader of the diversionary squad as the band leader for "Girls Dead Monster". Her reputation precedes her as an incredibly talented musician who's personality is a calm, cool and understanding one. Humble in action, she appeals to the group and the audience with her music and it is likely that some of her songs will make it to your iPod. They are REALLY that good as they become almost essential songs throughout the story's progression.

Takamatsu: He is an honors student who aids the group with his talents in hacking and other computer matters. He fights muscle with logic and is usually never seen in direct fighting but he does become one of the most necessary assets to the group with his talents. And as such... wants to be called Christ. No seriously.

Eri Shiina: She is known as the quiet and unmatched master of combat and typically fights with a ninja-esque repertoire of offensive moves and weapons. She is the unspoken but deadly force of the group... and that is what makes it all the funnier when comedy comes in her direction.

Ayato Noi: The student council vice president who abuses his position of power frequently. There is not much I can say about him due to spoilers but he does cause some serious problems for the group around episode 6. UUUGH!! I REALLY want to talk about him more but I can't!

The characters are far and wide and, with time, you will come to love at least the majority of them which is probably one of the strengths of this series as a whole.

I think it would technically be cheating to say that the SSS Brigade, as a whole, is the protagonist in the story, but that is how I honestly felt at times. 
It was refreshing to see a group so tightly knit among themselves in an anime where a lot of the conflict comes from within it's social groups. 
No matter what changes the group happened to be facing, (whether it was fighting a game-changing element in the climax, sacrificing themselves for the good of the group or serving a giant sea monster as food to a very large school in one afternoon) they ALL stuck together through everything, worked off of each other's weaknesses and were a cohesive unit.

I think it would be safe to say that the characters are probably one of the best aspects of the series because of their sheer loveablity and their teamwork. The audience (for the most part) comes to know and appreciate who they are, their motivations and their chemistry in order to tell a great narrative with a lot of comedy on the side.

They body that is the SSS Brigade stands unified and strong against all forces!

And of course, what is a body without it's brain
=3

Each of the characters fill their roles quite nicely albeit the majority of them being particularly shallow. 

The characters are great in their own context but outside of their group, there is not much to any of them (with exceptions of course) and the majority of these characters are great in the context of a comedy anime and that alone.

However, because this is (for the most part) a comedy they all fit and they all perform to the best of their abilities as characters and REALLY make this show worth watching.

Sound?

Now THIS is definitely another place where the anime shines.

Starting off it's killer soundtrack, it is able to do anything from supercharge a moment of 

While I do not care much for the main intro to the series (emphasis on main, I loved the intro to the 4th episode), I cannot praise the use of sound in this anime enough.

Concerning it's killer soundtrack, it is probably one of the best that can be offered when talking about visual-to-musical paralleling. 

Angel Beats' soundtrack can take dips into the sad and depressing songs and instantly bounce back up to change with the mood of the scene, perfectly matching and adding emotion or atmosphere to almost any scene that it has.

One of the best parts about this soundtrack is that it also knows when it needs to be loud and memorable and when it needs to sit back and take a quiet but supportive role to the scene (or when it just needs to stop altogether).

The anime's Japanese voice acting is all top tier as well. Each and every character is given a trademark voice that you can instantly and immediately recognize the face with and it was VERY difficult to find fault in all of the aspects of the voice acting including projection and line delivery making it believable or comedic when it mattered.

Also worth of note are the sound effects and musical cuts for comedic effect. Oh my goodness I can't get over the use of these effects and the use of music in all of these cases. It may just be my kind of humor, but almost died laughing when it came to the use of the music at some parts of the story. 

Overall, I can't praise the sound enough. It was incredible both in and out of context.

Animation & Art style?

Again, it probably looks like I am sucking this animes giant swelling wang at this point but I still have to give my positive opinion concerning the animation and the art style of the anime.

I particularly enjoyed the animation
in these band scenes.
You will too. Trust me.

Like the music, the art direction for this particular anime is both top notch and it encompasses a variety of styles to suit the tone it want's to convey. 

However overdramatic I think some of the moments were,
it was all directed very well.
This is some Nazi shit here.

It's shots are very diverse and dynamic and it's use of color really adds atmosphere to a scene whether it wants to suit a meaningful or dramatic moment, a comedic clash among characters or a shocking and possibly depressing scene.

