GR Anime Review: Yuki Yuna is a Hero

A Glass Reflection Anime Review of Yuki Yuna is a Hero
Originally Released: March 20th 2016
Review copy for this video provided by the wonderful folks at:
www.Rightstufanime.com
Watch Yuki Yuna is a Hero:
www.crunchyroll.com/Yuki-Yuna-...
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[@GlassReflection]

"What's with the bad british accent?" I was trying to cover up my cold. Didn't work out as planned though... "Where's the background music?" Honest editing mistake that got it muted when it wasn't supposed to. Bit late to fix it now though...

[@celiafraze123]

get better soon!

[@sakurameow69420]

Get better soon!

[@jeffthebiglizard8099]

Good luck old chum

[@oklanime]

At least it was bad enough to where I didn't notice it during the first time I watched the video.

[@GingerBeanie]

+Glass Reflection I knew you were sick but I didn't hear a British accent tbh.

[@TheSPOREREX]

This anime has suddenly exploded in popularity just because of Netflix

[@MovieMowDown]

*Spoilers* I think the gods got so frustrated with them that they kicked them out the hero system, thus making them heal up normally.

[@pinkwings8036]

I like to say Yuki Yuna is a character study, while Madoka is a fairy tale. YY lets the characters feel more rounded and alive, while MM has strong archetypes, like an Aesop fable. Mostly Yuki Yuna falcon pauwnched into her first transformation sequence, and that was awesome and super satisfying.

[@viniciuspaiva3578]

Not exactly an Aesop fable, but more of a Magical Girl version of Faust

[@sofitssofi]

Yea, friendship is magi-- Oh, wait, wrong show.

[@nicholaslangrock8293]

ha

[@65kasara]

+sofitssofi img1.joyreactor.cc/pics/post/%D0%A5%D0%B5%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5-%D0%BC%D0%BB%D0%BF-%D1%81%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC-2880461.jpeg

[@sassberrysnap]

MY LITTLE PONYYY

[@rickymd901]

Lol

[@kafuuchinon]

Sofitssofi lol Don’t say

[@Wiziliz]

I found this series to be quite good, it was definitely different to PMMM unlike some people that claim it to be a rip off. Definitely an underrated series.

[@sou_6332]

I can't stand people say yuki yuna's OST sounds like Yuki Kaljiura. Why don't people know Keiichi Okabe?? He's a great composer, and surely his music is different from Kaljiura's.

[@KOU_Higashikata]

Maybe because Keiichi-san is not that famous in that time, before nier automata come out

[@deadaccount2968]

It's at least partly because of the chanting and instrumentals. They are noticeable different if you listen to them enough, but it's hard to differentiate the two if your not familiar with either composer, or just Kajiura as that was more likely at the time.

[@mixedmango2870]

Because people are finding any excuse to compare YuYuYu to Madoka Magica

[@2rok334]

Wanna turn into a magical girl? There's an app for that.

[@crysesO]

That's actually Mahou shoujo ikusei keikaku

[@metathpr4h290]

The slice of life part is what made me prefer Yuuki Yuuna over Madoka, because it helped me so much to "connect" with the characters and rooting for them, when the drama appeared, it hurt me to watch, while in Madoka I was more like "holy shit, let's see how more tragic it can go!", it's more, while watching Yuuki Yuuna, I kept thinking that everything just going fine, and having happy slice of life episodes for the rest of the series was more than fine for me. Anyways, both anime are totally worth watching

[@SnipingIsFun]

Metathpr4h True, I did enjoy both but I agree that Yuki Yuna gave more to the characters that made me like them a whole lot more. Madoka Magica focused more on the situation and thus was more dark, and quite frankly left me depressed for a couple of weeks. Yuki Yuna had that feel of a Madoka but it did it while also not focusing on the situation all the time, while most certainly not being as dark.

[@kevin427]

*"Connect".* Ha.

[@saladcaesar7716]

I didn't enjoy the slice of life part because between ep 5 and 10, nothing happend. I thought it was made for caracter or relationship development like Karin's birthday (wich I love). But no just them enjoying blindly their life. The 4 heroes rere best freinds. Karin is the new girl. I wish the story can develop a little more Karin's relationship with the others heroes individualy. They are always together so it's hard for me to develop sympathy to their individuality. If only the story could develop each of them individulay especially yuki, fu and itsuki. I need to know more about yuki besides the overly optimistic one I need to know more about fu besides the courageous and devoted big sister I need to know more about itsuki besides the innocent but mature little sister. It's just my opinion and I'm glad to hear yours

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

But remember that Madoka has, in the long run (forget the Rebellion abomination) a very happy ending: all her friends are with her in the afterlife (she's shown consulting with Mami and watching a Captain Oblivious concert with Sayaka AFTER she became the Law of the Cycle), and egging Akemi on in the final scene, who will eventually HAVE to join her in heaven with the rest of their friends as soon as she starts to become a witch - thus rendering the whole Rebellion abomination null and void, thank Madokami!). That and the fact that Madoka ultimately triumphs over fate by the power of love, belief and friendship, makes the show ultimately a prime example of the good characteristics of the Magical Girl genre. I've cried a lot while watching Madoka, but never felt depressed in the end (I still cry, even after watching it more than a dozen times). However, nothing in Madoka hurt me so much as that terrible terrible moment when Fu finds out that her sister will never recover her voice (and the art critic in me still wishes they had never recovered, because the ending, although not at all ruining the series, still feels like a cop-out to me). The only time I've seen an anime character express so much heartfelt pain was when Misato heart Kaji's message on her answering machine, and that didn't hurt that much because they both were twisted adults to begin with. EDIT: the ending was not a cop out because it's explained to be even more tragic in the current season, so good job making me swallow my own words, YuYuYu series!

