Original Writer / Illustrator: Ao Jumonji / Eiri Shirai Format:Anime Studio: A-1 Pictures Date Released: Jan. 2016 – Mar. 2016 Episodes: 12
Warning Contains Spoilers!
So, the plot of this show is pretty simple: Take random people from our world, spirit them away to some high fantasy world, then leave them to their own devices and let them figure out how to survive on their own. While originally a group of 12 or so arrives in the world known as Grimgar, they're divided up into parties, and this show follows... what's essentially the leftovers.
When I was shown the trailer and told the basic premise of the series, I was totally hyped for it. It sounded amazing, and like it would be a fun watch. But...
….. It isn't.
Seriously, no.
After looking up the manga, the anime feels so empty. The characters are extremely bland, and their interactions feel so forced. There are so many awkward pauses during dialogue and drawn out monologues, while everyone is just standing around mind you, that nothing ever really gets accomplished. This make the whole pace of the show feel slow and tedious. Okay, I get it, I understand that part of the point of the show is the whole “Early level is suffering” aspect that you see in games, and survival is difficult, which is definitely shown in the first few episodes. The party struggles to earn their way, goes hungry (and even without underwear), and fails repeatedly, all while trying to grow and become stronger. This would all be cool, but the characters just make the whole scenario unappealing. They're summoned to Grimgar, with no memories of who they were, so you're stuck with a cast of blank slates with different coats of paint.
Sure, you can say they have unique personalities, but with nothing else to work with, they feel like the basic character archetypes out of a tabletop RPG. One lacks confidence; one is a ditz; one is a mouse; one is a dumbass; one is slow; and the last, thankfully and regretfully, does feel more complete but ends up with a more passive “guidance character” role with very little to say until a pivotal (for the cast) episode. When this band of five misfits, and a decent support, finally succeeds in taking out a target it feels so underwhelming. Yes, the scene plays out in a way that really shows the characters coming to grips with the harsh reality of survival in the world they're in, but after dealing with their general awkwardness it just gives the feeling of “Alright, finally! Some fucking progress!” Watching the Dark Knight crying as he was dealing with the reality of his actions really just came off as pathetic and uncomfortable.
After which, the viewer is treated to beautiful montage of Main Character walking through town.... for what feels like ten minutes. This happens in more than one episode. A show where action is minimal, character interaction is painfully slow, and productivity is low, has a drawn out montage of nothing significant happening. Alright, it's supposed to show how the characters are living and making due with their lives in Grimgar despite their circumstances, but when nothing ever really gets accomplished, it just feels like a waste of time. They seriously decided to do nothing for the day. They failed a goblin hunt, and essentially went home to do nothing but sulk.
This show is beautiful, I won't deny that. It is animated, and colored splendidly. The soundtrack is also excellent, and very relaxing... however, with how little actually happens, and the lack of action, the soothing music works better at putting one to sleep. This show is crap with pretty colors and nice sounds.
It's rainbow-shit.
*** EDIT ***
My opinion hasn't completely changed, but the pace and feel of the show improves for episodes 10-12. Things are actually happening, a boss fight is going down, the characters are interacting much more smoothly. The action is fast, feels intense, and actually gives a better feeling of suspense. And holy shit, MC-kun takes some ranks in Assassin somehow and makes a beautiful demonstration of badassery. In the last three episodes, everything I had hoped for with this series actually starts happening, and I love it. I just wish I didn't have to wait until the end of the damn season to feel this way.
So Grimgar's start was tedious and boring, the middle was kinda emotional and feel-y, and the ending had all the action and fun bits.
I still think you should just read it.