I particularly enjoyed practically all of the character designs both outfit-wise and their choices concerning their facial features. The wide and deep eyes are of particular note and they are used to great effect to heighten and possibly enhance the emotions of the characters whether negative or positive.

The images and animation can range from colorful and expressive frames highlighting the lightheartedness of a moment or the darkness-stained images of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching moments the series has to offer.

And emotions and themes were expressed
in ways and with images I have never seen before.

As another note on the animation, it (along with seemingly everything in this damn series) fit its respective moments and tones exceedingly well.

Whether it was the generally smooth, clean and enjoyable animation around the normal action or serious bits or the caricatured, speedy and hilarious frame-by-frame animation used primarily around the comedic moments, the anime was able to fit each of its scenes with the most appropriate style.

I swear I am not attracted to her!
I... I swear!

Overall, the animation, the artwork and especially the direction all plays in well into the story and its moments and is worthy of all the praise I give it. (Whatever that means exactly xD)

Overall Enjoyment?

Now, it may have been easy to guess by now that I really enjoyed this anime. Let me elaborate just a bit more before I move onto the final word.

The anime was a great and quick watch made even faster by its comedy and enjoyable characters.

I will never get over these
scenes with Yuzuru

However, although I say that it was quick, I believe that the anime excels in being able to have the audience understand exactly what is happening and why it is happening and, given the run time of the anime, it is not only an essential thing but it is a great achievement given the fact that we are thrown into this world with no context at the very beginning.

This combined with its incredibly memorable moments (innovative ones too as pictured below >:3) and characters makes for a great, yet quick experience that leaves little to be questioned at the very end.

Mmmmmm Yurripe- I mean
It IS a matter of life and death after all!
(Huehuehuehue)

... Ok so it does leave A LOT to be questioned at the very end but it should not matter that much.

While, again, I did not personally enjoy the ending, I am a minority on this and the ending is actually quite well done.

Although the God question is... well you will see
at the very end.

You will see what I mean exactly when I say that there is a lot to be questioned at the end but you do end up getting an idea of how everything ends for the characters and how the resolution of the world turns out.

All things considered, I had a very enjoyable ride with the SSS Brigade.

With the introduction each character to the conclusion, you get to know them more and more and come to enjoy their company. The interactions are all too real and, as I mentioned earlier, the prospect of the united group is not a new thing but it was particularly special in this case.

The progression was impeccable to the point where I found it hard to distinguish the moments by episode which is a rare thing.

The tones, while fluctuating from serious to funny in rapid succession never felt alienating and always felt natural. The ongoing jokes and gags as well are of note because, no matter how much they are done, the anime kept experimenting with the gags and always seemed to make even the lamest and most drawn out of jokes still very funny each time. And I am the kind of person that will walk out of a movie if a joke is done to death. 

... Unless Jim Carey.

And the moments, both the funny and the serious had me in tears in all meanings of the phrase.

Thanks to Key animation studios for the experience. It's been fun.

The results are in so let's look at the final score:

Plot/Progression- 8

Characters- 8

Sound- 9.5

Animation/Art Style- 9

Overall Enjoyment- 9.5

Final score: 8.8/10

Well, I am kind of glad the number came out like this because this is really how I do feel about the series. It IS really freaking good. And... like all the other things I have reviewed so far, it is not on my top ten list but it is an incredibly enjoyable series with a followable and pretty enjoyable story with an interesting premise.

The gold, for me, lies within the characters and the things I ended up learning about each of them. Teaching about the themes of making the most of the life that you have and... crap I can't say any of those other ones on the review can I?

... Well I hope that the review was to your liking everyone!

Look forward to the episode reactions I know Alice is planning on working on. It is definitely good to get another perspective on animes in general so we will just see what she thinks about it.

And I do hope my review is vague enough to keep you guessing at all the elements I am shooting at!

This is a well known anime but if you haven't checked it out already, I highly recommend it for anyone that feels like having some good non-cheap laughs at the expense of a few tears from the sad bits of the story.

The subject of next week's review will be announced somewhere at sometime! I am thinking between Steins;Gate, Utwaerumono or School Days. Or maybe I should review something negative... I will figure that out soon enough!

But for now thank you for reading up to here and I hope you enjoy!

Here. Have this.

-AvatarHippo