[@marthaesquivel5483]

Nah

[@boat.goathsr]

SPOILERS. I've said this before but I'll say it again. Let’s set this straight for all the people who think Yuuki Yuuna’s final episode was an asspull or that it was convenient/forced. Think about this for a second; when Togo was told the truth by Sonoko, she mentioned that Shinju was the god-tree formed by the few gods who sided with the humans against their extermination. Why would you side with someone who is undeniably the underdog and then make it so that their lives are miserable? The answer is that you wouldn't unless you absolutely needed to. You only do these things if they are necessary for survival, and it was. Why would the Shinju endanger itself against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy and every single other god out there? It must have seen something in the potential of the human race and did what was necessary to bring out that potential. It may have been hard on the heroes, but that’s why they have the aptitude tests. Because a real hero can take this kind of beating and still stand up for what is right. And as proof from previous generations of heroes, Shinju-sama and the Taisha are always trying to improve the hero system. Before the battle that made Togo lose her memories and legs, Shinju implemented the Mankai and the fairy system from the battle data they gathered from Washii’s team’s fight. Shinju never meant to keep what it had taken from these girls. It had always held them as a price for the powers they received for the purpose of gathering the data it needed to preserve it’s own life and the life of the human race. Sonoko didn't get better til the end because they still needed her power in case of emergency (thus she never had her Hero rights taken away) and Togo never got her legs back til the end (never had her Hero rights revoked either) because they needed her to become a hero with Yuuna (the hero who showed the highest aptitude of all) again. Give your body and receive power, have that power taken away and your body returns to you. The reason Shinju even had to have sacrifices in the first place is because it didn't have enough power to keep everything in the human's world in check. Shinju manages the barrier, the necessary supplies for humans to live, and the power needed to deploy the Heroes. It is said by Togo in episode 7 that Shinju purposefully opens a hole in the barrier and lets the Vertex in to alleviate some of the pressure on itself from exhaustion of power. It would need some sort of power source, or sacrifice, to divert it's powers to the Heroes during their Mankai transformation. The girls hold on to these powers even after they Mankai, in the form of fairies. This is why when the fairies and subsequent Hero rights were revoked, their bodily functions were returned. This simply the concept of equivalent exchange and people don’t see that even though they explicitly explained it in previous episodes with details like Fuu's comment about offerings in episode 7 and the reasoning behind why Togo's fairy came out and protected her in episode 2 without her ever transforming or touching her terminal. The world is subtlely built up through the entire series and the big reveal in episode 10 is just the climax of that world-building that many of you fail to notice. The "nihilistic turn" it takes in that episode is not really a turn because in previous episodes we are already clued in on a post-apocalyptic world that is quite ominous and foreboding. The juxtaposition between their normal lives and their hero lives is what drives this tone through each episode and these feelings of dread finally culminate in the fiery world that Togo sees. Togo's change of heart wasn't abrupt or rushed. Her mindset, regardless of her actions was always to do what is best for her friends, especially Yuuna. No one but Yuuna could have snapped Togo out of her doldrums because she is the person that knows her the best. Yuuna knows that her best friend is insecure but cares deeply for her friends. She sees that Togo has the right mindset, but is just scared and is going about it all in the wrong way. It wasn't her punch that stopped Togo, but the reassurance afterwards that made her realize that what she was doing was wrong. Togo lied to Yuuna when she said she doesn't care about anyone. If she didn't, she wouldn't have a high aptitude to be a hero. Yuuna saw through this and her best friend's rage and was able to reach out to her in a way that only she could. This is the result of heavy focus on the character interactions and trust developed between the girls, while also simultaneously following through on the major themes of the show. For the people complaining that all the girls being healed at the end voided the entire purpose of the show in the first place, this is also fallacious. Having all the girls healed is not a demerit of the show. If anything it shows that through hard work, love, and compassion from people you care about, you can overcome something as debilitating as a disability. And it’s not that the show rejects disabilities and deems them a fate worse than death, rather it shows that you shouldn't treat disabled people any different than others. I’m sure that any one of the girls would be glad to be disabled if it meant that they could spend the rest of their days with their friends. That was the whole point of the sacrifices made by Karin and Yuuna. They weren't expecting to get better, it’s just something that happened because they made the effort to get better. Saying that these girls's struggle was pointless is spitting in the face of every since person who has gone to war and come back safe and sound, or came back injured and recovered. I'm sure there are some disabled people out there who want to be cured of their affliction just like there are people who are proud of their disability and believe that they should stay the way they are. This sentiment does not void the fact that the girls all experienced great hardship and overcame what they set out to overcome together as a team. No one was left out and no one was unloved because of their affliction. Even when 4 of the girls had recovered and resumed their daily lives, they continued to treat Yuuna as a friend. They neither pitied her, blamed each other, nor distanced themselves from her. They showered her in unconditional love and regardless of whether she had the strength or will to recover, she was never alone. Ending this show in a way that did not have the girls recover would actually go against the overall tone and many of the themes that drive the show. This is good writing and people just fail to see it because they come in with expectations and push these expectations on a show that is trying to convey something completely different. If the message of the show is that no matter what you do you will fail, then yes, have an ending with the girls failing and succumbing to despair. But if the show constantly shows you that fighting alone is detrimental and that working together as a team can overcome great odds, then have an ending like that. This is what Yuuki Yuuna does well despite the viewer's expectations

[@boat.goathsr]

