Review of Durarara!!

So when I started out watching Durarara, I wasn't really impressed with what I was watching. I mean I was literally introduced to a plain ordinary boy, otherwise known as Mikado, getting off a train to this city called Ikebukuro that apparently was supposed to be interesting. While I'm not trying to necessarily hate on this anime, there were definitely times where I wasn't motivated to even watch it. Boy, was I wrong. I'll tell you why as I go down the list here: Story: So like I said earlier, the anime just begins to introduce you to all these characters. Mikado being one of the maincharacters and Kida, his best friend.I'll try not to reveal most of what goes on in the story. Basically, Mikado is exposed to many urban legends that surround the city such as the headless rider and the slasher. It may be just me, but when I was first learning about all these different situations that was going on, I was really confused and didn't even know what was going on. But hey, that's a mystery for you. In my opinion, this anime could've had a better "hook" persay because again, I never had that tingly feeling that would make me all excited to watch the next episode. There were however moments that would make me say "Wait, are you serious??!" or "No way!". Basically, I was shocked and surprised a lot at the development of the plot line. But at some parts where it was supposed to be a secret, I was able to easily predict who was who and what was what, but trust me, that only happened at most two times. Throughout the anime, more information about the mystery was disclosed and it all just started connecting together and actually made sense. Along the way, there were plot twists, the true identities of characters were revealed and so forth. Also, just for a fun fact and extra detail; though it wasn't listed as a genre, I would put romance as one because it was definitely noticeable. It may not be the most important factor to this plot, but it deserves to be noticed. It was very cute, but I can't tell who it's between. Sorry!~^^

Art:
This anime revolved around the theme of gangs and beating each other up and all that good stuff. The art did fit the theme and story well. I really liked the design of Ikebukuro. It really made me feel like I was in this average city, but you know, with gang members everywhere. I can't really describe it all that well, but if I were to imagine myself in that city without knowing the anime at all, I would be able to tell that there's more to that place than meets the eye.

Sound:
The sound was awesome in my opinion. Each OST(Original Sound Track) that played in the background of each particular scene just fitted so perfectly. Especially in certain creepy parts where it sounded like I was in some horror movie. It really did give me goosebumps. Or those moments where its just another typical day in that city, or maybe you're at that Russian sushi shop (which is what you'll see if you decide to watch it) As far as I know, it was Jazz music and it really set the mood just the way the anime intended. Moving on to the first opening and ending. Now usually, I would skip the opening, but this one just clicked with me. It was definitely catchy and had this certain beat to it that made me grab my imaginary drumsticks and tap along to it. Also, the use of electric guitar was amazing. Overall, the opening pretty much made me want to rock out with my air guitar. It sure did fit the whole gang theme well. Now the first ending...wow, that song reminds me of some Jpop song made by a boy band. The beginning was misleading cause it sounded like a rap song, but NOPE! It broke out into cute boys singing xD The second opening of this anime is average. It gave off this sad tone as if everybody made mistakes and is pondering about them. It reminded me of a lot of other songs such as the opening of Ao No Exorcist, but that doesn't mean its bad. The ending I would say is great too. The voices sounded like they came from a lot of other romance action anime.

Character:
As pointed out earlier in this review, one of the main characters Mikado is very ordinary, but very awkward, in a good (and adorable) way. However, his personality does bring some sort of balance compared to all the others wackos in this anime xD Kida I feel is a very complicated guy. He seems very cheery, happy, perverted, and just plain weird. But that's just what I love about him. However, like most characters in this anime, there's a dark past behind that mask of his. Anri, the girl with the glasses and famously big breasts (lol) reminds me of Mikado, except she's pretty much emotionless. I mean she smiles here and there, but in the beginning, she didn't really do or say much. Didn't give off an interesting impression unlike Kida. But as the anime changed, so did her personality. The rest of the characters all contributed to the story in some way. They were all important to the plot of course, but Im not going to talk about them. I will however discuss Izaya and Shizuo. Now Shizuo is pretty much the comic relief. Every time he beats someone up, it's just freakin hilarious to see him rip off some street sign or vending machine and throw it all over the place. The relationship he has with Izaya is obvious. They are rivals. (But I bet they secretly love each other Shizuo x Izaya for the win! lol ) Izaya reminds me of a black cat for some reason. Just a guy who you don't wanna mess with and is also very cunning. His personality is questionable due to the fact he refers to people as his "playthings" and for some "odd" reason, he always purposely goes to bother Shizuo even though he says he's a pain. (hmm, I wonder why he would do that *hint* *hint* *wink* *wink*

Enjoyment:
So I gave this a seven for reasons that have already been stated. I mean I started the anime in July and officially finished it the year after in March. I usually don't do that. So I really must've not been interested enough to even keep watching it til the end. But I realized that I needed to be more patient with it. and what do you know, that old phrase "good things come to those who wait" is true. I was given a great ending and ova. I felt they could've taken their time with ending Durarara, but oh well, it was good enough. There was closure to everything...well...eh...mostly everything. I can't say what I wished was elaborated more on. However, that's only one issue. The rest were answered, although kind of rushed, but still a good answer. When I finished the anime, I had a thought that went along the lines of "Wow, that was one great anime. So glad I decided to finish it"

Overall:
I've already said what I thought of this anime. To those who are hesitant about watching the anime. My advice to you is to be patient. It may seem boring at first, but when the moment when everything given is just put together is just so worth the wait. Definitely a mystery worth watching!~ :D