Review of K

At a glance, K would appear to be a light-hearted super-power action series. However, that is the main flaw of the 1st season. K's 1st season is very much focused on the mystery of ''Who is the main character?'', but the opening episodes failed to set the tone for the main plot, instead moving the story around in circles. While clues were given for the mystery, the failure to set the tone would make the viewer NOT look for said clues, and instead focus on the pretty animation. It is a pity, too. The mystery itself is rather good, and makes sense. To fully enjoythe story of K, one must be patient as the story only becomes clear after half of the season. If you are not the patient type, this anime is definitely not for you.

As the focus was not on the setting, there was also the unsatisfactory feeling left by the rather poor explanation of the setting. Why is the white haired girl so different? Why do these people has powers? Why is Neko such a strange existence? How does the King gives the powers? Many questions were not explained, and from the series' point of view, it might not be hard to see why. This is a series that instead forces its viewers to infer from what is shown, and to actively seek out the other mediums that are about to be released. As a standalone 13 episode, the setting doesn't make sense.

The many colour factions also means that K has a huge cast of characters. While characters were given distinct personalities, the 13 episode length also meant that there wasn't enough time to develop any of them. This is especially true for the Red and Blue factions. Merely a glimpse of their relationship were shown. Clear evidence that the 1st season of K is just a jump start to other mediums. The manga and light novels cover the story for the Red and Blue factions.

Of course, while the story itself is rather flawed in the way it was presented, the anime has its redeeming points. The animation of K looks good. Although i do not particularly like the choice of using an overly shiny colour palette. EVERYTHING on screen literally shines. Even the CGs that are present are made even more obvious because of the shine. This is ,however, just personal preference. To some the shiny colour palette may instead serve to make it look prettier.

If you are to watch K, be mindful that K is more than just a 13 episode anime. It is a series that requires you to read the manga and light novels if you want
to know more. Considering that there are still colour factions not shown AND a second season, it is probably safe to say that K will try to expand its universe and far as possible. Otherwise, K's 1st season as a standalone would just be eye-candy, with a mystery that doesn't hit until clearer signs were shown.