Release Date: Apr 4, 2016 to Sep 19, 2016
Number of Media: Originally a web novel (ongoing), light novel adaptation, manga adaptation, internet radio show, visual novel and two animated shorts series'.
What's It About: Re:Zero follows Subaru, a NEET who is suddenly transported to another world. At that time he is also afflicted with a curse called 'Return by Death', which allows him to revive back to certain points in time after death. The story revolves around Subaru learning about the new world he is in and the people in it, as well as the greater storyline surrounding the mysterious events that brought him there and his curse, which may be a far deeper predicament than initially thought.
The Good: This anime was given very high production values, and it really shows. The character designs are immaculate, and such extraordinary detail is now given to characters that even character artwork from three years ago now looks dated by comparison. The action scenes are very dynamic and richly detailed. The music is exceptional among anime soundtracks, particularly the insert song "Requiem of Silence", used at the end of Episode 15 (the best scene of the series). The plot is complex and the mythology of the universe hints at a much greater depth than what is explored in the first season, which flips back and forth between slice of life and horror.
The Bad: The plot's complexity leaves much to be desired in terms of an explanation. This first season explores very little in terms of the main plot and this also means that many of the show's mysteries remain unresolved (such as the explanation behind Subaru's Return By Death). This can leave viewers highly frustrated if not addressed adequately. It is possible to find out more by reading the novels, but this review remains anime-specific. This show also falls into the harem category - the single male protagonist is surrounded by numerous good-looking females who are all interested in him to some degree, which can also be quite off-putting. It limits the demographic of the story and this element of the show can detract from the main plot (Episode 18).
Best Character: Natsuki Subaru, in a sublime performance by his VA Yuusuke Kobayashi. Love him or hate him, Subaru is the catalyst for everything in the series, and his characterization is very complex. A character to both sympathize with and loathe simultaneously, my feelings towards him constantly yoyo back and forth. At times he shows real compassion for his comrades, but then we find out it is driven by selfish desires. It is over the course of the series and his constant resets that he is able to grow and learn the errors of his ways.
Should I Watch It: This series blew up on the internet as soon as it started airing, with either praise for its characters or criticism for its enormous plotholes and inconsistent storytelling. Regardless, this anime had a major effect on the Summer 2016 season and has since then become a staple of 2010s anime shows. As much as there is to dislike about it, there's alot to like, and I heavily look forward to seeing the direction the show goes in the future seasons.
Similar Shows: Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (2016), Steins;Gate (2011), Erased (2016)
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