+Glass Reflection Guess I also have to post this too since I didn't think you'd compare it to Madoka like so many others have, but you did. Saying Yuuki Yuuna is just a weaker rehashing of Madoka is stupid. I’ve been saying it since episode 1. Though they may seem similar, these two shows are almost completely different. Similarities: magical girls colorful fighting environment fight against nameless (I know in madoka they have names and in yuyuyu they have astrological classifications but it’s a figure of speech) monster behemoths lesbians (joking) That’s a few similarities I’ll give it that. Let’s check out the differences. Differences: yuyuyu is character driven while madoka is plot driven yuyuyu spends time characterizing every girl while madoka focuses on developing 2 of the 5 girls yuyuyu justifies its literary diegesis through subtle world-building and lore while madoka info-dumps a pre-existing scientific phenomena and attempts to tie it into the magical girl genre yuyuyu’s main theme is discovering the hero within yourself in the face of overwhelming adversity while madoka’s main theme is self-sacrifice (these two themes may overlap at some point but are still vastly different) yuyuyu’s character interactions are meaningful and pay off when the girls start to rely on one another while madoka’s character interactions comprise of brooding and self-loathing, causing the characters to shut themselves off from one another and deal with their problems alone yuyuyu’s existential struggle is how to deal with not being able to die while madoka’s struggle is the fear of imminent death yuyuyu spends time building tension and human emotions before executing while madoka opts for left-field twists or shocking developments before we even get to understand certain characters or their motivations, hampering our attachment to them yuyuyu’s organization is using them to save the world from an imminent threat while madoka has kyuubey using the girls to save the universe from a threat that is estimated to occur billions of years from now if not longer yuyuyu’s girls’ solution to a daunting revelation is to help each other and slap some sense into their friends when they need it while madoka’s girls’ solution to crisis is to kill each other to end their suffering yuyuyu’s secondary theme is finding solutions to despair as a team while madoka’s secondary theme is trying to escape fate or despair (through the use of time travel) yuyuyu’s hero system has side-effects if too much power is used fighting the adversary while madoka’s magical system and “emotions” are the direct cause of the show’s adversary due to the nature of the plot itself, Madoka is unable to be properly characterized and she is thus underdeveloped, while Yuuna’s characterization, though subtle, hints that she is adaptable to many situations and is a key player in the group rather than just a mascot or overly-genki girl due to the nature of the plot and the elements used, madoka is painted as “black and white” while yuyuyu opts for a more “grey area” interpretation of the girls’ struggle though madoka girls are fighting witches to save people from despair, they are also being granted a wish as incentive for putting their lives at risk. yuyuyu girls are fighting vertices for no gain other than to help others yuuki yuuna is not madoka kaname fuu inubouzaki is not mami tomoe mimori togou is not homura akemi karin miyoshi is not kyouko sakura itsuki inubouzaki is not sayaka miki So people think it’s “a worse Madoka” eh? Interesting. P.S. And in case you were wondering, I actually do like Madoka Magica. I just recognize that they are almost completely different shows and more people need to recognize that too.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+sinigangster244 I've seen you post this same exact commentary on Tumblr and I absolutely love and agree with your viewpoints 100 percent. Well said.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+sinigangster244 What's annoying is that Arkada is basically denying the existence of the prequel novels just because they contain information that's not explicitly stated in the anime, especially considering that Washio Sumi was published before/during Yuuki Yuuna's broadcast run. I find this extremely close-minded of him, though now I know that he plain doesn't like multimedia works. But everything you said shows a deeper understanding of the series and compliments my own views, so I applaud you for that. It's especially poignant that the way this show ended gives them a sense of hope that if they can get through all of the pain and suffering they got through, they can get through anything. And they'll need this strength and willpower and camaraderie in the future, because Sonoko After outright hints at the plot of season 2 being "the system is being reformed, Heroes will have Sange removed as a failsafe from their Mankai powerups and hence they will no longer have to offer themselves, but in the process they are no longer immortal and they will die. The Taisha will reveal the nature of the outside world to the public, and mass produced Yuusha will be made with the new system in order to lead an Earth Reconnaissance mission against the Vertexes." And the nature of Yuuna's condition was deliberately left open-ended and ambiguous, one cannot get the answers about it they desire unless they read Second Hero Diary and Wakaba Nogi, the latter of which is currently unfinished (but since its been publishing monthly since July its only a matter of time until it actually does). I'm very disappointed in this review and your comment is a breath of fresh air compared to everyone else's here, so thanks for that.

[@et1296]

sinigangster244 I think Yuna is fighting under a new system as she is still exhausted when she falls while doing the play as she was in the other world fighting. The other girls are healed as you say because they don't need to fight however I'm not sure of the price Yuna is forced to pay. I also think this because of the story togo is saying explaining how the hero continued to fight alone without anyone ever knowing.

[@PlyAkira]

sinigangster244 When i saw this comment, At that moment i thought it just some comment but when i read its, I'm completely agree with your comment. I have read the LN, Understand how the Hero System and Shinju works thus i was able to understand how the Anime.

[@KittychanAndChinies]

I personally enjoyed Yuki Yuna more than Madoka. I like the friendships between the girls and the art style of Yuki. Also on the end, although it's kinda odd that they get their body parts back, but I really liked that they got a happy ending.

[@Virjunior01]

Dude

[@kytten]

i absolutely love this anime tbh. Mimori Tougou is one of my favorite characters ever. i love her so much. i need to go read the LN now.

[@sobelle109]

Yuki Yuna is a KZbin Hero

[@SCARYasianMIKE]

"Ah, but it's all run by magic, SO WHO CARES! I do." Best quote ever 2016

[@Azure_Gamer_21]

+Michael Trinh yes yes it is I burst out laughing at that phrase

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

Yes, it's fun, but this only highlights a problem with the YuYuYu series: it's heavily reliant you the viewer having had access to the supplemental material (whether the light or visual novels, the specials, etc.). Many of those things are explained there (as they're being now in the new seasons, but far from enough - you still needs the Wakaba chapters, etc. etc. to fully get what's going on - or read the YuYuYu TV tropes page, which provides tons of spoilers and explanations), and not in the series. And this is of course a fault of the series.

