ROKKA NO YUUSHA

DESCRIPTION

CAST

NOVEL ActionRokka no Yuusha
SPECIAL ActionRokka no Yuusha Picture Drama
MANGA ActionRokka no Yuusha

REVIEWS

• 

  Peng

  30/100
  Elementary, my dear Watson

  It’s _Murder on the Orient Express_, except instead of a transcontinental train ride we’re in ancient Mesoamerica with demon gods and magic, and instead of a carriage of bourgeoisie tourists we have six heroes selected to defeat said demon god. The whodunit mystery is a genre sure to peak people’s interest. And, when done correctly, can be both an infinitely frustrating yet infinitely gratifying experience. Unfortunately, _Rokka no Yuusha_ was far more of the former than the latter. A demon god has been resurrected and is threatening to destroy the world. As with each time this apocalyptic threat has occurred in the past (you’d think that they’d have thought of a more permanent solution by this stage), six mighty heroes have been chosen to save the world. Among those selected is our protagonist: a charismatic, artful, and dare I say _foxy_ young man specially trained to dispatch of fiends and other demon-nasties; the ‘strongest man in the world’, Adlet Mayer. The only problem is, when Adlet and the rest of the gang gather, there’s seven of them. We have an imposter on our hands! And, given the circumstances, Adlet is the group’s prime suspect. The key to any good story, but perhaps more so for something which aims to be as immersive as a whodunit, is to treat the audience with the respect. Greats of the genre such as Agatha Christie and Rex Stout did just this: the crime is set, we are given the clues and maybe a couple of red herrings along the way, but in the end, whether we successfully solve the mystery or not, we are satisfied with a well thought-out, reasonable and comprehensive ending. By _Rokka no Yuusha_’s conclusion, however, I did not feel as satisfied as I did insulted. The flaws of the series are diverse, but the fatal failing lies in the construction of the mystery itself. The actual structuring of the series was the first problem. The actual mystery isn’t introduced until the end of the fourth episode (in a twelve episodes series). Up till that point, we had some pretty average world-building and exposition and were introduced to four of our potential impostors, including Adlet. One of these characters wasn’t given nearly as much screen time, backstory or development as the other three were. To put it simply, he was one-dimensional. Like, seriously – his single defining character trait is his loyalty/love-borderline-possessiveness of another character. And this is an issue with the three remaining characters introduced post-episode four: they simply aren’t as fleshed out as what is our primary trio, mainly due to their relative lack of screen time. What we’re left with is a couple of semi-interesting characters and a bunch of bland archetypes. Consequently, we as the audience are quickly able to eliminate majority of the cast from suspicion, simply due to their lacklustre characterisations. In fact, I found myself trying to decide between two of the suspects for most of the series. The second problem was the actual reveal. It wasn’t surprising at all, especially given the aforementioned formatting of the series and the inequality of screen time allocation given to the various characters. In fact, it was nearly too simple. But that wasn’t my primary gripe. Nor was the ridiculous, deus ex machina-esque clue that catalysed the resolution – it was so far-fetched that you literally need a degree in meteorology to even have a chance at identifying it. Rather, it was the motivations of the perpetrator. A plot twist is a common device in whodunits. Except, _Rokka no Yuusha_’s big twist was as ludicrous, arbitrary and down-right stupid as something from an M. Night Shyamalan movie. In fact, that’s exactly what it felt like. A character does a near 180-degree reversal and we learn things about him/her that come straight outta left field. The resolution was as dumbfounding as it was ridiculous. You might even find it laughable. But, all things considered, it was insulting. There’s also an equally frustrating and ludicrous ending post-the big reveal that sets things up for a sequel, but for all intents and purposes, I’m just going to ignore it. It’s unfortunate, because in spite of the easily dismissible characters and asspulls near the conclusion, the mystery element was fun. The various clues, red-herrings and logical conundrums posed, for the most part, all lend themselves to continuously peak the curiosity and engagement of the viewer. The suspense was aptly maintained, largely due to the cliff-hangers that every episode would finish on. As mentioned, the characters are a definite weakness of the series. Apart from Adlet, whose charisma alone makes up for his rather cliché tragic backstory, I didn’t really care much for any of the characters. Other than a couple of nuances here and there, the vast majority of the cast were cardboard cut-outs, and some were just plain despicable. As such, whilst the suspense in the series is superb, there’s no real tension in the action sequences as none of the characters make an emotional impact. That, and plot armour. Which was another issue. The series had a difficult time choosing if it was a whodunit or a fantasy action series. That’s not to say the two have to be mutually exclusive. Only, the action sequences didn’t really add anything to the series, and if anything, detracted from time that could have been spent forging better-rounded, developed characters, thereby elevating the mystery aspect. The inconsistent animation quality didn’t help either. The budget limitations were distractingly obvious at times – as in, it occasionally looked really awful. The CG fiends were plain ugly. The ancient Mesoamerican setting, whilst intriguing at first, quickly lost its appeal as the setting stagnated and we were treated to the same background-types over and over again. Namely, jungle and the interior of a temple. Character designs were pretty cool though. It’s a shame, really. _Rokka no Yuusha_ was, for the most part, a fun, engaging, suspenseful watch. The issue is it doesn’t treat itself or the audience with intelligence. Poorly thought-out episode formatting, bland characters and a farcical conclusion make this an asinine series - which is the last thing you want a whodunit to be. That said, if you can ignore the pure doltishness the show eventually degrades itself to, you might end up enjoying _Rokka no Yuusha_ a lot more than I did.
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• 

