Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your life takes an unexpected turn, and you become part of a thrilling adventure? Meet Kinji, a student attending a school for mercenaries, who one day gets attacked by an army of robotic Segways on his way to school. Just when he thinks he’s cornered, a transfer student named Aria comes to his aid, losing some of her clothes in the process. But here’s the twist – whenever Kinji gets aroused, he enters Hysteria mode, transforming into a powerful player. Together, they embark on a journey to help their friends and clear Aria’s mother’s name from false charges. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the world of Hidan no Aria!

A Unique Blend: Shakugan no Shana and More

For those familiar with Shakugan no Shana, you might notice some similarities between the two. However, Hidan no Aria brings its own twist to the table with a touch of guns and a captivating protagonist – Rie Kugimiya. Though the show does carry some baggage, it still manages to entertain. In terms of annoyance, Aria’s tsundere personality might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds an interesting dynamic to the story.

A Narrative Struggle

While the light novels of Hidan no Aria span a significant amount of material, the anime adaptation fell short in creating a solid continuous narrative. JC Staff, the production studio, struggled with fitting the vast content into a single season. As a result, certain characters, such as Jeanne d’Arc and the final antagonist, only appear briefly and lack character development. Nevertheless, the likable characters of the show, like Kinji, Shirayuki, and Riko, make up for these shortcomings.

Unpredictable and Unbelievable

One aspect of Hidan no Aria that polarizes viewers is the sheer unpredictability and unbelievable elements. The creators introduce random historical figure descendants without clear motives, and the final villain remains unnoticed until the end. Moreover, girls strip their clothes off mid-air, using their uniforms as rocket parachutes, and guns are used to paralyze mid-air wolves. It’s a whirlwind of madness that some viewers find entertaining, while others may struggle to suspend disbelief.

The Good, the Bad, and the Fanservice

Despite its flaws, Hidan no Aria has its moments. The show’s likable characters, apart from Aria, keep the viewers engaged. Kinji, especially when in Hysteria mode, breaks away from the typical loser protagonist mold. Shirayuki and Riko bring their own brand of insanity to the story, adding an extra layer of entertainment. When it comes to fanservice, Riko serves as a better source compared to Aria, who may disappoint in that regard.

Final Verdict

Overall, Hidan no Aria might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you can overlook certain annoyances and enjoy a thrilling adventure with unpredictable twists, this anime might be worth your time. For fans of Shakugan no Shana, Zero no Tsukaima, or Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari, Hidan no Aria offers a unique experience filled with action and unexpected turns.

Plot / Script – 6 / 10 – The story lacked cohesion with sudden plot developments.

Characters – 5 / 10 – Despite disliking Aria, the rest of the cast is likable, especially Riko.

Production – 7 / 10 – The overall production quality is average.

Overall – D

Recommendations – If you enjoyed Shakugan no Shana, Zero no Tsukaima, or Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari, give Hidan no Aria a try.

Note: I’m still away on a trip and will return to a semi-regular schedule next Wednesday.

That’s a wrap for our Hidan no Aria review! If you’re craving more anime and manga insights, head over to Fecomic for the latest updates and recommendations. Until next time, happy reading and watching!