[@PersonaSXM]

The YuYuYu series is so beautiful. I highly recommend it. It hit me way harder than I expected it to with amazing human moments that really tear you apart inside. There's a lot of setup in season 1, well beyond what Madoka or others did, so expect a lot of buildup. But when they stop pulling punches they really go all out. Definitely a series you have to pay attention to if you want to really understand everything since there's a lot of show don't tell, and the official translations are iffy at best (season 2 especially with the absolutely horrible Amazon translations), but the story is meticulously planned out and all the puzzle pieces fit very well once you have all the pieces (which you won't have if you just watch season 1 since WaSuYu was released alongside it and meant to be read at the same time, though WaSuYu turned into season 2 part 1 eventually so it's not a necessary read). The ending of the first season ended being entirely setup for season 2, and god the setup was so worth it. I cried ~2-3 times in season 1, but I basically spent over half of season 2 crying. The second part especially was heartbreaking to sit through at times because it really goes into some dark stuff. And due to the nature of season 2, it explains a lot of season 1 as well, making it well worth going back to rewatch season 1 after. I'll note that the YuYuYu series is a majorly multi-media production so to really get the full experience you'll need to get into all the side materials as well. As far as I'm aware none of it was ever officially released in English, but everything has been fan translated and a google search can turn everything up. The LN's in particular are worth reading, with the VN's, manga, and games mostly being side materials that expand on the world, history, and characters. The soundtracks are well worth listening to as well, all of them. They have some extremely beautiful songs that really are just sublime. Sitting here towards the end of 2019, I'm crossing my fingers for a third season. A "best of" soundtrack was recently (currently available on spotify if you're interested) released and it actually had songs for the prequel series to YuYuYu, NoWaYu, with a full cast and everything. As such, some are speculating that a third season may actually be in the works. NoWaYu would be the darkest saga in the franchise (literally the tag line for the manga) and I have no idea if I'll actually be able to watch it without breaking down, but I'm definitely hoping it becomes a thing! Especially since season 2, the ending especially, heavily referenced NoWaYu so it's possible a third season has been planned for a long time, similar to how the season 1 ending spent so much time setting up season 2.

[@hollyberry0602]

Personally I loved this anime, I thought it was amazing! The music was EPIC and the animation was nice. It's similar to Madoka Magica but I think they're pretty different. And also, I've actually watched both of the recommendations too

[@distortioncharizardalive]

I'd say that Madoka is much more of a reconstruction than Yuki Yuuna is.

[@korisnthere]

reconstruction?

[@distortioncharizardalive]

Kor Reviews He talks about it in the video.

[@KidSnivy69]

Maybe if Rebellion didn't deconstruct the reconstruction

[@distortioncharizardalive]

KidSnivy69 Rebellion is so bad that I pretend it doesn't exist

[@LatinoLover]

+FullmetalGhoul why do you think Rebellion bad? I enjoyed it.

[@MegaMegafran]

Watch this one "Gakkou Gurashi", it's like what would happen if "Highschool of the dead" and "Acchi Kocchi" had a baby!

[@Pik3rob]

Couldn't disagree more about the slice of life aspects of the show. The slice of life in Yuuki Yuuna is actually really good. None of the more serious moments could have worked as well as they did without the slice of life to back it up. Episode 9's climax in particular couldn't have happened without the SOL elements. Neither could Karin's character development either. Same goes for every single relationship in the show really. The actual slice of life scenes themselves are also really well done because the main cast has great chemistry with each other, and the lines don't feel nearly as artificial as a lot of other slice of life shows then to have. I find it kind of unfair to not really like Yuuna herself too much because she lacks much development. Not every character is supposed to be complex and fully developed, and Yuuna is a good example of that. She is just a normal girl with a strong will, and morals she keeps close to her heart no matter the trials put before her. The events of the series would easily make most people fall into despair, but Yuuna powers through it in an effort to do what is right. She's a character that is more meant to be admired for her will and determination rather than for her complexity. This is more personal, but I find giving a definitive judgement on shows without watching it in the intended way to not be a very good idea, and doesn't make for a proper critique, but that's just me. That cell phone complaint is really really petty, just saying. Didn't it say that Shinju sama took those functions away because they were sacrifices for using his power. I believe that's what it said if I remember correctly. Must have given them back at the end for some reason. Only Tougo tried to kill Shinju sama, not the rest. What the fuck are you even talking about with Karin and Yuuna's character design? I don't understand your complaint. There is no resemblance between any of their designs. Yuuki Yuuna has basic similarities in concept to Madoka, but goes in a different direction with it's themes, characters, and overall tone, and comparisons between them should be kept to a minimum. I mean, it's unfair to compare such a great show to Madoka.

[@KuroxXxMurata]

+Pik3rob Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you for this comment. Also thank you for that "I mean, it's unfair to compare such a great show to Madoka." comment. I love Madoka more than the next guy, but people need to stop calling it flawless and putting it on a pedestal when watching other Mahou Shoujo anime.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

Bless this comment. You totally hit the nail on the head. While I'm not afraid to say I love both this show and Madoka, I love this show even more because of its characters. In fact, my feelings for this series are pretty much identical to why I love the Rebellion movie so much.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+MelodyEmeraldCross A THOUSAND TIMES THIS. Plus, I didn't think Madoka was the best thing I ever watched until I saw the third movie, which is my favorite thing ever. But yeah, its sad how people dont give other magical girl shows a chance after watching Madoka. Meanwhile, I try to watch as many as possible and enjoy them for their own merits.

