Review of Blood Blockade Battlefront

Kekkai Sensen, is an interesting case. This shows feels like a hotpot of styles, and ideas, which by itself, is something very fresh and novel, compared to the tame and formulaic shows, being churned every year. But then again, I can see why this show can't really fit in everyone's bill of "Something I can like and be entertained from", for the simple fact that it does shows you one very colourful, and vivid entertaining picture, almost like watching stained glass panel, but if you're not really invested in the characters or the universe, or the way it's presented, you can totally takethis beforementioned image for just random pieces of coloured glass, with no coherence or much point of existance.

For the sake of objectivity, I must say, the story's setting and premise, and the concept of the show is borderline banal, and something you've probably seen a lot. This is not the show's strong point, so for the seekers of tight scripted, narrated driven story, with well defined acts - this show is not about this. The show's execution on the story department really does feel like one of the mangaka's older shows - Trigun, or another good example is Samurai Champloo.

The show's art is great, as well as the action choreographies, or the comedy skits, constantly changing the camera angles, or sometimes just stopping it, the show's a treat as a cinematographic sense, also the colour palettes really fits well with the setting, the rustic and dusty battered streets and buildings with the blazing and vibrant colour palettes of the character's abilities and all this.

The show's sound direction and OST are very well defined too, and crafted with good care for the setting and mood they're going for. 50-60's groove songs ? Check. Fast paced, jazzy battle themes ? You got it. Ambient and refreshingly calming classical pieces (Eric Satie's Gymnopedie 1, for the intersted) that really gravitates the viewer into the melancholy of the characters ? All''s there.

Character-wise, hmm, they sure are well crafted, conceptually, and their variety and quirks really fits like a glove for the show's setting, being this megapolis of demons and humans, with their distinct excentricities. The cast is memorable and entertaining to watch, even just for their banter alone. It has to be noted though, as far as character's depth, it leaves alot to be desired.

Is this show entertaining? Surely, there are decent amounts of hooks for alot of people, the fight scenes are nice and fluid, the animation alone is very quirky and expressive, the character design is memorable, the OST even by itself is a killer, and for the whole worldbuilding aspect of the show, it's very intriguing. Also, the show itself has very subtle irony of itself and it's setting, which is a nice touch.

Is this show for everyone ? As I've stated above, not really, tho if you're looking forward for something fresh, and non-stale, or you're a fan of Yasuhiro Nightow's other works, you can sure see his storytelling and infuences all over the place on this show.