Review of Hyouka

This Review is out of 100. 35/100 for Story, 35/100 for Characters, 15/100 for Sound, 15/100 for Animation Story: (31/35) Slow paced, not the most exciting, but definitely interesting and pays attention to detail. Characters: (28/35) Not much development, but they are likable and stay away from the norm. Sound: (11/15) Nothing to write home about, but nothing bad. What you come to expect from slice of life. Animation: (14/15) Really well done, very detailed, while not being overly cute. Some episodes are just gorgeous.Overall: (84/100)

One thing this series has over traditional slice of life shows is that stuff actually happens. This show is basically a slice of life, where the characters solve mysteries that happen in their daily lives. The mysteries themselves are not very epic, but are more everyday mysteries. On the surface, they sound boring, and some of them kind of are, but many of them get more complex and interesting as it goes on. The show is slow paced, mainly because it needs to show more detail given the fact it is a mystery. (31/35)

While I won't call the plot boring, I would call the main characters boring at first look. They all seem like your normal, generic characters: airhead (Chitanda), the best friend (satoshi), and the strict loudmouth (Ibara). But each of them has something that makes them stand out from the rest, and most of their characterization comes from that.The actual main character is a bit different. He is incredibly lazy, boring, but is also amazing at solving mysteries. Each character is important to the show and helps with solving the mystery by giving theories and whatnot. (28/35)

The score isn't bad, but it isn't anything special or memorable. (11/15)

The score might not be something to write home about but the animation is. This show looks good. But that is expected since it is from Kyoto Ani (Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad). I would say it is one of their best looking shows, and that is saying a lot. (14/15)

Overall the show can be boring and may feel like a chore to watch at first, but it gets much more interesting during that later arcs. Combine that with some fairly well rounded characters, great animation, and some good music and you have a great show on your hands.