Review of Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor
"So today's class will be a self-study period... 'Cause I'm tired" ~ Yours truly, Glenn Radars (Everyone's beloved Sensei) What started out as one of the promising shows of the season, was let down by the rapid pacing of the story that left many fans - readers or non-source readers alike - bewildered. Had this anime adapted less volumes or went for a 2 season split-cour, it would do a great justice to this light novel adaptation in a season deprived of quality magic action show. Story: 6 Art: 8 Sound: 8 Characters: 9Enjoyment: 9
Overall: 8
Personally, this show is a 10/10 for my taste. But for readers sake, bias are sidelined. Here are whats in store for you:
Kawaii looking girls, definitely waifu materials or to add to your own personal 2D harem
Costumes & hairstyles? Good inspiration for cosplay materials.
Comedy that doesn't feel out of place
Decent fight-scene
MC is someone who is more than meets the eyes
You'll curse at the MC, but then you'll change your mind (everytime)
You'd wish you had a teacher like Glenn Radars
You'd wish you had an oneesan like Celica
You'd wish you had Rumia as your wife, Re=L as your imouto and Sistine as your... err, it's a bit complicated
A hint of romance here and there, but just to tease you
Strength of this show? Comedy, the fight-scenes, fun soundtrack and enjoyable casts of characters.
Downside of this show? Pacing of the story, MC personality might not be everyone's cup of tea, you don't even know what is Akashic Records at the end of the day and it's a light novel adaptation.
Most light novel adaptation are borderline bad to watchable. Fortunately, Akashic Records sits above watchable but it is plagued by the pacing of the show itself. There are hardly any continuation in a light novel adaptation, since the purpose has always been to promote the source material.
Also, only Japanese readers can easily access and fully comprehend the source materials. Majority of the English readers would rely on fans translation or adaptation that takes years to complete and by the time it's done, chances are you're not even gonna bother reading it. At least manga have the pictures to do the talking, even if you don't understand the text.
Only few series are a notable exceptions, for example SAO. IMO, this trend and practice is slowly killing the anime industry. It's high time that producers rethink on how to run a sustainable business if budget is a concern in long run without compromising the quality of the show and fans interest, else we will forever be plagued with tons of poorly adapted LNs show every season in the years to come.
Lastly,
the show ended on an open note with a mixed signal, leaving behind a small hope for potential season 2 sequel, or it's just another gimmick by the producer trying to imply "go read the source material for continuation, The End" which unfortunately is a trend in the anime industry nowadays just to promote the source material. That, I leave to your imagination.
TL;Dr - Strongly recommended to watch as your Spring 2017 line-up, a must watch of avid fans of school-action-magic-comedy-romance subplot based settings, and to read the source materials to truly enjoy and immerse of what could have been a serious contender for anime of the season/year.