I cannot, in good consciousness, recommend Black Bullet unless you simply want eye-candy. The production values are high, but if you're into animes for deeper experiences, stray far from this one.
At only 13 episodes, any anime that's filled to the brim with a lot of material is going to struggle. Black Bullet is many things: it's a social commentary on the ostracizing of a group, a romance, a comedy, and a tale of humanity's struggle to endure. On top of this, within its 13 episodes are 3 distinct plot arcs. Black Bullet tries to achieve so much in so little time, that it stands out only as a Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None.
Taking place in a city where humanity is pitted against invaders known as the Gastrea, Satomi Rentaro is an officer who fights against this enemy alongside his young partner, Enju. However, Enju is one of many girls persecuted by much of society for being a Cursed Child. These are girls who have enhanced combat capabilities because they were exposed to the Gastrea infection before they were born. Cursed Children, despite being hated for what they are, often assist as members of the defense force.
As interesting as the premise seems, it's only a part of the greater, messy scheme of things. While all of that is going on, Black Bullet attempts to develop characters and a relationship and unravel plot details in an almost incoherent way with little devotion to any one particular element. For the first couple of episodes, you'll be trying to wrap your head around exactly what this anime wants to be, only to give up in frustration and try to just enjoy the ride. Sadly, all the way up to the final episode, you'll find that this is just one messy ride that can only be enjoyed for its pretty animations on screen with occasional flashy action sequences. So many times, I found myself wanting more of something the show offered, only to never get it because the writers wanted to show a little bit more of other things.
I have never seen a more jumbled up anime than Black Bullet. Do yourself a favor and watch a show that knows what kind of identity it wants to carve out for itself.
At only 13 episodes, any anime that's filled to the brim with a lot of material is going to struggle. Black Bullet is many things: it's a social commentary on the ostracizing of a group, a romance, a comedy, and a tale of humanity's struggle to endure. On top of this, within its 13 episodes are 3 distinct plot arcs. Black Bullet tries to achieve so much in so little time, that it stands out only as a Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None.
Taking place in a city where humanity is pitted against invaders known as the Gastrea, Satomi Rentaro is an officer who fights against this enemy alongside his young partner, Enju. However, Enju is one of many girls persecuted by much of society for being a Cursed Child. These are girls who have enhanced combat capabilities because they were exposed to the Gastrea infection before they were born. Cursed Children, despite being hated for what they are, often assist as members of the defense force.
As interesting as the premise seems, it's only a part of the greater, messy scheme of things. While all of that is going on, Black Bullet attempts to develop characters and a relationship and unravel plot details in an almost incoherent way with little devotion to any one particular element. For the first couple of episodes, you'll be trying to wrap your head around exactly what this anime wants to be, only to give up in frustration and try to just enjoy the ride. Sadly, all the way up to the final episode, you'll find that this is just one messy ride that can only be enjoyed for its pretty animations on screen with occasional flashy action sequences. So many times, I found myself wanting more of something the show offered, only to never get it because the writers wanted to show a little bit more of other things.
I have never seen a more jumbled up anime than Black Bullet. Do yourself a favor and watch a show that knows what kind of identity it wants to carve out for itself.