Review of Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor

While I was looking for a shorter anime for tonight to watch I stumbled upon this. I have seen the average score, read a few reviews and I was like well: "this is perfect to have some brainded fun after a long and tiring workday". Well, I was wrong yet again. This show really surprised me. Fucking hell this is a good one. Don't be fooled by the comedic exterior. This is a character drama, so your personal enjoyment factor really depends on if you like the mc or not. I personally really liked the contrast between Glann's secret dark past, and the seemingly uncloudedjoy of the school life. His character were really amazing. It was quite a while since I last stumbled upon such a well-developed, complex and relatable protagonist. On the surface he was an annoying clown who is unable take anything seriously. In reality though it was because he tried to hide his pain from his past, and he tried to keep the innocence of his "students", and he wanted to protectect their smiles. Now that's what I call a really noble goal. He was just a small guy, a cog in the big machine, and his only recognition was the smiles which he protected. He was really a commendable hero in my book. Yet, his past would let him go so easily. If this is not compelling to you, then I cannot recommend the show to you.

I have to add thought that the other three main girls weren't so exceptional. Maybe Sistine stood out of the trio. I really appriciated her, when she realized she is too weak and she would only hinder Glann, so it is best if she just stay out of the conflict. This was a really mature thinking, and I don't even remember if I ever saw something like this in any anime. Ohh, and the "kiss" scene - parentesis intended - you'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. On a second thought she had quite a few impactful scenes.

One more important note. Despite all three of the girls has some kind of feelings towards the mc two of them are not in love with him. So this is not a harem shit. Finally, a show which is much more mature than that.

As for the sidecharacters they are not really worth to mention. They were cardboard filler characters, but for the screentime they got it was fine.

Additionally I was surprised by that this story had the guts to be bloody and dark, especially because it made contrast even stronger. However the story or the world itself is nothing new or groundbreaking. It didn't really bother me though, because the protagonist carried the show.

The only weakness of the show is that in a few scenes it fails to convey the dread and despair properly what should be felt by the characters according to the given circumstances. It does, but is not effective enough, a little is missing.

Lastly a warning. This show may trigger a few people, because it is operates with the taboo of the Teacher-Student relationship...

All in all this is one of those show which is more than meets the eye. This is hidden gem, and I really glad if found it. However sometimes I really do question, if other reviewers did even bother to watch the anime.