Review of Fairy Tail

(updated 9/19/18 for format and slight content revision) (updated 5/13/19 to remove prelim tag and content revision) Hi! Welcome to another Robert's Too Late Review! First of all, I am reviewing the 'dubbed' version of the show. There's a lot to address in this show, but if you come at it with open eyes, that it is very much similar to American 'popcorn blockbuster' movies, then you might well be fairly entertained. If you come looking for depth and complexity, not so much. Mindset and expectations play a great deal into whether this is silly or silly and fun for a viewer. Of course we will alsoanswer the burning question of whether or not Erza and crew made the RTLR wall of insanity!

Story: 7 *SPOILERS somewhat present in this section*
The story seems to be a very recycled version of: find bad guy, fight bad guy, lose, get incredibly angry and gain new powers, beat the tar out of bad guy, profit? This is rehashed several times throughout the series in different arcs. The writers try to keep it somewhat fresh with new powers, and kind of exotic characters (there's what appears to be a member of KISS in one arc, seriously) but it still is repetitive. Sometimes we gain glances into character's pasts, such as Lucy actually being rich, Erza being a former child slave, but those take a backseat to meet bad guy, beat up bad guy. Not always a bad thing, just don't expect Citizen Kane here. The story is just there to facilitate showing new bad guys, and showing ever increasing levels of powers from the heroes. The repetition actually for me is a comfort thing. I know about every 3rd or 4th episode I'm going to get to shout "F*ck them up, Natsu (or Erza)" and the show will comply, because these Fairies just cannot be stopped. Yeah the power of friendship and all, but there's a lot about the power of love between family, even what could be called an 'adoptive' family that is very appealing and pulls at the heartstrings. (Most) any member of Fairy Tail will put their lives on the line for any of the the others. That's a positive message I can get behind.

Art: 8
I love the animation and detail in the visuals. The magic crests are impressive, and the effects are often cool in and of themselves. I am a Lucy fan, but Erza's many magical armors and weapons are all really pretty darn cool. The characters all have traits that make them recognizable, which is not bad work when there's so many different characters, such as the drunk gal who never wears anything but a bikini top, or the old dude whose hair looks like a throwing star. The characters are easily recognizable even though they do change outfits quite often. With each new arc seems to come a new look for at least the big 3, Natsu, Lucy, and Erza. Regardless they are still easily recognizable. Cana seem to change clothes a lot too for a minor character.

Sound: 8
The effects are cool, explosions sound pretty like they look. One problem to note, and this is likely related to where and how I view the anime, but there are in my version, some inconsistencies in volume. Natsu's opening 'don't sit too close to the tv' speech is quite muted, dialog is at a normal level, but the theme songs and episode titles are harshly loud. Like I said, probably related to my particular method of viewing. This problem only seemed to last about 30 or so episodes in, after they quit giving the 'sit back from the tv' speech, the problem disappeared. Otherwise the dubbed voices are spot on. Happy can be annoying, but I adore Lucy and Erza's voices, Natsu sounds appropriately empty headed, and Grey sounds like a tough guy. The English dub also features *both* of my favorite voice talents, Jamie Marchi as (admittedly support character) Cana, and Brittney Karbowsky as Wendy Marvell. Not to mention Jad Saxton also appearing later in the run. Works for me.

Characters: 7
I rate the characters lower because they are fairly static, and seem to develop extra powers that only pertain to that particular battle/episode/arc. This isn't necessarily an indictment as I said, going in knowing it's a 'popcorn' anime, I knew we weren't getting hours and hours devoted to developing characters. They develop them just enough to lead to the next set piece or the next huge fight. Secrets are revealed for motivation to fight and basically just forgotten. Lucy is the cute blonde who summons weird spirit creatures who of course runs into situations where she can't summon. Erza is a magic knight that learns here and there to forgo her armor. Grey is the resident ice mage and is jealous of Natsu, the fire dragonslayer and Natsu himself is like so many other heroes, an ultra super powered idiot. They all just serve to bring the noise, which is acceptable if nearly mindless 'cool battles bro' is what you're going for, which as I say, isn't always a bad thing.

Enjoyment: 8
I watch this show with my 15 year old niece, and we love cheering our favorites on. She can't wait to see Grey bust out his ice powers, and I'm rooting for Lucy or Erza to kick some bad guy tail. Our enjoyment comes from the fact we don't have to keep up with the storyline so much. The bad guys are basically clearly marked, as are the good guys, so we just want to see some great action sequences. And in that capacity, Fairy Tail does NOT let us down. Yes, it does recycle for the most part over and over again, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. It's a show to watch when you want to see action without having to keep notes on the surrounding story line. It really is mindless fun if you want it to be. And if you do want to pay attention to the story, there not that bad, really. I really don't understand the hate this anime gets. If people don't like the repetition, just don't watch.

Best Girl: Gonna surprise you here I bet: Levy McGarden! I just love Levy, she's not got much screen time, but she's just so adorable when she does. And I totally think her and Gajeel should end up together. I'm so rooting for them through the 2014 series and the final season.

In conclusion, come into this anime to just watch without thinking. Laugh as Natsu and Grey stop fighting the bad guy to battle each other. Or when Erza bonks them both on the head and gets them back on track. Groan every time Lucy's summons does/says their catchprhase (this lessens greatly as the show goes on). As for the RTLR wall, Erza and Lucy both make the cut, representing the Fairy Tail crew. Watch for cool fights, stupidly over the top plots to set up those fights, and live happy the rest of your life!