Review of Land of the Lustrous

Houseki no Kuni is an incredible discovery. It tells a wonderfully fabricated story with endearing characters, beautiful artwork, and a pleasing soundtrack. As someone who once felt anime CGI was unattractive, this was a pleasant surprise. The animation is natural and captivating, and the models of the characters clearly convey how much effort was put into their creation. If you are someone who is hesitant to watch this due to its medium, do NOT let this stop you. Rarely did I feel the visuals were unnatural or awkward. Coupled with the fantastic background art, this is truly an anime you wouldhave a hard time taking your eyes off of.

The story is a masterpiece. Although some episodes have inconsistent pacing, it is clear the original manga's author, Haruko Ichikawa, knows what she's doing. If you are ever to grow bored of something, the story is sure to toss you something interesting along the journey. It flows quickly, but allows you time to take a break if things ever feel too fast.

Gems, the characters of the anime, are interesting in both substance and appearance. They each have a purpose(in both the story and their society) and contribute to the enjoyment of the show. Coming-of-age plot fans and fans who appreciate tragedy will enjoy the character development Houseki no Kuni's characters undergo.

The many mysteries leave interesting possibilities for the story's future. I can only hope that Studio Orange will pursue a second season, as this is easily one of the best anime adaptations I have ever seen.