[@EmilyLovesCookies]

YES HE DID! This is one of my favorite magical girl animes! Also Yuki Yuna is also on Netflix.

[@Atang44]

don't forget about the prequel of the prequel, nogi wakaba is a hero

[@brickercustom]

Yuki Yuna is a Hero is also on Netflix.

[@kookyartist]

Do The Seven Deadly Sins!

[@shanequilibrium635]

I think he's going to wait until the second season comes out and ends. Idk, maybe.

[@sterlingmuse5808]

+Shanequilibrium Considering how close the second season is, I think you're right.

[@kookyartist]

+Sterling Muse yeah I actually did not hear about the second season until after posting the comment

[@sterlingmuse5808]

+Kristin Artsypants (Kookyartist) Wow. At least you know now. I actually only watched it recently, but still super hyped for season 2

[@kookyartist]

+Sterling Muse Same, just finished binge watching the anime on friday. Maybe I'll go to the manga next...

[@Megamanlanprime]

Yea, Season 2 brings some clarification to some issues that Season 1 has. (Like they do mention why the girls were healed and other things like why Yuki Yuna took so long to recover vs everyone else.) Also Season 2 covers that prequel series + a continuation of the story which was quite interesting. Although that’s only on Amazon.

[@bleachbleachBLEACHER]

I agree with most of what you've stated in this review. *HOWEVER*, I actually believe that the writers of this series knew exactly what they were doing with how they executed its plot and ending, and let me explain what I mean by that: After I watched this show a little while back, I made a post on facebook containing my thoughts and feelings about the show, making special note that my only real complaint was that the series has next to no world building. The characters never once attempt to contact or plead with their god in any way, shape or form, and when I realized that the only other noteworthy character in the entire show outside the hero club members was Nogi, I stated that this show really only has six characters, a backdrop, and that's it. But it was as I wrote that statement out that I suddenly made a connection between the show as a whole and the puppet show the hero club puts on at the start. The puppet show was a short, simplistic story, and that right there is meant as symbolism to tell you just what the rest of the show is going to be. So once I realized that, I came to the understanding that the writers were probably never trying to create a deep world with a rich history when they made this show, but rather a simplistic story about heroic individuals fighting for a brighter future. And in that regard, the show most definitely delivered. 'Yuki Yuna is a Hero' is a simple show with a simple plot. I do not believe it was ever meant to be more than that, and so I can fully respect and enjoy this show for what it is.

[@Coltaine_]

I see why arkada decided to go on the critical route about the deeper underlying tones but I completely agree that this is a simple anime with a simple goal. Nothing noteworthy but an ok watch for me.

[@Goleon]

+bleachbleachBLEACHER Never thought of it like that but I like it.

[@aaronwilson8632]

Don't wanna sound like an asshole, but if you aren't somewhat familiar with Keiichi Okabe, then you have no right to criticize his music like that. He's been in the industry longer than Kajiura has composing, and has been with Bamco as a Sound Designer for even longer.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+Aaron Wilson I fucking hoped someone would say this.

[@joseagustincuesta]

+Aaron Wilson You do know he's just criticising this particular OST right? No one ever talked about him as a general composer.

[@_greenrunner_]

Jetto Okabe ripping off Kajura????

[@DucksAreWin]

I love you covering the lesser known shows. Hope they keep coming, actually adds to my to-watch list!

[@Lugmillord]

When looking at the thumbnail I instantly thought "huh? Review of Madoka? He already did that. ...oh, different title."

[@MelonTartVA]

Have you seen the second season, Arkada? Cuz it had a 3-part prequel covering "washio tsumi is a hero" before moving forward to finish the main story in 6-9 or so episodes.

[@jonuiuc1]

This is sort of the Rahxephon to Madoka's Eva. I'm glad this wasn't just a rehash of Madoka and was less edgy, plus the sound is gorgeous. The "listening to the audition mp3, was so good". I like a good old fashioned happy ending. Probably why I liked Beyond the Boundary. The grimdark ending fans have plenty of unhappy endings fed to them. I'll take the good ones when can I get them.

[@scarletmoth1221]

Been waiting ages for you to review this!

[@2mo2time]

I like that your vids don't come often but when they do they are good about as good as it gets thanks

[@joshuaward9876]

No background music? I can fix this! *goes into Steam Music Player* *opens Undertale soundtrack* There we go.

[@Urbanas]

Regarding the music , you have never played NIER have you? So I really wouldn't compare it to Yuki Kajiura.

[@Hudson-rc9xb]

Huge fan of your work sir, thank you for reviewing one of my favorite anime from the last few years. Can't wait to see where the Yuki Yuna franchise goes from here.

[@relyat89]

I love that you are getting Review copies and are officially sponsored by Crunchyroll sometimes now. Moving up in the world and living the dream! I'm proud of you man. Long time subscriber. Probably since like 2012, if I'm being honest.

[@SEANdelJURASSIC]

I keep trying to watch Madoka, it just doesn't grab me at episode 1.

[@WalshTV]

"It's all run by magic, so who cares?!" Deadpan: _I do_

[@yeongjinyu4578]

Your review was truly helpful. Big thanks for everything.

[@Pooky1991]

I also consider this Madoka Magica Light. While Madoka Magica has this dark and hopeless tone, this show expresses more of a hopeful and lighter tone. Its actually a pretty good show and I recommend to anyone who like Madoka Magica. While it's similar in that it serves as a deconstruction of the magical girl genre, its distinct enough that it stands on it's on without being a complete ripoff. Honestly watching this after Madoka Magica was like stepping into the sun in the real world after making my way out of Silent Hill's hell dimension. I don't like it as much as Madoka Magica, but I enjoyed it and am happy to have watched it at least once.

