"Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage" - A Blend of Fantasy and Comedy
Story (6/10): "Reikenzan" follows the journey of our protagonist, Wang Lu, as he enters a mystical world of cultivation and martial arts. The story is a mixture of fantasy and comedy, with Wang Lu navigating various challenges, making friends, and seeking enlightenment.
While the story offers an interesting twist on the typical martial arts genre, it can be episodic and occasionally lacks a cohesive overarching plot. However, it compensates with humor, amusing character interactions, and light-hearted moments. It's an anime that doesn't take itself too seriously and provides an enjoyable, if somewhat shallow, narrative.
Animation (7/10): The animation quality in "Reikenzan" is decent, with colorful visuals and well-animated action sequences during the martial arts battles. Character designs are distinctive, and the backgrounds capture the essence of a mystical world filled with ancient temples and magical creatures.
Sound (6/10): The soundtrack of "Reikenzan" is fitting for the series, featuring traditional Chinese-inspired music during martial arts scenes and comedic tunes during lighter moments. While it complements the atmosphere, it may not be particularly memorable.
Voice acting performances are adequate, with characters' personalities coming through effectively, especially in comedic situations.
Characters (6/10): The characters in "Reikenzan" are a mix of classic martial arts archetypes, each with their unique abilities and quirks. Wang Lu, the protagonist, stands out as a humorous and unconventional hero, often using wit and unconventional methods to overcome challenges. His interactions with other characters, particularly the stoic and serious You Ye, create entertaining dynamics.
However, character development remains limited, and some characters feel underutilized or one-dimensional. Deeper exploration of their backstories and motivations would have added more depth to the cast.
Overall (6/10): "Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage" offers an entertaining blend of fantasy and comedy within a martial arts setting. While it lacks a strong, overarching narrative and character development is somewhat limited, it makes up for it with humor, amusing character dynamics, and enjoyable action sequences. It's a series that's best enjoyed when you're looking for a lighthearted and fun adventure in a mystical world.
Regarding the manga/novel comparison, "Reikenzan" originated as a web novel before being adapted into a manga and eventually an anime. The anime follows a specific narrative arc within the larger story, and while the manga provides additional content, the anime serves as a self-contained story arc within the "Reikenzan" universe.