Strike the Blood

It’s not hard to figure out what Strike the Blood might be about at first even if you’re coming into the show completely fresh. The key words are ‘blood’ and ‘strike’ where the latter is when our main male protagonist Akatsuki Kojo does his mojo to satisfy his blood lust. There’s hardly anything too original related this series. After all, we get the typical mysterious guy meets young girl in a city on an ordinary day. Then, a not-so-normal event happens and the duo gets caught in events they didn’t think could get both involved. But if we add everything together, Strike the Blood comestogether as a little more than a show to induce nosebleeds. Strike the Blood is an animated series based off the light novel of the same name written by Gakuto Mikumo. This is not his first work as he has previously been involved with series such as Dantalian no Shoka, the Zettai Karen novels, and Asura Cryin’. What he brings into Strike the Blood has a little taste of all of those elements in his previous works but transform it into a meat package – a series with a main protagonist that feeds off of others to control its users’ familiars. An anime series involving with vampires. That’s hardly original in any sense either with its generics. There’s plenty of anime that followed similar ideas such as Vampire Knight, Karin, or Blood+. Strike the Blood takes our main male protagonist Akatsuki Kojo and makes him into a big name in a big city. For instance, most people who knows about his origins and status as the Fourth Progenitor, the world’s strongest vampire. As the title strikes both a bit of fear and respect, it’s no surprise that he is a man to take notice of especially for his observer, Yukina Himeragi. For the duo, their relationship begins kicks off with a rocky start loaded with misunderstandings, confusion, and animosity. Given the fact that Yukina’s job is to observe Akatsuki makes their relationship seem even more awkward as the former would be labeled as a stalker in some ways. At the same time, Akatsuki becomes annoyed by her presence. It’s also not exactly the best combination with Yukina’s anti-progenitor spear always on hand. It seems to serve as a warning sign should Akatsuki goes out of control. Over time however, the duo gets along better with Yukina even developing a seemingly crush on the young man. Outcomes like this should not be taken as a surprise however. While the duo lacks strong chemistry, they share a similar feeling towards those they encounter and the city they live in. It’s through their willingness to help others that ties them together to make the duo stronger. Based off a light novel series, the series divides itself in arc format with a certain set of episodes focusing on a specific event/character/conflict that requires a solution. In total, there are 7 arcs covering the light novels. More importantly is the fact that each arc focuses on a different character with a different otherworldly conflict. It brings out the diversity that the audience can get accustomed to. There’s all types of otherworldly beings that the show focuses on whether it’s vampires, werewolves, angels, or witches. Along with that, each arc also progresses Akatsuki’s relationships with others as he gets stronger. Unfortunately, his lack of characterization doesn’t shine with his past being left in unexplored territories. This falls under a similar case for Yukina as the audience hardly knows about them beyond their purpose on the surface. Other characters of course also plays their roles in each arc, some more than others with a particular few getting veritable moments. But because each arc changes its tone, audience should be ready to adjust themselves to match the mood with its themes. There might also be some sort of hidden moral that progresses the story although most of it is obscure and seems cliched . Unfortunately for Akatsuki, there’s little focus on his goals or morals as the show itself doesn’t give an impression as if it he had one at all in the first place. With the way he is dressed. Akatsuki is more of the lone wolf and he only gets into situations because of his status. While the word ‘diverse’ can be used to describe a favorable stance to adapt an anime’s character cast, there is also generics that makes up the other half. The majority of the main characters are female that falls under some sort of characteristic that comes off as generic as it can be. We have Yukina, the girl that observes Kojo 24/7 as her role. There’s the typical classmate Asagi Aiba with an obvious crush on Kojo. Nagisa Akatsuki plays the role of the little sister with her chatty mouth but lack of understanding of the supernatural world. Then, there’s the tsundere Sayaka Kirasaka whom often says things that means the opposite way around. Each arc also features a prominent character that is the focus of its story. Most of them are always female and shouldn’t be a surprise with a show like Strike the Blood. It’s predictable with most endings of each arc with Akatsuki doing the striking and blood spilled for authentic reasons. The action of Strike the Blood can be described as thrilling but not anything that blows itself out of the water. If I had to describe it, it would fall under the line of dangerous but also hectic. Each arc features a different conflict so the action tends to diverse itself a bit in terms of presentation. However, one key factor always strikes at heart with Akatsuki’s blood lust. The earlier stages plays it off as a necessity but later on ventures into a more erotic allurement. It shouldn’t be surprising at all with hints given already featuring its fan service moments. There’s the pantsu, honey trap, and misunderstandings all over the place that brings out Strike the Blood’s generics to its core. Surprisingly enough, the show omits the traditional onsen/beach episode. Perhaps it was too busy focusing on its conflicts in each arc to given our characters a vacation or it wanted to go beyond its setting. Who knows? What it’s known is the fact that Akatsuki always gets his fun (not the way he sees it though) in each and every single arc. Fun itself can also give the audience different impression. The show sometimes likes to make fun of itself with little gags. Even the organization Yukina belongs to is hard to take serious at first with a name like “Lion King”. We also can’t forget about some of the dialogues that comes out in the wrong way with most coming out as cheesy. Finally, there’s also bits of romance. Unfortunately, that territory is something Akatsuki seems to have the least interest in. Despite obvious advances, Akatsuki doesn’t seem to show actual interest in any of the girls that approaches him besides satisfying his blood lust. Every meal means he gets a little satisfaction but not in a romantic sense. If you’re looking for a developing romantic story, Strike the Blood is the wrong place to be. Akatsuki is just not a bachelor for his candidates. Silver Link animated Strike the Blood. On a technical level, the style of the series fits well with its supernatural themes. The Demon District, Itogami City also gives off an impression of aspects with its advancing arts. Most otherworldly beings are depicted accurately with credibility. Unfortunately, some of the character designs lacks a bit with any unique features. The school uniforms looks generic and hardly stands out. Akatsuki’s design makes him look like a loner with his hood covering his head that viewers will feel less attached to. Other characters such as Nagisa Minamiya has appearances that contrasts their age. Supporting main characters are also hardly noticeable despite some of their status. On the other hand, the background art of its city gives an impression of a luxurious display with its aquatic-like attributes. Soundtrack can come off as a mixed bag. On the surface, it is consistent to match its style. But at the same time, it can come off as just being there with nothing to focus directly on. The OP and ED songs offers a montage of the main characters as well as possible foreshadowing. With a show like Strike the Blood though, the arcs can be predictable already anyways. But for what’s worth, most of the characters’ voice acting is remarkable. The only sting is the dialogues themselves that comes off as cheesy and lacks distinguishing moments. However, I do give praise to their voice mannerism especially for Yukina (Risa Taneda). Even though she just began recently with animated voice acting, there’s promising potential for her with a role of a main character. In the end, Strike the Blood is another typical series with nothing stellar that strikes hard at home. It has its harem vibes, the fan service, the gimmicky gags, and predictable arc conclusions. However, it does bring out a diverse cast of characters that offers attention. Not only that but Akatsuki isn’t your typical wimpy main lead. He often takes charge despite not like being part a conflict. If only the show focused on him more rather than adding a girl to his harem every arc would bring out much more potential. On the other hand, each arc does have potential with its diversity. While some of it is colored with gags, it does progress the story’s overall themes. It could take a bit of patience to get used to this show overall in the end but that’s how it is really.