[@DJ192837465555]

When you get the chance, you should review Shinsekai Yori.

[@amyduong9423]

I agree! The anime is so underrated, it'd be nice if he could help boost it's viewers.

[@prospectselite]

+xPLODER Yeah I'm so surprised that he hasn't yet

[@rafaelnahafahik7781]

INDEED!!! It's in my top 5, the way the story is so well-thought out is amazing. Love it

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

It's one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES OF ALL TIME FOREVER. Seriously, one of the most intelligent anime I've ever watched, with deep, complex characters and a marvelous sci-fi/horror plot worthy of a classic.

[@thenomadrhodes]

I actually liked Yuki better than Madoka..

[@GingerBeanie]

It's so weird listening to this without background music.

[@Arcantropolo]

+xSonicSeedrian That explains why it's so weird listening to this.

[@kevinyang7042]

I didn't even know he had background music

[@CoconutLotionFace]

Ok 6 minutes in and I REALLY like the idea of this show, I seem to like magical girl Animes like this and madoka magicka. I'll go watch it then come back for the rest of your reviews which are always amazingly entertaining amung the review itself. Thanks Arcada!

[@kinlyki]

Can you review Washio Sumi is a Hero?

[@serenaushy]

I'm actually very surprised about this review, GR! I happen to love this anime. It's bright, beautiful, and sweet. There were two "slice of life" episodes I can remember off-hand, so I'm also surprised at you saying that was the majority. I also felt like all the characters developed and evolved a lot! (With Yuna learning to overcome hardship and even FIGHT A FRIEND, something she'd normally never do, and Itsuki finding her reason to fight, learning courage, and finally standing in front of her sister, even after she lost her voice.) The pacing was fantastic, the story felt realistic in pace, and I loved the personalities greatly! The end was such a rush job, though, and I wish it had been handled better, because I still don't understand so much. I guess we agree to disagree here!

[@maverickVZDM]

First Comment :) love the video arkada and appreciate the hard work you put in to maintain the standard of each review. Thanks a lot :)

[@emmad3567]

Thank you for reviewing this series, it was one of the first ones I watched and holds a special place in my heart.

[@Ineedgames]

I wasn't expecting the feels when watching this anime.

[@sadmiral7333]

togo " i have crippling depression"

[@anime72004]

SPOILERS: I remember watching the show when it aired. By episode 11 when Karin went mankai 5 times I was pretty much devastated. Though the final episode did feel slightly anti-climatic and "disappointing", it was VERY relieving as it was the happiest ending for the girls who we can actually feel sorry for (also great since it aired on christmas day :p) But honestly most of us viewers payed too much attention to the obvious happy ending of the show as Yuna recovered and didnt realise the sinister minor hints of Yuna's condition and what actually happened to her post-battle. I think the writers did a great job fooling us and with Season 2 airing 3 years later, we feel as guilty as the other Hero club members as we were blinded by the positivity. Now Season 2 is looking grim and is most likely seeming like a depressing ending.

[@BrokenDreamer248]

I really liked this review. I'm kind of debating which show I liked better- this or Madoka. I especially agreed with the little sister analogy- cause that's exactly how I Felt too. This show was like a kouhai trying to live up to it's Senpai's success. Did not notice the British accent Yah though, lots of great commentary and points made. Thank you for sharing your perspective, it was really interesting! :)

[@ThePimparoo666]

Its cool if we just assume that you will review Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi (Erased)... right?

[@concretehippogaming]

Please review Shinsekai yori. I feel its a bit overdue since it just barely didn't make it for the review week of awesome.

[@Ephrones]

+TheEtruscanTyrant I’m a bit afraid of that review, since it’s my fav series of all time (and probably that will not change very soon).

[@concretehippogaming]

Ephrones Sharp Why would you be afraid of that review? Its not like it will effect you in any way..

[@Ephrones]

Of course it will, because I highly value Arkada’s opinion and he might point out flaws I haven’t yet recognized.

[@concretehippogaming]

Ephrones Sharp ....But you've already seen it so why would it matter?

[@Ephrones]

Because these reviews are much more interestening *after* I have watched a series. I think about the stuff I watch and try to analyse the good and bad elements of a show.

[@verdantshard5556]

This review is too accurate for words. Thank you, for giving this anime your full attention.

[@Apple-xz2pr]

Man I love your reviews

[@andyjay729]

Inb4 "W-well Madoka is a ripoff of Kamen Rider!"

[@TheRachaelLefler]

+andyjay729 Or Evangelion in skirts

[@furisandayo]

This show gave so much feelz 😭😭😭

[@sparkle1princess]

Yaaaaaas I've been waiting for this review for ages.

[@relyat89]

Sounds like you really liked it! :P In all seriousness, thanks for largely vocalizing my thoughts on this show. I really wanted to like it a lot more than I did. And I have had a lot of good friends who I trust recommend it to me, so I was pretty let down by what I felt was pretty much a cop out of a show. I think there still IS a great story there. And based on what a friend of mine has told me and shown me, it already exists in the light novels. So it's a shame that this is all we get animated so far. I really hope we get another season.

[@alexjames4507]

Do you plan to review Yona of the Dawn?

[@hdjdidud]

natsume yuujinchou, I think you might like this one. It's simple while also being complex, and had this Soothing art style to it, even if some of the Scene are used multiple times. It has a interesting cast each with their own stories and feelings. The characters feel natural and their conversations between each other don't seem forced. The story it self is very episodic but each episode has this underlining plot to it. This anime is one where you will wont watch it to get excited and hyped, but instead watch it to have this sence of calmness. If I had to compare it to another anime, I would probably go with mushi-shi. Of course this is mainly my opinion and if you happen to agree or disagree I would love to hear what you think of this anime, thank you.P.S. I didn't go into story of characters because I didn't want to spoile the experience of watching it, and because in lazy and don't want to type more.

