Review of Schwarzes Marken

The reason I'm writing this review, despite there being several positive others, is to attempt to correct what I feel is an underrating. Schwarzesmarken seems to be a generic mecha v monster anime (Muv-Luv, Gunparade March, and so on) but it is far more than that. Schwarzesmarken is an entry in the Muv-Luv universe, but it cuts out some of the romance and focuses on the setting and story, which in my opinion helps it go above and beyond others of it's kind. It tells the story of the BETA invasion into Europe, focusing on East Germany during the (BETA are strange-ass aliens who invaded Earth,for those who haven't seen Muv-Luv) and simultaneously delivers a commentary on the global political scenario present during the 1980's and the aftereffects of the Cold War. This, while incorporating drama and plot-twists, as well as good ol' mecha action. Too much? No.

Story 8.5/10 :
I don't believe in generous marking personally, but Schwarzesmarken merits an 8.5. As said before, it successfully incorporates drama, idealism, a little romance, and pretty good action into one show, without individually detracting from any of them. The idealism might make you wince at times, but the tale told about the 666th Squadron's fight against both the BETA and human foes is an enthralling one.

Art 8/10:
The art is good, but nothing to write home about. The action sequences are well animated, and the backgrounds and character designs suit the grittiness of the narrative. Some of the mech CGI sequences are a little iffy, but when isn't CGI iffy?

Sound 7/10:
The sound did it's job, but again, nothing special. The OP sets the scene well, while the ED is average. The BGM complements the show well, however.

Characters 9/10:
Now, this is where Schwarzesmarken shines. The main characters have detailed and comprehensive backstories, and for a 12-episode anime the character development is phenomenal, if a little focused. The interactions between the squad, and our protagonist's ideological leaps and emotional growth are a pleasure to watch. The supporting cast could have done with a little more time, but we can't have everything. The cast also, surprisingly, seems to avoid falling into the tropes and character archetypes that haunt anime for the most part, which in itself is intriguing. (Well, not the idealistic I-wanna-save-the-world loli, but she doesn't really ruin it.)

Enjoyment 9/10:
If the message hasn't gotten across, THIS SHOW IS WORTH YOUR TIME.
The first few episodes are a little dull, and full of cliches, which might be why people don't like the anime, but if you stick it out, you'll certainly conclude this anime with satisfaction, and perhaps, a little wistfulness.

It is perhaps not a masterpiece, but it's certainly better than most anime out there, and has a little something to suit every viewer's tastes. Every week when the episodes came out, I prioritized Schwarzesmarken over Grimgar or KonoSuba, which says something. :p
If you're looking for something to watch, Schwarzesmarken is it.