Review of Shakugan no Shana: Season I

Shakugan no Shana, or "Shana of the Burning Eyes" is an anime within itself to be enjoyed. The story takes the idea of afterlife and brings forth new meaning to it. I have always enjoyed rinne, or spirited away animes. So this was a treat to find that it didn't try to be something that was out there now that has been overdone. The story starts off with Yuji Sakai, a young teenager, who finds that the world he lives in is not the world he thought it was. The spirit within him had died a long time ago, and he is now a "Torch".He meets a young girl, who calls herself a "Flame Haze", and soon learns that she destroys "Denizens" who merge into the world within what is called an "Unrestricted Method" to steal the Power of Existence from humans, or living Torches. Throughout the story, Shana meets many Denizens who try to invade the world around Yuji, and soon Yuji learns some things about himself that change the way he perceives the world.

Shana is a great character, for she has her ups and downs. She is still trying to learn things within herself, emotions she doesn't fully understand, because she's been trained to fight Denizens from a young age. In one of her past story episodes, we learn that the young Flame Haze had no name until she met Yuji -- a friendship that changes her forever.

I was so intrigued with this anime because of two things: 1.) the animation. The textures of the characters were so gorgeous, and Shana's Flame Haze state really made me love the embers surrounding her. Every detail is put into a character, and it made me really thankful to see first hand how delicious foods looked, how items looked great like utensils. Little intricate details that made this anime stand out really took me by surprise.

2.) the soundtrack. Battle themes were amazing, so much that they made me feel like the situation was intense and filled with emotion. Opening and ending themes were done by KOTOKO and Mami Kawada respectfully. I was so intrigued I listened to them each time, never wanting to skip. Battle music was climactic, and set the tone. Little gentle tones were for emotional and happier situations.

What I really loved most about the series is the character development that takes place within Shana's personality. She changes so much through the series, and her relationship with Yuji changes from slave work to a full on crush and realization that he may mean more to her than she gives credit for. Especially when Kazumi Yoshida comes into the picture.

Another thing I did not expect was to like Kazumi Yoshida. Once her character enters, you are feeling rivalry between Shana and Kazumi. Over time, this relationship changes to be more trusting. (Especially in Season Two -- but that's another review entirely, which I will point out then ^_^)

However, the ending finale of this season really was worthwhile. The series gave me fulfillment, and made me realize that the anime I neglected to watch years ago was better than I first imagined.

If you want an anime that is about afterlife, spirits, and romance with shoujo slice of life, then Shakugan no Shana is for you.