Anime First impressions
Izetta the Last Witch is the latest anime head written by Hiroyuki Yoshino, responsible for having written episodes for such (in)famous anime such as Gundam SEED, Macross Frontier, My-Hime, Guilty Crown, Code Geass, Magi, among many others. Despite the writer's polarizing reputation and history, Izetta gets off on a fine start. The first episode focuses on establishing the stakes and alt-WWII setting and exploring deuteragonist F Ine's character motivations. Despite a rather clunky infodump, the episode manages to tell its story well enough and create some mild tension, which makes the payoff at the end of the episode all the sweeter. Izetta's second episode is when things really start to pick up, this time Fine takes a backseat while the titular character takes center stage, showing her back story and relationship with Fine that will drive most of the plot, and introduces more of the magic aspect shown at the end of the first episode. The anime opts not to give an exposition on how Izetta's magic works, leaving the viewer to learn as the magic is performed in show, which is, personally, a method I tend to prefer as it leaves an air of puzzle-like mystery for the viewer, letting them learn as the show progresses while never slowing down the action. Both protagonists are interesting characters in their own way, and while their relationship is nothing new, the execution and contrast between the two helps make it endearing, while I wouldn't mind if the relationship stays as subtext, I am hoping that things will become more explicitly romantic between them.
The plot and setting of Izetta is nothing new, but I'm a sucker for fantastic historical settings, and the WWII setting gives this anime the perfect excuse for wacky Nazi hijinks. Don't let me down Yoshino! Art and animation are really solid, though I do wish we got a darker art style instead of the Sword Art Online-style character designs. Izetta's music is another thing that stands out, with the OP being one of the seasons best and a soundtrack that's suitably mystical and epic.
In the end though, only time know if Izetta'll end up diamond or a dud, but as of right now I can't recommend it enough.
Anime Some Good Ideas Lost in a Lackluster Story
I came into the series with what could best be described as "mild enthusiasm". I'm a huge WW2 buff, and this seemed like a unique setting, with an interesting take on the war. And as I was watching the early episodes, the setting, and the concept certainly was holding my attention. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, the weight of this series' tropes began to set in, and it ultimately caused it to buckle.
Let's start with one of the good things: the animation. This is top notch animation, particularly in the color department, and during the action scenes, the animation is really allowed to shine. Speaking of which, the action is thoroughly original, and they take every advantage they can with it. The first scene where we see Izetta go all out is easily one of the best in the series, with her usage of medieval weapons to take down tanks and planes.
That all said, the series is still held back back by a story that's thoroughly predictable, and rather one-dimensional leads. Now I'm often the first person to defend cliches in a series, if the series is willing to have fun with the cliches, or makes up for it with an entertaining tone. I honestly can barely remember any of the characters; the only trait I can remember about the Archduchess is that she's the royal idealist, whose idealism is the only spark of light in this cruel world, asking why we can't all just get along. The only trait I can really remember from Izetta is that she loves the princess, and the country, and that's it. The rest of the good guys can be cleanly sorted into the roles, like the young, optimistic maid, the stern, young bodyguard, the grizzled old general, the pragmatic agent guy, and the eccentric foreign woman.
At first I really liked the setting, but the story ultimately failed to take advantage of any of this. The good country is the completely good country, and the bad country is the Always Chaotic Evil country, with maybe a Token Good Teammate or two. It seemed like there were attempts, or at least desires, to try and show the vices and virtues of both sides, but whenever they're brought up, they are promptly put to the side for the love plot between the Archduchess and Izetta. While its not bad, per se, it more or less amounts to Izetta flying our heroine around on her magic gun (a phrase I never thought I'd ever type), and the two sitting in the moonlight together, talking about peace and war. I wouldn't mind, but its time that could've been spent on developing some of the other characters, including the villains, who are often sidelined. I try fault this more to the series' length, but I have seen anime with similar lengths get as much done.
In summation, if you don't mind the heavy, and thoroughly predictable tropes, then you might enjoy this series enough. Personally, the story was too predictable, and the characters too one dimensional. Best to make up your own minds, I suppose.