My expectations for Strike the Blood were simple: I wanted lots of action with some romance thrown in. Instead, I feel like I got the opposite. Overall, I was disappointed in some areas and pleasantly surprised in others. Though I don't regret watching it, I wish the show had only 12 episodes instead of 24. Story: 6 To put it simply, the story for this show is mediocre. It isn't outstanding, but nor is it bad. It simply fulfills its duty to carry along the main premise of the show, which focuses more on the relationships between characters (primarily, of course, between the leading hero Koujo andthe ladies). The show is divided into several arcs, which range from 2-5 episodes long. After the first few arcs, a general pattern of events begins to emerge and repeat itself. Though this has no real severe implication on the show, it does make it a bit predictable. The only significant issue I have with the plot is that it never addresses the circumstances in which Kojou becomes the Fourth Progenitor. Though it is mentioned several times in the show and there are a few short flashbacks, the questions surrounding Kojou's mysterious transformation are left unanswered--though I suppose that if there's a possibility for a second season they could be answered then. Art: 10 By far the best thing about this show was the art. Very crisp, exciting animation, with exciting colors and fantastic fight choreography totally fulfilled my expectations. Character designs were spectacular, the magic was interesting, and the scenery was beautiful. Sound: 7 The sound was not particularly memorable. It, like the plot, fulfilled its purpose, though unless you're paying attention, it's not very noticeable. The OPs and endings were fine, but not anything out of the ordinary. Character: 5 The characters in a romantic show, especially a harem, are its driving force, and I feel like this is where Strike The Blood's mediocrity prevails. I found the main character, Kojou a bit two-dimensional and simplistic. He was likeable, handsome, decent, heroic, and pretty much everything a good (but not particularly interesting) protagonist should be. He had only a few minor flaws, leaving little room for character development or improvement. The girls in the show, however, are a different story. Their personalities are more clearly defined and more developed than Kojou's, and they don't really follow archetypes, so they're certainly more interesting. Himeragi, the female lead, is the most developed, and she undergoes the most noticeable character development in the whole show. The one thing that bugged me most about the girls, however, is that no matter how smitten they were with the main character, they constantly berated him, calling him an indecent pervert even in situations that are totally out of his control (this is especially true of the main female character, Himeragi.) Though I can understand that this was meant to be comedic relief, hearing "HENTAI" screamed in various high pitched girly voices episode after episode starts to grate on one's nerves. Supporting/side characters were incredibly bland. For example, Kojou's male friend with headphones was so underdeveloped that those are the only two things I can remember about him. A few side characters, like the First Progenitor, could have been really interesting, but they were sort of put on the back burner to all of the romance going on. Enjoyment: 6 This is the sort of show I'd recommend to someone who wanted to shut off their brain for a while, watch some cool magic, and see a couple panty shots. It certainly wasn't bad, and I can't say I disliked it, but overall, it fell straight into the mediocre category.

