Review of Astra Lost in Space

This anime is ultimately what you would consider your standard above average seasonal show. Don't expect a masterpiece, because Kanata no Astra certainly is not one. Which is kind of sad, because it actually had potential to be a serious contender for "Anime of The Year" but fell just short due to a few minor problems which will be discussed further below. First with the good stuff. Kanata no Astra provides a much rarer setting with a far more original plot than most people will immediately come to notice. The number of space exploration operas that don't utilize mecha in anime only come around maybeonce per year, at most. And when they do, they usually have some odd caveat to them such as being an ONA or the time they actually spend in space is very limited. This is not the case with Kanata no Astra, which provides a great breath of fresh air in an ocean of generic claptrap.

This anime also has a good cast of likeable characters all of whom experience some level of development, which just adds icing to the cake of the main feature that KnA does correct: Excellent world building. The universe the KnA presents is unique, alive, and full of exciting twists with each new planet they visit. The author of the story has also done some basic homework on the subject, as much of the life they encounter as well as planetary conditions are all very plausible. One that particularly stands out is a tidally locked planet that is always burning hot on one side while freezing on the other - but with a habitable sweet spot in between the two. This is something that astronomers have put forward as a potential life bearing planet orbiting a red dwarf. So it's good that the author seriously took the time to keep things realistic as opposed to just randomly making worlds up. The galaxy our cast of characters is set to explore is thus fantastical, but not illogical.

The story itself is also enjoyable and suspenseful, however it's also where we start to run into some flaws. Kanata no Astra is unfortunately one of those shows that requires some suspension of disbelief when it comes to the characters and asspulls. It's actually quite amazing that the plot is less believable than the setting here, but that's how it turned out. It's not a bad story by any means and will keep most people interested throughout the show, the problem rears itself as what I call "psuedo-plot holes". These are plot holes that have a potential explanation to them, making them not true plot holes per say, but the explanation is just "unlikely". For instance, one of the main characters is a super athlete capable of performing feats that would be deemed near impossible by anyone alive today. Can you name anyone who can vault over 20 ft on an alien canopy and then fight off a giant flying dragon turtle? Yeah, OK. It's like this anime is trying to be serious with some things but then forgets to be realistic with others.

Another weird thing that must be nitpicked is that throughout the show there is a major suspense going towards a possible conspiracy surrounding all the characters. Without spoiling anything, this actually turns out to be two completely separate conspiracies that have little to do with each other. One of the conspiracies turns out to be very well written and completely plausible, and if you pay attention enough you may even be able to guess what it is as the show gives just enough information to go off. It's interesting, and the conclusion is well worth it. But then, the other conspiracy...is this global nonsense that just overall felt completely unnecessary on top of just being statistically unlikely. It isn't bad enough to make the show unenjoyable, but it is noteworthy enough that I can't bring myself to give Kanata no Astra the 9~10/10 that I wish I could.

Overall grade: Good show, definitely a nice binge watch. But a truly excellent show? Just misses the mark. Solid B+.