[@Cheesecake2394]

I was waiting through the whole video for you to mention Madoka Magica!

[@liverpool6058]

I went and watched Moribito after your review last week and it was AWESOME!! People if you havnt watched it, it truly is a hidden gem.

[@moonkingdomify]

This series was written by the same guy who wrote School Days. I mean that explains all the plotholes and missing lore. As well as the cop out ending. All in all I don't mind it. It's also on Netflix.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+Ditto, Master of Disguise And you clearly didn't read the novels. This series is a multi-media project and you can't expect to get the full story through watching the anime.

[@moonkingdomify]

ApocalypticMagicalBoy Where can I buy the novels? I can't even find them on Amazon and I'm not paying $60 for a novella. I watched the anime on Netflix (we have it in Canada don't know about the states), so I watched it legally. I'm not torrenting the books, visual novels, or manga. All of that's kind of illegal for me to do.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

Ditto, Master of Disguise You can just read/download them online free. pastebin.com/2wvjCyrV www.reddit.com/r/YuYuYu/comments/3jjmbh/yuyuyu_franchise_resourceslight_novel_reading/ You're welcome.

[@moonkingdomify]

ApocalypticMagicalBoy Nether of those are legal means of reading them. Either way I still liked the anime, I liked it quite a bit actually and I find myself disagreeing with GR in this video a lot. I presonally thought these were some of the most enjoyable and relatable anime characters I had seen in a long time, and I mean considering that slice of life is supposed to feel like a slice of life it's kind of annoying how I haven't seen this done very often.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

Ditto, Master of Disguise I know those aren't legal means of reading them, but if you REALLY want to find out what's going on with their world that wasn't said in the show, I encourage/recommend you read those. But whatever, I'm just really annoyed Arkada disregarded them, I mean, Washio Sumi was published before the anime was even released tbh. But back on topic, I didn't initially get that impression from your comment, my bad for jumping on you. I haven't seen School Days myself, and I know Arkada really hates that show. And I completely agree, its in my top 5 favorite anime for a reason. The characters are extremely enjoyable and excellent, and it utilized its slice of life elements perfectly. Next time anyone complains to me about SoL ruining the industry and claims that it can't possibly be done as a means of building and progressing the story or giving the characters any depth, I'm definitely gonna tell them to watch this show.

[@TheNobody-ru5xg]

Hey, have you watched School-Live?

[@chariakogames4962]

Funny thing is that I tried Yuki Yuna is a Hero out a few days ago.

[@Doug_R1]

On the note you made at 12:58 Are there any status updates on Oregairu season 2? You reviewed the first season, and the second season is absolutely fantastic.

[@ichbinein123]

2:52 How cute :3

[@Colbyt551]

Can you please do a Katanagatari review?

[@antonli9899]

+Colby T YES!!! Please do it.

[@bigdumbandkindascared5181]

there are not many things I require in life but this is one of them

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

Feels weird without the background music... Still liked this review, Arkada.

[@jasminelaw6226]

Another fantastic review!!

[@Chocohalation]

8:30 God: Sorry, my ult's on cooldown. Yuki Yuna: St0p feeeding n0ob reported

[@maplebeard3807]

Arkada, will you be doing a review of Paniponi dash?

[@camiloprieto3814]

I support you.

[@Ichijopaniponi]

+Maplebeard I support too.

[@lindaunderling4637]

+Ichijopaniponi I support ! pani poni dash DO IT. first anime I ever saw.

[@Riniee.e]

Can you please review washio sumi is a hero all three movies?

[@yuukimanga2]

I really love your arguments and analysis ^^

[@samuelshin4746]

When is SNAFU season 2 coming? PLEASE

[@MoonDasher07734]

+Hugo N I think he meant Arkada's review of SNAFU 2.

[@JackyDayt]

I got it

[@EmmaniFreeze]

+Hugo N I think he meant the review

[@mpk2583]

+Hugo N I think he meant the review

[@JackyDayt]

I know it everybody don't have to repeat again and again

[@Orochimaruswife1]

will you review "Monster?"

[@Jairjax]

+Orochimaruswife1 I think he did... let me check for you.

[@Jairjax]

+Orochimaruswife1 No, he did not make a review. I agree though, that's a great anime.

[@joeschmoe5063]

his main issue is that it is on the long side.

[@ShaneRob93]

+Orochimaruswife1 He has mentioned before that he would love to, but there are rights issues or something. I forget exactly.

[@SNGHammiam]

+Orochimaruswife1 He said he won't until Viz Media puts out the full series instead of just most of it.

[@elyserho3287]

I have to say, glass reflection is one of the most reliable anime reviewers I've seen on KZbin.

[@PJammaGod]

I've been keen as mustard to hear your review on Yuuki Yuuna after watching it recently, looks like Christmas came early ^_^ Personally I think they should have added an extra episode to better flesh out and explain the ending rather than the slightly rushed feeling I had. There are hints as to why the central plot element changed by the end of the series, but it wasn't as well explained as it could have been. Still worth the watch!

[@incognitomigueljimenez807]

please review Shinsekai Yori : From The New World

[@transformersrevenge9]

+Kei Jefferson did you mean Shinsegay yaoi?

[@RevoRPM]

+Kei Jefferson ebin original joke 10/10 memester

[@transformersrevenge9]

RevoRPM thanks!

