Review of Absolute Duo

If you're looking for a negative review, keep scrolling. I've got nothing but good things to say. :^) I don't write reviews. Ever. Quite frankly, I've never really considered writing one up until now, with my reason being how many negative reviews I've read. Maybe I'm the only one, and if so, that's just fine, but I feel like this show caught a lot of undeserved flak. This show's written off as your typical ecchi/harem with, "no redeeming qualities," but I feel like a lot of folk are overlooking what makes this show special, and what sets it apart from the rest in my mind. I'llbe as down to earth as I can get, while keeping it vague so as not to spoil anything. Everything is left to your own interpretation in the end. These are my feelings, enjoy the ride.

Story: 8/10

The story's pretty toasty, I'll have to admit. There's a few grey areas here and there I wish could have been filled, but all in all, I have no qualms. I really wish there were some extra tidbits of information tossed in here or there, or perhaps a little more story in between the last few episodes (which would give us a few more episodes instead of just 12), but I'm more than satisfied with what I got, for sure. The action was balanced well enough with moments of character development, albeit there's an action scene I found to be sort of dry towards the end, but in the end I was happy with what I got. It was kind of like Goldilocks in the battle department in my eyes: Not too boring, not too flashy, but just right. I like the idea of soul-power and manifesting weapons with your soul, and I feel like this is something Absolute Duo did right. There's countless other shows out there that toy with the same idea, but never really follow through on the details, all the while making it look bad-ass. On another note, a lot of people were bothered by the fanservice, which I had no problem with. It wasn't over-the-top, tits are flopping everywhere, "omg senpai no look plox!!1!!1" around every corner like I figured it would be going into it. It was tasteful, for lack of a better word, and quite humorous in some instances. All in all, I enjoyed quite a bit it for what it is, and in comparison to other titles like To Love-Ru or Maken-Ki, it could have done A TON worse.

Art: 9/10

The first thing I thought when I watched the first episode when the protagonists met under the cherry blossoms was, "Wow... This is absolutely gorgeous." Even if you didn't like the show, this is something you've got to admit it had going for it. I'm not going to get super in-depth with my elaboration, but it's fairly plain to see that a lot of work was put into how everything looks. From characters, to scenery, you're sure to enjoy the eye-candy (if you know what I mean ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ). Everywhere you look, you'll notice that they paid significant attention to detail. That being said, if looks could kill...

Sound: 10/10

First point of interest: Suzuki Konomi.
Now if we take a look at the sideshow, you'll also find yourself just as impressed. Every song is ultra catchy, especially the second ending track, "Appuru Tī no Aji," which I catch myself humming at work all the freaking time now. These moments are few and far between, but sometimes you'll hear a sound affect that sounds like it was off a soundboard from 2003, which is completely atoned for by the epic soundtrack. An easy 10 out of 10, for sure.

Character: 8/10

I genuinely enjoyed the character development throughout the story. Others would complain they were a bit "bland," but I saw a colorful assortment of characters from happy-go-lucky to strong and steadfast. The relationship between the two main characters Tooru and Julie is heartwarming. Whether you wish to perceive them as not-quite lovers or close friends, you'll feel the deep connection and compassion they share, no doubt. Each character had their quirks, which could have been played on and developed further in my opinion, but they all have unique personalities that set them apart from one another while simultaneously bringing them closer than ever before. The comradery is comfortable, the interaction between the flows quite well. If there had been a little more character development otherwise, it would have been a solid 10 in my book.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I enjoyed every episode. I'd find myself riding a hype train all day long, super excited to sit down and watch the next episode. It honestly ended up being what I looked forward to most in the day for the five or so days, which should say quite a bit. The show did a lot right, and hooked me from the start. I enjoyed it thoroughly, for sure.

Overall: 10/10

From the sweetness between Tooru and Julie, to the cool-ass soul weapons, all the way up to the incredibly catchy soundtrack, it's a solid 10 for me. I went into the show enjoying it for everything it is, not what it wasn't. It's something a lot of us suffer with, and something I found myself slipping into as well. We judge shows by what they're not, spending all our time comparing it to other things we've seen and affirming, "Yeah, Generic Anime #5609 'Ladies x Butlers' is trash compared to 'Re:Zero.'" instead of picking out the things we enjoyed about it. It took time for me to realize it, but that's how it was for me, and quite a few people I've met who watch anime. A lot of people are in denial about it, or refuse to change, and that's fine. That's what makes you, you; do what makes you happy. But back on topic, this show's incredibly entertaining, and I see myself re-watching it sometime very soon. I only wish it was a bit longer, and like many others out there, I'm desperately holding out for a season 2!

Thanks for taking the time to read, honesty. It means more than what these little words on a screen could express, so again, thank you.

To all of you, I wish you the best! Keep doing what you love; keep watching anime!