MarcyAtoms

Angel Beats is... unique. At least, I think so. The plot follows a group of dead teenagers running around in the afterlife(or more accurately, highschool purgatory). Their goal is to free themselves from the tyrannical Angel, a robot like girl who rules with an iron fist. It's known for it's insane feelz and drama, though to be honest, that's not really the show's strength.

So first, the story. Conceptually it's pretty simple. There's a goal(or several goals) to be accomplished and a motivation to accomplish it. However, complications build up every episode that were admittedly confusing at times but gave a good sense of suspense. It's one of those bipolar laughing-hysterically-to-bawling-uncontrollably shows that doesn't ever just give you a break. Until the final few episodes, the scale is thankfully tipped more to the laughing side. The comedy is great, in my opinion. The sad moments? A bit iffy sometimes, but usually done well. The pacing is alllll over the place. Sometimes it's slow and let's things sink in, sometimes there's explosions in your face and things happening in every direction. The last few episodes were insanely rushed. I do feel like the ending was very fitting, if one of the saddest I've ever witnessed.

Technical stuff is all great. Animation was pretty, music was on point. No complaints about the sub. If you're one of those uncultured swine who only watches dubbed then I doubt you'd complain but if you're a bit more cautious, I'd say watch the dub at your own risk. Ok, characters. The cast is HUGE. This led to a lot of neglect, as many of them ended the show without getting a chance to share their stories. There was an gigantic variety in characters, so chances are you'll find someone you like, but probably also hate another. I personally liked most of them though, so eh. The main dude was a bit bland but likable nonetheless. Characters such as Euripy(???), Hinata, and Angel were definitely well done and fun to watch.

Overall? Entertaining. Horribly sad and awkwardly rushed ending, but it was still oddly satisfying. A little too many people running around, but most were at the very least tolerable. I think, had the show had at least ten more episodes, this could really be a great anime.