The series adapts many supernatural and fantasy themes through its setting. In fact, the world that the problem children ventures into are nothing like the world they once knew. There are mystical creatures like dragons, jack-o-lanterns, vampires, and everything we don’t see in our modern-day world. Despite the dangers some of the creatures pose, the problem children deal with them like another day in the park. In fact, I can safely say that their abilities are far too overpowered with some of them literally getting back up after being battered, shattered, and broken. Izayoi’s “Code: Unknown” along with his psychic powers makes him one of the strongest characters in the series.
This is due to his confidence and strength being nearly unrivalled, no wonder he is often so bored with his life. Asuka’s power to control others through words is also seen as a very dangerous and useful ability that extends to animals, humans, and even other gifts. Last, we have the shy girl Kasukabe who rules over the animal kingdom with her skill to communicate and gain their abilities. If you put the three together, it seems to almost like a dream team. However, this is not always the case as the group seems to have problems and ideologies among themselves.
On the other hand, there are many adversaries in the series ranging from vampire lords to aristocratic individuals who claims themselves as Gods. They set the premise of this series as being the ones causing the trouble and it’s up to the problem children to stop them. Yet, there are many instances in which the show takes the wrong turn and make their encounter seem too eccentric. However, in other cases, I find the politics and rivalries to be entertaining; more often times with Izayoi because of his personality and speeches.
While the series seems original, it does have a few issues. Personally, I found some of the jokes to be a bit too repetitive. This is especially true to our beloved little bunny-eared girl where she becomes the center of attention to lewd jokes. Although amusing to watch at occasions, it becomes old and repetitive. Additionally, the theme of travelling to another world to fight in competitions is not new. Series like Dog Days and Ixion Saga DT have taken such themes before and also performed similar stances. It’s been done. The series’ pilot episode also seems to be quite rushed with a lot of information thrown in at once rather than expanding them further. I guess this can be related to the issue with the length of the series. It’s only 10 episodes so pushing it throughout each episode might have just been too much. Regardless of these flaws though, it still makes its exciting point across.
In terms of visuals, the series sets itself with the fantasy themes. The Little Garden, the way Kurosaki is dressed, and the mystical creatures are all proof of this. Additionally, the various games themselves revolves around events that are magical. However, I do admit that the characters’ designs are a bit too generic. For example, Kurosaki fits into the role of the typical bunny girl with her outfit. The rest of the world where most of the events take place have that fantasy feeling.
Regarding the soundtrack, the series makes excellent use of its scores. The soundtrack works well in general and often or not, it’s fun to hear it balance out between exciting moments (the game competitions) and some of the more lighthearted times. The OP song, “Black † White” by Iori Nomizu, is very catchy with the way it presents itself with words like “bam!”, “1, 2, 3”, “black, white”, and other fun words being used. The ED song “To Be Continued?” by Kaori Sadohara gives the main characters a super flat deformed version of themselves and presents info in a fun way. (I’m looking at you Izayoi). It’s pure fun to watch it be honest. Do not skip that ED song.
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