Review of Durarara!!

Frankly, I watched this anime many years ago. It was one of my first and I was hooked back in the days. I would've rated the show completely differently than now, too - much better, that is. As I said, it's been a while and I've had my fair share of anime. Recently, for old time's sake, I rewatched Durarara!! ... I was surprised how much I still enjoyed the ride. After reading a couple of reviews, I decided to dig deeper and add another opinion to the cluster. Story: 8 Honestly, this is a real deal maker. Durarara!! starts off slow but keeps you intrigued themore you get involved with the characters. I wouldn't say the show is extremely unique in what it does but it still works. I kept thinking to myself, "This is how it should be done." If you ask me, that's because you really feel like you're part of Ikebukuro. You get to meet a lot of different characters from this district (the Dollars, for example, are countless in number) with intervened storylines. Especially the plot twists are pulled off extremely well. Honestly, this could have gone south easily. The plot could have gotten messy and the twists perceived as boring or farfetched but that's not the case. This is going to sound cheesy but at the end of the season, you won't believe this is still the same anime you started 24 episodes ago.

Art: 7
Well, the art is okay. I guess it's supposed to look simplistic and it works with the vibes of the city. Ikebukuro itself is captured nicely, so it's really just some of the side characters that might leave you unsatisfied. The animation is sloppy here and there but frankly, it didn't bother me personally. I think the studio did a good job. Some of the scenes of the headless rider had me holding my breath, so that's gotta count for something.

Sound: 10
It's awesome. Seriously, the soundtrack is amazing. The opening is upbeat and catchy, the soundtrack itself is very unique. I had the time of my life with this. Not much to say, it's just so good.

Characters: 8
Yeah, this. See, Durarara!! uses a lot of tropes for the characters but then again, which anime doesn't? Some of the main characters are very layered and versatile, actually surprising you with their capabilities and unexpected decisions. Others are very secretive and that makes them promising because you can feel how they're hiding some of the major plot keys that are the GOOD stuff. Overall, Durarara!!'s characters have a lot to hide and you'll enjoy discovering their secrets. So yes, they're tropey but there's more to them and they always pull it off with a big load of charm that makes you love all of them.

Enjoyment: 9
Loved it, y'all. Enjoyed the music, enjoyed the plot, had a good time with the characters. A few years ago, when I finished season 1, I was really biting my toes because there was no news on a second season. You know you enjoyed an anime if it makes you sad that you finished it.

Overall: I'll give this baby a 9. It's probably somewhere between 8 and 9 but I'm biased so there you go. In my opinion, Durarara!! is a real classic and a must-watch if you just got into anime.