Angel Beats

Oh hai~!

Its your friendly friend Otaku-chan here, doing a brand spanking new review on one of the most hilarious slap-stick comedy (just a smidge of seriousness) that is 'Angel Beats!' Its only 13 episodes that was released way back in 2010 but nevertheless, this series does not disappoint at all. Not for a moment. Not for a second~! Here's why:

Firstly, as always a little introduction to 'Angel Beat's' as my japanese friends, Enjeru Bitsu~! (so cool). The story takes place as in most animation series, at a High School! However, there is one kind of major difference, its limbo for those who have died. But the catch is, the only way to move on, is to release any lingering attachments that they may still hold onto in their previous life before...being re-incarnated as barnacles. Only joking! Well, not about the re-incarnation part, just the barnacle. The story follows the events of Otonashi, a young man who has died, lost most of his previous memories and yet is seemingly hurled into his surroundings, sometimes, quiet literally as well! Once he meets and girl Yurippe or Yuri, hilarity ensures so definitely prepare for laughter and a box of tissues...you'll know why!

So that's just the beginning of the plot, the rest I won't spoil because I have too much respect for the animation series that is Angel Beats, it made me laugh, it made me cry. The characters. I have never found characters so hilarious, down to earth, comical yet serious, and again, just down right hilarious as each character comes to grips so as not to 'disappear'. Otonashi, as the main protagonist, is quiet enjoyable to watch as he adds a level of clarity to any situation against to the over-the-top antics of his classmates known as the 'SSS' also known as the Afterlife Battle-front. (Shinda Sekai Sensen) Yuri, being the leader of the SSS is portrayed as a leader should,being decisive and head-strong and often looking out for her sub-ordinates. Hinata had to be my all time favorite of this series, he's the friend everyone could rely on and took a strange liking to Otonashi. Other members include the TK, Takamatsu, Noda, Shiina, Yusa, Fujimaki, Matsushita the 5th dan, Oyama, Takeyama, Chaa, Naoi, a girl band 'Girls Dead Monster' - Iwasawa, Yui, Hisako, Irie, and Sekine. The antics of all these characters is hilarious is the most comical way, but again, I won't ruin it for you lovely people!

I was surprised by the amount of action within Angel Beats! Though my initial perception of this series was a slap-stick comedy, things did at times get very serious, especially with the introduction of the Angel. The fighting sequences were dazzling yet always had some humor thrown into the mix just to lift the sombre mood that they're already dead. With that being said, I would most definitely recommend watching this series  a few times, just for the hell of it!

The music...was so good! There was music that made me laugh in this series and yet, also made me tear up just a bit, especially towards the end. The opening theme 'My Soul, Your Beats' by Lia and the closing theme 'Brave Song' - Aoi Tada was magnificent. I would definitely recommend youtube-ing those music videos!

All in all this series had me stitches from laughter, it also tested me an Otaku, as i began to hold back what were tears of sadness when this series ended. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who is a veteran anime fan or just stepping into the world that is awesomeness. 

Video - 9/10

Audio - 9/10

Star Rating - 4.5/5 stars

As always, it has been a pleasure to review Angel Beats!