AustinDR

In the world of Highland, humans, and fairies used to rule over humans, and in return, there were silver sugar masters, aka candy crafters, who would make these sweets as a form of gratitude.

However, that would change when humans discovered they could enslave a fairy by taking a wing. And so, fairies were sold on the black market. In Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, we follow 15-year-old Anne Halford who is hoping to become a silver sugar master like her dear mom. However, to do so, she has to receive approval from royalty with a medal. But in order to go to Lewiston without issue, she had to buy a warrior fairy.

For starters, really love the animation. It is really visually pleasing to the eyes, which speaking of which, I just can't help but look at how beautiful the eyes of some of the characters are. The actual construction of the sugar candy sculptures is also very beautiful with some pieces looking translucent enough to be lifelike. As the name of the show suggests, the animation complements the fairy tale aesthetic. And not to mention very sparkly; just look at how the light reflects off Shalle's wing.

The world of Highland is really interesting in terms of lore. We learn how fairies are born through many things but it requires the gaze of a living creature along with the energy of the object. We also learn that fairies don't necessarily have to eat: they can absorb food so it is not really "tasting." In addition, their wings function in some ways as their "hearts" which would be painful enough to crush one but should you go and destroy the wing...not a pretty sight.

Might issue, though, is that while the worldbuilding intrigues me, the show kind of rushes through the explanation, and in doing so, there are some questions. For instance, one of the most recent episodes discusses how a duke fell in love with a female fairy who was born from the ocean. Unfortunately, that fairy disappeared.

...But then you have Mythril who was conceived by a single raindrop and he is still bouncing around. How can a fairy that was created by the condensed energy of the sea disappear in a small time span while Mythril was born from less water? Heck, why aren't there more fairies constantly popping out of the sea when practically everyone stares at it.

The show does not answer how lifespans work for some fairies. How does the energy become condensed and is a fairy being born just something that is dependent on probability? I'm sure the light novel provides more of an explanation. Anyone who had read them feel free to explain that.

I like just about all the characters: Anne is someone that is admirable with her goal of becoming a silver sugar master to honor her mother and send her spirit during a festivity. She is compassionate as demonstrated when she freed Mythril when he was being abused by granting him his other wing. And she goes out of her way to befriend Shalle and even tries to make him happy. Though she can be very hard-headed and throws her own safety to the wind.

Shalle starts off as being cynical with low opinions of humans. Of course, as with any story such as this, he gradually warms up to Anne likely because she reminded him of a human he knew years ago. This would reach the point where even when he becomes a free elf- I mean fairy - he still stays by Anne's side.

Mythril, I kind of tolerate. He is an arrogant, overly-confident fairy who tags along after Anne freed him. But I can't help but admit that I was annoyed by his overabundance of energy. Maybe that is why he lasted longer than that other fairy.

But the one character I completely hate with the very fibre of my being is Jonas Under. Which is a good last name because he should be underground. At first, I thought he'd be one of those potential love interests for Anne forming a love-triangle with Shalle. I did not like this brat when he would brag about his wealth or talk about how fragile Anne was.

And then there comes the point where, without really getting into it, he turns out to be a completely trashy character. Wasn't too shocked, but thought that "okay; that arc is over and this will be the last time we see anything of him."

He. Keeps. Coming. Back.

Why does he keep coming back??? He is not a good antagonist and every time he comes back, I just want to punch a hole through the wall. He really diminishes the show for me because there is literally no reason to continue including him just to have him get into conflicts with Anne.

Just please, please, anyone who had read the light novels just tell me that Jonas at the least gets better. Not saying I'd jump to loving him, but just asking for solace. Seriously...the show does not need this petulant sociopath to rear his ugly head.

But, overall, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale is a soothing watch despite my issues.