Based off the light novel was written by Gakuto Mikumo, The story tells us a boy named Akatsuki Kojou, that turns out to be The Fourth Progenitor, the world's strongest vampires in the world. He was followed by a girl named Yukina Himeragi, who came from the Lion King organization to observe the Fourth Progenitor. I found out the two lines above really offers me a unique set-up of an anime, and the genres "Action+Ecchi" really offers us a combination of a real action and a desirable fan service. But not the story.The plot is divided into several simplistic arcs, that actually works with theentire series. The problem of Strike the Blood is the poor story execution that turns out to be a dull for someone who doesn't really into Action or Ecchi genres.And to make things worst, there are some plot holes about how Kojou become the Fourth Progenitor too. Besides that, some people may think Strike the Blood is cool, and some people maybe think it's one of those typical Harem that ruins their senses, but in the reality, it has a decent story indeed. The most precious diamond that lies in the anime is the Animation , like almost every modern anime in this era, they all offers us a great animation. We have a catchy and clear art, with an amazing visual effects and fighting scenes. It's really the main attraction of the anime itself. There is not much to talk about in the sound section, but I found my heart racing when hearing the 1st opening song "STRIKE THE BLOOD" which sung by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets. Meanwhile, the 2nd opening song, & the endings is decent. The seiyuu did fairly well when bringing such character to the screen. Well, most anime have a serious problem on the character section, Strike the Blood is the perfect example of it. In the early episode of the series, Strike the Blood really promising us a meaningful development. But the reality didn't accept that wish, there is no meaningful development that grows. The only thing we have is a simple division character.In the main character, we have our male lead Akatsuki Kojou, the Fourth Progenitor. And since the Fourth Progenitor is the strongest vampire in the world, of course there is no trouble when Kojou faces the enemies by himself (Notes: He sometimes really weak and then get helped by his own harem). Then, beside our male lead we have a collection of girls that fell in love with our male lead, the male lead gain strength by drinking the virgins blood. With that combination ahead of us, the characters became a real messy. And besides that, most of the enemy is doesn't get a development because they all defeated by Kojou in the end of the arc. Although Strike the Blood has some mistakes in the execution, I found the title itself memorable in my brain. Since this is a Shounen anime, women may not found this anime interesting. It is recommended to those who prefer action than story and prefer fan service than development. Overall, it is decent and fairly enjoyable....

"This is my fight!" "No, this is our fight!" - Akatsuki Kojou & Himeragi Yukina, respectively; dialogue from perhaps every episode of the entire anime. And by the end of the series, I have realized that it was my fight as well - I had to fight the urge to drop the series as a whole. The story begins with the main character, Akatsuki Kojou, who is the epitome of the standard harem protagonist. He is forced to accept his new found vampire powers and the misunderstandings that come with it, misunderstandings meaning a flock of girls including the main heroine, Himeragi Yukina. It is thestandard harem/ecchi/supernatural anime. And yet the anime leaves so much to be desired. Story: 5/10 The story teeters between explaining too much and answering too little - the anime quite frequently drops embellished familiar names one after the other, while shying away from actual plot background. At the end of the anime, we are left with snippets of Kojou's vampiric origins, an uneasy plot device, and a flimsily assembled "conclusion" that abruptly ends the show. Art: 7/10 The saving grace of this show. The fights were appropriately coordinated, well drawn, and were exciting to watch. The characters looked pretty in all but the budget scenes (which were sporadic but easy to point out). Sound: 6/10 The soundtrack was decent, despite the fact that it seemed like the entire show had only maybe three or four OSTs not including the OP and ED. It did its job and did not detract from the show. Characters: 5/10 Every character fell flat and did not stir a sense of personality. Kojou's interaction with every single girl can only be described as irritatingly futile. From the span of 24 episodes, not once did Kojou feel like he was developing as a character. With perspective to the main antagonist, his main reason for being is that he was adequately bored enough to become a villain. I found myself only drawn to liking one character, Astarte, if only because she was purposefully written as one dimensional and not an irritating mess of a character. Enjoyment: 6/10 By the end, I was left with more questions than I had when I started the anime, a puzzling sense of confusion, and slight relief that I don't have to watch Strike the Blood anymore. The fight scenes were pleasant to watch but I cannot say the same for the rest of the show. The comedy was bland, the fan service was blatant and mediocre, and the potential harem/romance was forced at best. Overall: 5/10 A good anime to watch when you have more free time than you wish you had. A must-see if you're a fanatic of exceedingly mediocre anime with fan service, jumbled fantasy plots, and underdeveloped characters.

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