Year(s) of Release: 2005-2007
Story: Shin Yoshida
Karas is a 6-episode OVA that envisions a world in which humans co-exist with spirits, although humans can't really see them, or know that they're there. Each city has an assigned Karas, a human appointed superpower that watches over the spirits and humans to maintain a balance in the land.
ART SECTION: 8/10
General Artwork & Backgrounds 4/4: My first thought while watching this series was what the fuck?! because they used a blend of 2D & 3D animation. They pulled it off fantastically, mind you, but it certainly threw me off a little, considering the last time I personally saw that technique used was in Macross and I hate that series so, so much. The backgrounds are phenomenal. If you don't believe me, watch the series. The general artwork isn't anything super out of the ordinary, but it is different, eye-catching, and well planned out.
Character Figures 1/2: There was quite a bit of confusion for me watching the characters. While each character is drawn differently, there are many similarities, especially between the Karas in the film. Nothing like watching two Power Rangers go at it and not know which one you're cheering for, you know?
Watchability (Flow) 3/4: There was a great flow to the artwork that kept my eyes glued to the screen, but there are many gaps in the story itself that left questions unanswered, or unaddressed until much later in the film. Entire sections of the film, in fact, leave it up to the viewer to assume which events took place that weren't shown in the film.
STORY SECTION: 7/10
General Scenario 1/2: I'd have preferred to give this a well-deserved 2/2 rating, but there was just too much information missing from the storyline to warrant it. By the end of the series, you have all the information you need, but some of it is guesswork, and not everyone is great at guessing.
Pacing 2/2: Pacing is perfect. If it was slower I'd have passed out halfway through. If it was faster, I'd have thrown my remote at the TV because I wouldn't know what was happening.
Side Stories 2/2: Eko's side story is brilliant! There are a few side stories mixed in, but I find Eko's the best.
Plausibility 0/2: Yeah... no. Not even the slightest bit realistic.
Conclusion 2/2: While I enjoyed the ending to the series very much, I don't think the inhabitants of the city that it took place in did.
VALUE & ENJOYMENT SECTION: 7/10
I enjoyed watching this series quite a bit more than I would have thought. While it doesn't seem to have much in the way of a replay value (by my standards), it was thoroughly entertaining to watch, and was very original when compared to the vast quantities of anime out there in the world. Well executed in every aspect.
VERDICT: 22/30
If you enjoy watching swordsmen with magical powers and spirits getting chopped up, then you'd like this.
Also, I think the creator has a hard-on for ravens.
SUGGESTION LIST
Ghost Slayers Ayashi
*blank stare*
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