Josh’s Thoughts:
A few things had hyped this anime up for me before even knowing what it really was. First was the fact that the original story was written by Nisio Isin, the same man who wrote the Bakemonogatari novels. Having loved Bakemonogatari, getting something more from the same guy could only mean one thing: More win. The second thing was the leak that happened three weeks prior to its air date, giving all a taste of what was in store.

Hype can be a dangerous thing. Too much, then disappointment follows. Not enough, and potential anime gems get overlooked. With all the hype that Katanagatari was getting, I was wondering how it would stack up. It delivered, but not in the way I expected.

The first 50 minute episode has plenty to hook you in. The only potential obstacle is that, as any first episode, everything must be explained for the rest of the series, all without being too boring. Katanagatari took that problem, chewed it up, and spit it back out like I do a McDonalds Egg McMuffin. The episode did so well in explaining everything, all while keeping things exciting and interesting.

Another plus to the show was the simplified artwork that works to its benefit by keeping things easy to understand and beautiful to boot. The show is self-aware, allowing for some humor to work its way in when things don’t quite add up or get out of place. Also helping things is how the show’s genre being one prone to cliché and running with them but maintaining originality. Just take Shichika’s character as an example. Having badass martial arts skills and being exiled to an uninhabited island, the guy has every reason to be a typical revenge-minded, unshaven meanie.  Instead he’s a nice guy who works hard, and although he may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he isn’t brain-dead compared to the likes of Luffy or Naruto.

Summary

Judging only from the first episode and previews for the next, this might be the crowning jewel of the winter anime season. With episode two just around the corner, it’s a must-watch.