[@michaelbootes4822]

For the Aussies this is on Netflix

[@voon1032]

Wew

[@balbal123321]

Also in the Netflix from south America

[@JaelinBezel]

+Michael Bootes And the American Mid-west.

[@saarah0006]

And in the Uk

[@dotkiarika1026]

+Javier Al Azar the spanish one, right? I'm brazilian and haven't seen it

[@neyhannaguib6101]

i have a question what if one of the heroes go mankai so many times that they don't have any more bodily functions to give. her would they fight. I'm talking about before going mankai meant not going through the sange...

[@seamoremoments]

I've been hoping for this to get reviewed

[@animelytical8354]

I liked these characters a heck of a lot more than the Madoka ones.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+Animelytical Same tbh.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

***** The lack of a sense of dread in YuYuYu adds to the tension that made the eventual reveals that much more satisfying once you got to know the characters, whereas in Madoka it was always stuffed in our faces since it was just that type of narrative. Eh no, I say Homura and Tougou are both very justified in their actions. I struggle to really decide who had it worse though, both had it pretty bad for different reasons if you read Washio Sumi.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

***** I see...

[@hornsby618]

they are making a second season based on the prequel

[@aspirerl4807]

rip gin

[@Lonii04]

AspireRL And rip Sonoko :-(

[@aspirerl4807]

Minecraft Mädchen Yeah, but then she got better in the hero chapter. Gin didn't :(

[@quinnd6273]

Watched it. Sobbed.

[@eebilu]

lol I haven't seen the show, but from the beginning the way you were beating around the bush about how it related to 'other' magical girl shows I was thinking of madoka so I got a laugh out of your final verdict segment

[@d-chan1945]

This comes literally right after I started to watch it. You're a wizard.

[@nanumi14]

Can you do a review for "Erased" one day?

[@gerjanalons]

best anime this season \o/

[@catdogfishdogcats]

+nanumi14 let the show end, and we'l get it next year. during review week of awesome. lol

[@nanumi14]

+catdogfishdogcats Oh, true. xD When is the review week of awesome anyway? Near the end of the year?

[@RandomPrussian1871]

+Nehriim Ehh....I foresee a great disturbance in the moe. I mean, they completely done fucked themselves up by diverging from the Manga at Episode 12 in the dumbest ways possible. If A-1 keeps going like that then we are certainly in for another SAO

[@gerjanalons]

***** SAO is widely popular tho, it isnt fun for the manga readers to hear the same story for the second time

[@lilcyrusj]

Disappointed by this review. He left out a lot of things that made the show amazing. Personally I would rank it much higher. Sadly people are now going to skip over it because of this review.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

+cyrusd johnson Agreed, he completely missed the point tbh. :/

[@lilcyrusj]

ApocalypticMagicalBoy Agreed and I am very sad that people are going to hold his views against the show

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

cyrusd johnson Oh well, its only a small handful tbh. I just wish more people would read the novels instead of constantly asking when season 2 will happen (it will, but not before Wakaba Nogi is finished) or calling something that was already explained subtly in the show and explicitly in the books a "plothole". I really shouldn't have to defend this show as hard as I do. All my friends who love this series like I do share my frustration. ;_;

[@lilcyrusj]

ApocalypticMagicalBoy Not sure. When you type in anime reviews this guy comes up first. People will hate it regardless. Look at Akame Ga Kill for example

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

cyrusd johnson Other people have reviewed this show and saw it for how great it was like we have. Arkada is not the only anime reviewer on the Internet. Plus he only published this review a few days ago. Go read the write-ups for the series on ANN or watch Canipa Effect's video on it, way better than this drivel.

[@DelBunny19]

Think you'll ever touch upon Osomatsu-san? A first thoughts vid or an eventual full review?

[@moffant4916]

I love Fuu.. and shes so cool with her sword and that eye patch. When I play games I go for the big two-handers.

[@aashishpattankar9318]

can we have "your lie in April" already....I think all ur supporters have waited long enough for it!

[@aashishpattankar9318]

I crei everyteim

[@John-yh3je]

It's also on Netflix dub. :)

[@dorandragon]

+Daniel 9 might only be a US thing. being a canadian, he gets different stuff than we do

[@ShinyaKogamiawesome]

Arkada, would you consider reviewing Gate Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri? I'm interested to know you opinion on it.

[@FriendofFantasy]

So, I was wondering if you could do a review of Erased as I currently binge watched the show last night trying to get my sleep schedule back to working nights and loved it.

[@jocell482]

Arkada when will you do the Gintama review? =/

[@bobby2hands227]

+Jocell That's way too many episodes to do a review on.

[@moneefnadeem]

+Jocell doubt that he'll do it gintama is way too long and its still ongoing

[@MrVolt16]

+Jocell when it ends. Have you ever seen him review an ongoing show?

[@LiveConcertJunkie]

This video is so weird with no background music

[@towerknight5012]

+Pablo Rivas copyright. Again.

[@devongarcia6603]

+Tower Knight He said it was an editing mistake.

[@vendarca]

+Glass Reflection I don't usually enjoy review channels because I find that a lot of them are biased or don't bring much new to the table. However, I love your reviews! I think you bring really valid points up and that I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with your analyses despite myself. Your reviews succeed in providing a unique deeper insight into a series that makes me want to watch them even if the series being reviewed is something I've seen 3+ times. I can tell that you really know your shit, and that you really love anime. So tl;dr, +1 Subscriber. Also, if you haven't already, I think you would enjoy watching Shin Sekai Yori. It's a slow burn, but oh boy, is it worth it. It is, in my opinion, a much too-often overlooked masterpiece.

[@TheRachaelLefler]

WHO DID YOUR MADOKA POSTER IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER IN THE VIDEO ITS SO GOOD!!!!