[Dr Kain]

Finished Black. I still want to know why the Japanese have this obsession with making their enemy rulers some giant immobile object. Anyway, a great ending to a great series, but there are definitely things I do think the series really could have fixed. Kotaro, as bad ass as he is, is just a one dimensional character in the long run. He does not grow at all throughout the show as once he accepts who he is in like episode 3, he is the exact same person in episode 51. The Gorgom priests are pretty much useless until Shadow Moon comes into play. They could have used a back story or something to develop them so they had a purpose. At least they weren't as pointless as the likes of Kara, Mara, and Road Sector though. The series did not need either of them in it and nothing would have changed, especially Kara and Mara. I also would have had Shadow Moon appear much sooner in the series, and had him spend time as Nobuhiko for more than just a few seconds towards the very end of the show. Also, the constant clips need to go. While I know the show did come out long before, it has what I call these days as Gundam SEED Destiny syndrome, where they feel the need to show us the same flashback clips 30 times every other episode.

Despite those issues, the show is a fun ride with some really great fights, amazing Kaijin designs, and good characters. As I said, nitpicks aside, Kotaro is pretty badass when it comes down to being a rider, I just wished he had as much development as future riders such as Wataru, Shinichi, and Kenzaki. The music is well done, usually fits the mood, and the story, as drawn out as it is, is enjoyable.

Black is one of my favorite series, albeit not my absolute favorite for the reasons mentioned above, and it is definitely one that is not for everyone. Overall, I give it a 4/5.

Split, while I disagree on some of your things towards Agito, I definitely agree it is not a masterpiece. The "final battle" is what slightly ruins the show for me.