Review of Blood Blockade Battlefront

I have to redo my review because the previous one didn't explain anything (just like the show). I personally love Kekkai Sensen, but I sadly have to acknowledge that it has big faults. Kekkai Sensen is a very frustrating show because it is one step away from greatness. When it comes to aspects that are normally very difficult to do, it excels. However, it fails at one or two very important aspects. If this show's problems were fixed, it might actually overtake my current favorite: Cowboy Bebop. Its biggest problem is the lack of explanation when it comes to very crucial elements. There are three things thatKekkai Sensen never takes the time to explain or establish: The plot, the characters, and the superpowers. The extent of what each character can do is completely unknown. On top of that, to prevent you from ever understanding anything, the show will add new superpowers all of a sudden without explaining those either. It is complete chaos. Every episode feels like there was a timeskip before it. The plot is also completely ambiguous. What is Libra? What do they do? Who are the Blood Breeds? The moment you feel like you understand something, the plot leaps forward and leaves you behind, all the while adding a completely new character every episode, making it impossible to keep up.

On the other hand, it does so many things well that I usually expect anime to fumble:
- Leo is a great execution of a "weak" protagonist. I am glad that they did not max out his wimpiness and kept it at a realistic level.
- Leo is interesting because he's not the protagonist who has a power that lets him beat up baddies. The authors managed to give him a superpower that is pure utility/support, but at the same time make it convincingly very important and useful.
- The characters were great. Although some of them are shallow, they were all very likeable.
- The setting is phenomenal. I don't know what time era of New York this is, but it's sort of like retro Sam Raimi Spiderman type of New York.
- The romance subplot was very well executed because of how subtle it was. Leo's interactions with White felt very realistic.
- The episodic nature of the show was great. Every episode had something fresh and entertaining. I just wish the characters were more well established.
- Since the last few episodes were easier to digest, it really showcased the potential of this anime. The ending and its setup were superb. Some of the episodes near the end were a blast.
- The humor worked more often than not.