  AmishaelAL

  91/100
  Not objectively flawless (what anime is?), but tremendously enjoyable and definitely addictive.

  Rokka no Yuusha

  Okay, now this was a really good show. And I mean REALLY good. Not objectively flawless (what anime is?), but tremendously enjoyable and definitely addictive.

  It starts off as more of an action series, with the main mystery only really being introduced around a third of the way through. Although the series does change tone quite a lot once the mystery is introduced, if you liked the beginning few episodes chances are you’ll like the rest. On the other hand, if you didn’t like the first few episodes, give it a few more – up till about ep 6 - before deciding one way or the other. You might be surprised.

  The setting was really unusual, what with the Aztec theme and everything. It gave a unique feel to the show, and was altogether a nice change. There wasn’t much world building that wasn’t directly related to the Braves. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more exposition, but it could easily have just become useless filler, so I’m basically glad they stuck to the parts they did.

  Whilst the story had some generic elements to it, there were a few twists that gave it more depth – the idea of the recurring 6 braves, the saints, the fiend culture and their relationship with humans. The whole way magic was portrayed in this show was unique and interesting.

  The characters were probably one of my favourite parts of this anime. The MC, Adlet, was exactly the type of character I can’t stand in most anime. However here I thought he was brilliant. His characteristics were just done right. Appropriate backstory, and only brought in when necessary. His backstory actually added a lot, explained his character, and was quite interesting. it didn’t feel like filler when brought in. He was also a character who was consistent in his personality traits, but mature enough to recognise his faults and overcome them. Above all, he wasn’t a hypocrite. He practiced what he preached, and I think that’s why I liked him so much, despite being fed up of hearing the words ‘strongest man in the world’ which he seemed to use every time he spoke.

  Fremy was also an excellent character. Her development was lovely to watch, and quite emotional at times too. Her backstory was fascinating, and, like Adlet’s, brought in at exactly the right time. I actually didn’t like her much initially, but by the end of the series she had completely won me over.

  Most of the other major characters were developed decently. Hans’ character in particular was fascinating, and I looked forward to every time he came on screen. Nachetanya and Mora could have done with a bit more time spent on their backstories, but the only one who really needed some more depth to them was Goldov. He was the only one dimensional brave, and as a result the only one I couldn’t have cared less about throughout the series.

  The mystery next. Some might call it slow paced, but I think the pacing was perfect. Each part of the mystery is explained in enough depth for the viewer to understand, but without going into every little detail. The anime managed to keep the suspense up throughout – you really are guessing who the 7th is right until the end. And it doesn’t contradict itself either, there are a lot of little hints hidden along the way but you can only put them together one you have enough info to understand what they meant in hindsight. It’s clever. I do think that at one point very near the end there was just a little too much coincidence at play, it was more like the screenwriters said ‘Oh hey! We’re nearly finished, and they haven’t got anywhere near close to solving it yet! Let’s just give the characters an epiphany!’ That part needed to have been drawn out more, although not at the expense of any of the other scenes. The anime really needed more than 12 episodes to get everything in properly.

  As for the art and animation, they were great. Lots of vibrant colours, which then darkened as the mood became grimmer. The way the op changed throughout the series was a nice touch, and fitting. The character designs were fine, although none of the animal characteristics were explained for anyone besides Hans. (I’m a bit curious about this. Maybe the light novel explains it?) The action scenes were mostly marvellous. Really well animated – well, except for the CGI attacks, some of which quite frankly looked poor. Especially Mora’s. A few CGI scenes didn’t make much difference overall though. The sound was good, no complaints on that front.

  Minor bugbear: Flemy’s outfit. There doesn’t seem to be excessive fanservice in this show or anything, so I’m not taking a point off, but dressing her like that didn’t add anything whatsoever to the show. Whatever. Moving on.

  The ending was slightly disappointing, it felt rushed compared to the rest of the series, and I know I for one could have done with some more explanation on a couple of the events. Hope there’s a second season, I’m anxious to see how the rest of their adventure unfolds.

