[DreamSword]

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE REFLECTION

TL;DR: While far from perfect, I love this anime a whole lot!

But as per usual, in an effort to end on a high note, we're gonna start with the weak stuff first and then go into why I feel the show is worth watching.

When it comes right down to it, I feel like this was an anime that was absolutely begging to be either twice as long as it was, or at the very least be locked in for a second season right from the outset.

A couple of the character arcs are pretty rushed, and certain plot details are simply handed out without much elaboration. And unfortunately, that stings particularly true for two of the leads: X-On and Eleanor, who, while not outright terrible characters, could've used alot better of pacing.

The Reflection is also unfortunately the kind of show wherein what many would consider its biggest strengths, others would be extremely offput by, as seen by reception of the anime being rather mixed by what few who've seen it. It's such a unique beast that it was unfortunately doomed to be that way. Similar to, say, Kamen Rider Kuuga, as a frame of reference.

But hey, I am very much on the positive side of things when it comes to this show! There's so much cool and interesting aspects to it that, while I wouldn't call it one of my favorite anime of all time, I do like it alot! The art an animation being done to look like a classic comic book in motion, the incredible soundtrack, the engrossing atmosphere, all the unique minds coming together to make this thing happen(Stan Lee included!), and of course, some really good characters!

There's a reason I'm ending this set of reviews off with Sky Show. Not only is it the best song in the entire show, but it belongs to what is also the best character: Ian AKA I-Guy. The story of the man who lost what he considers makes him, well, him, and how he handles the aftermath of it was something that pulled me in immediately, only helped by his likable personality and the great chemistry he had with those around him. I wish he'd've been in the show more, and I've no doubt he would've had there been more than 12 episodes.

In the end, The Reflection, by its very nature, is not a show for everyone. But it most certainly is for me! While a second season is never going to happen due to various factors(Stan Lee being gone, having to get 9nine back, the show flopping, etc[heck, we'd be lucky to even see a DVD release]), I'm so glad I watched this show back when it aired, and had a great time rewatching it now, years later. It's a show where you can tell alot of love and care was put into it, and that made it all the better. It's not perfect, but for what it is, I had a good time, and I'm sad it's likely going to end up forgotten.

I give The Reflection a solid 4/6.

Next up on the shows I plan to cover is Pacific Rim: The Black. See you whenever that happens!