1.) The visual presentation. The animation looks pretty good, and while not entirely consistent across the board, there are some breathtaking sequences with some excellent key frame work. What's more, the visual style of this show is gorgeous, with bold line work, and a vibrant, unique color palette, employing bright greens, yellows, reds and blues, mixed with more muted tones you might see in a 90s anime. This is particularly noticeable in the intro, which I love. The cinematography and scene framing also have standout moments. The show has both a great sense of style as well as a great sense of humor, and this comes across in its visuals. Speaking of-
2.) the sense of humor is pretty decent. It does take some getting used to at first, particularly from the fourth wall breaking priest who can see into the future. There is a freneticism to it that harkens back to shonen anime from the 80s and 90s, but the visual gags are often elevated just enough to put a smile on your face, even if you're not outright belly laughing. This also achieves an interesting effect when sharply contrasted against a more tragic or violent moment, which brings me to final and probably most controversial point
3.) the tone. The tone is a dual one, on one hand you have a typical shonen adventure with a wacky cast of youngster, the capricious yet sincere prince, the serene shrine maidens daughter, the mischevious ninja, the quirky mentor, the silly villains etc. Typical themes of togetherness, finding oneself, they're all here. Yet the show also can be brutal in a very matter of fact way, which is apt for the setting of a historical drama, with its more fanciful and playful aspects lending itself well to the clearly embelished and magical elements of the story. If the show was edgy or exploitative about it, I would not be praising this qualtiy. In execution the contrast feels very appropriate, and it is in this contrast that some of the shows themes diverge from the typcial shonen trappings. The prince embracing the natural perversions which allows him to thrive in his plight, the use of asymetrical stratagems and the honor of subterfuge, and how to reconcile the natural shame of suvivors guilt using the virtue of surviving for the sake of those around you. It creates a unique viewing experience where you feel extremely invested in what's happening. It is somewhat evocative of Demon Slayer, but as it sometimes vaciliates rapidly between playful and cruel, I'd say the watching experiences differ quite a bit. I would almost describe watching this as what I imagine children's stories were like generations ago, with the parents regailing children with semi-historical tales full of geunine tragedgy but also mirth and fantasy.
I could see some people being put off by this show's somewhat jarring tone, and also have some questioning who this show is even for. I think I respect it for that, and appreciate and enjoy what feels like a director's vision.