  Overall: A great watch. A few parts that felt rushed, but on the whole really enjoyable and entertaining. I’d recommend if you like whodunit mysteries, anime with good action, or adventure series. XD

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• 

  moistmossyroc

  73/100
  And the Goddess said let there be si-even... hmm, wait a minute?

  Overview:
  
  Being raised by child abuse and the loss of your entire village is quite something. The main Hero, or should it be said The Strongest Man In The World… Adlet who is The strongest man in the world, self-proclaimed at least. For those who know he is the strongest man in the world, sigh alright now we are just veering on how much it is said in the anime lol. Adlet was at a young age when he witnessed the brainwashing of his entire village. He was barely able to escape through the will and perseverance from his best friend and sister. They sacrificed themselves for him to escape the events that had unfolded. He however, does not hold anything against the villagers as they were merely trying to survive and adapt to the fear of changing times. Adlet does however push the blame on the one who convinced and pushed this action upon the villagers. As the demand to show they were true to commitment was to kill, rip the hearts out of those who resist or oppose the deal, by a villager not having the will to do so, would show they are not committed and thus those who are would kill them. It is a sick mental game that was played, while at the same time clever since it would abolish any thoughts left behind about opposing this change. Adlet, after breaking free by the sacrifices by the ones he held dear, searches and finds a old warrior that he is trains under. This is where he learned his skills of battle and to smile in the midst of adversity, never to waver in his actions.
  The world is one where a land of demons expands and an eventual demon god is born. When the demon god is born there are 6 heroes, or braves that are chosen by the goddesses blessing. These braves are the ones that are to travel and kill said demon god. Each brave being marked by a crest that is blessed onto their body. Each crest in the shape of a flower with 6 petals. Representing the goddesses power blessed to them. In the first instance of heroes being born, it was the goddess who split her powers into 6 equal pieces. Represents the name of the show and like the strongest man in the world is referenced and talked about to the point one would assume it will appear on a test.
  Of course Adlet is chosen to be one of these six braves. After being chosen, he and one of the other braves makes their way to the rendezvous point of legend that all the others will meet up at so they can travel together and take down the demon god. Another six is met very shortly in travels to this rendezvous point, one that was not intending to meet up and rather take the demons realm on solo. Adlet couldn’t let that happen and wants to protecc. Some time passes and they are then met with a dilemma of a ruin, a forest, a false Brave and a bad lineup of events. Which is where over 2/3’s the season takes place. In these events, they are sealed in an area and quickly shifts from adventure anime to mystery. The mystery aspect being that there are 7 braves somehow. While that should be impossible as there are only allowed to be six and a max of six as far as anybody knows. Adlet gets a bit framed as being the false hero and is needing to clear his name while rooting out the real culprit that is hiding among the other 6 who claim to be chosen by the goddess as well.
  There is a good setup and mystery throttled on with waves of curiosity that ramp up and down. Went in without realizing it would flip in this direction and it was for the best, gave a more enjoyable experience. By the end of the mystery forest arc not the real arcs name, the false hero is exposed, yet immediately after, we are shown that was not the end and only the beginning. Since there is yet another brave six that show up? So I guess its brave 8 now but minus 1 as they were confirmed and exposed as false… yet there is still one more false profit spreading lies to the group. Season however ends right with that revelation as they enter into the demon realm.

  Visuals/Music:
  
  Given the time that this anime released the visuals are better than most would expect. If anything it even tops modern tv releases still. It is not the best and the most prominent flaw is the CGI… but that is not unexpected, CGI doesn’t look good even in todays anime yet. Age always further shows how bad CGI is mixed with regular animation. It does not take away from much, it is used but not bad by any means. Simply put not as good as one would hope, while being about what one would expect from the age and time of its release.
  Music is something else though, it is very well done and if anything overshadows the shows story and animation. It is on par with movie standards of OST’s which was very very surprising. Every moment one of the OST starts playing, it truly keeps the viewer on edge and fully immersed regardless of whats going on. While the OST is very well done, it does feel at times to be a bit too much for the show though. At times having thoughts of it not matching as well with times as it should. The OST’s do feel like they could have been better utilized in another media. Honestly not sure if that is a bad or good thing. Could be viewed either way.

  Final Thoughts:
  
  For those wanting a action that shifts into a mystery holmes who did it pink panther type of anime with magic… easy recommendation. It is by no means anything groundbreaking, it does not need to be though. IT conveys a good story with well thought out characters. Adlet and his backstory are well done from what was shown so far and hopefully if another season happens, further expansion of the others with more character development could easily happen. There is a lot of potential sitting on the table for this one, and if the OST is anything to go by can turn into a great anime by its finished conception.

  Characters (main) – 4/5
  Characters (sub) – 3/5
  Enjoyment – 3/5
  Visuals – 4/5
  Music – 5/5
  Story – 4/5
  Overall Ratings - Rec: 3/5 Raw: 73%

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