Hetalia: Axis Powers - Reviews

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yasmin09's avatar
Aug 11, 2010

Story: I was rather skeptical about watching an anime on history. I just find it to be so dull yet somehow this anime made me interested in World History, particularly the before and after of World War II. It just does 5 minute segments, so nothing gets drawn out or convuluted. The countries personfied by people are represented in the most comical fashion with hints towards yaoi, which I'm not usually a fan of but I thought was so funny and endearing in here, and with jokes that are so politically incorrect but that's what makes this anime great. Not only could I not stop laughing when watching this anime, I actually wanted to learn more about European history after watching each episode so I could understand the references. Since each episode is so short, I kept wanting to watch more and more. I was hooked from beginning to end and did not get bored during any of the episodes.

Animation: The animation of the people are great, representing the stereotypes of each country to the fullest such as with Aryan Germany with his blue eyes and blond hair or Modelesque France with his flowing gold locks. The colors were bold, struck out, and fit the vibrant atmosphere of the show. The people's expressions were hilarious and added to the comical effect. The background though was clearly lacking in some areas making the scenery somewhat bland and it repeatedly showed so I knocked off some points for that. Some action sequences were repeated, but suprisingly it had me laughing each time so I did not take off too much for that.

Sound: The voice actors for this show were amazing. I am not exaggerating when I say that. They added so much personality and humor in every line that was uttered. Their little expressions stuck such as when Italy said Pasta! in the first episode. Of course, I adored the voices for Chibitalia. The ending song was so bizarre at first that I could not help but start laughing at the sheer absurdity of it but after that I happened to find it very catchy. I loved each of the renditions of the songs from each country. The background music in general was not bad but it was rather lackluster and forgettable which is the only reason I knocked off points for sound.

Characters: The are the absolute best part of the show, making it worth watching. It is hard not to feel for Chibi Italy and Holy Roman Empire or invisible Canada or shudder when creepy Russia appears or sympathize with Switzerland and Latvia or wonder why America seems so annoying or chuckle at the humorously narcissitic France. They start off as extreme representations of their country's stereotypes and somhow get more extreme as the anime goes along yet their personality shines through adding depth and character to each of them so no one ever really falls flat.

Overall: It is an anime that everyone of all ages can watch and manages to blend education and humor so perfectly that I was never left feeling bored. I only wanted to keep watching episode after episode. The only disappointment that I found in this anime was the abrupt ending. I was hoping for some more closure but given the style of the episodes, I should have realized that they would end with some thing random but humorous just like every other episode. That's not too say that was a necessarily a bad thing. I just happen to like closure but I was still a fan of the ending regardless. It didn't take away the rest of the enjoyment I felt watching the anime. I can't stress enough that this is an absolute must-see.

9.5/10 story
7/10 animation
8/10 sound
9.5/10 characters
9/10 overall
AthenaMarie's avatar
Apr 11, 2016

Move over history textbook,here comes hetalia! The story of the World through the personified and highly stereotypical  countries. A friend introduced this to me and I was able to finish it before her. I will never think of history class the same ever again.

9.5/10 story
10/10 animation
10/10 sound
10/10 characters
10/10 overall
AnnaKittyLPS's avatar
Apr 28, 2016

Learning history while watching anime? Yes please! If you're like me and you hate History class, this is for you. It's very funny and has 5 minute long episodes

10/10 story
10/10 animation
?/10 sound
10/10 characters
10/10 overall
FinallyFayemous's avatar
Nov 22, 2020

Heltalia is NOT a history lesson. It has historical references, so it's funnier if you know history, but it by no means teaches history. It's historilcally accurate in the sense that WW2 really happened, but it is not in any way an accurate representation of WW2. 

This anime is essentially the answer to the question "what would history look like if countries were cute anime boys?". I think it's hilarious that anyone thought up this concept. It definitely doesn't take its self too seriously, some episodes make almost no sense. It really feels like the writers were just having a good time making it, and I think that's where most of its charm comes from. It's very cute and goofy. 

I thought it might come off offensive, and I'm sure it will to some people, but since none of the actual events of these wars take place in the show, I think it's okay that it's more lighthearted. If it actually made light of the horrors of war, id have a problem, but "war" is just the countries slap fighting with each other. 

6/10 story
7/10 animation
8/10 sound
10/10 characters
8.5/10 overall
Brightstone's avatar
Jul 31, 2014

I LOVE this anime. Although most of it is eather to make fun of a country, teach you about it, or it's just there for entertainment and randomness - some of the episodes it acually teaches you about history in a way that you can really remember it! (I survived history class because of it.) It even mentions micronations! Like Sealand!! (Who is adorable, but mine)

When ever I have to do a project on a country, I think about Hetalia and about the character. Sometimes I even put them on the cover. And if the teachers lucky and it's a power point, I put a (non-inappropriate) episode or part of one in it.

Over all this anime is so funny! And if you listen closely, there are a lot of funny refrences in it also.

10/10 story
10/10 animation
10/10 sound
10/10 characters
10/10 overall
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