Classroom For Heroes has two main modes of operation: fast and noisy, often simultaneously. Whether introducing new characters, throwing jokes at the wall, or even transitioning between scenes, the show always manages to keep your attention. On the one hand, that’s often a benefit—it allows the show to run through familiar character archetypes and basic plot points quickly enough that they never get boring, which makes it pretty easy. easy. On the other hand, that energy can quickly become annoying until you’re just begging for an episode to take a relaxation pill and stop throwing jokes or fighting or the anime girls’ naked bodies. on screen for about ten minutes. second. In a show with more of an identity, that polarizing nature could make this a “love it or hate it” title, but unfortunately, the show doesn’t have the guts to do that. At most, the division is between an okay but disposable time-killing program and a pointless and annoying waste of your time. Simply put, Classroom of Heroes has very few ideas of its own and is willing to adapt as many characters and historical story beats as possible for a magical school show. After one episode, you’ll see the fiery redhead become Blade’s tsundere admirer, followed by the stoic super-soldier girl who learns to stop living her life by taking orders thanks to Blade’s friendship. Then of course there’s a dragon who can transform into a little girl and claims to be Blade’s daughter after he defeats her. Next is the half-demon girl with a diverse personality, switching between gentle and violent. As we approach the absurd robot girl who learns what it means to be human thanks to Blade, even the characters begin to admit that they’re just repeating tropes to flesh out the cast. Individually, these characters may be innocuous enough, but together they paint a picture of a show that can only pile on tropes and repeat gimmicks ad nauseam .
That’s a problem because those characters drive everything in this show. While there is a two-part storyline to end the season, most of the series is episodic shenanigans that introduce new characters or give existing ones something to do . If an episode isn’t about introducing a new girl to Blade, but about some random side quest where the students have to cooperate with each other, such as protecting a magical egg or hunting hunt down rare monsters to make a special birthday treat.. First and foremost, this is a comedy and the “serious” moments are short and simple so as not to distract from the humor magic and fan service that the series is more concerned with. If the characters and jokes don’t work for you, there’s nothing here.
The only real hitch is the film’s self-aware sense of humor. The series seems aware that it’s mostly a collection of tropes thrown in a bag and shaken vigorously, and often gets a laugh by pointing out how silly each character is. Blade isn’t just your typical oblivious harem male lead—he’s so childishly innocent that he has no concept of sex, and before long, the female cast is stripping down and flashing flashing so he shows his complete unresponsiveness. Not only is Sophie a shameless clone of Rei Ayanami, but she must also defend her position as Stoic One when the equally emotionless robot girl, Iona, arrives to haunt Blade’s attentions. Sometimes, those jokes are clever enough to make viewers giggle, but just as often, they feel like the show is making excuses for its lack of personality. Winking at the camera is normal, but this is more akin to trying to look at the audience’s faces.
That feeling is also the best way to describe the animation and direction. While there are a few below average episodes, for the most part the season is very well produced. There are plenty of live effects and combat animations, often reserved for brief, inconsequential moments rather than being strictly limited to climactic attacks or gags. Combined with its clearly rendered character designs – and the camera’s keen eye for cheesecake – it stands out from its peers in the School of Magic in a good way. Furthermore, a great deal of creativity and energy is packed into the transitions and one-off visual gags that contribute to the film’s relentless punchlines and special attacks. Sometimes, for no reason at all, we’ll transition to a new scene by having a chibi version of a character smash the screen with a mace. Other times, it’s pixel art of the cast running by while cleaning the screen. There’s no consistency in said transitions, and they can sometimes be annoying or confusing if you’re not expecting them. However, they are short and quick enough not to become a non sequitur as in other cases.
Unfortunately, all that energy turns into an anchor around the movie’s neck if the characters and their shenanigans fail to captivate you. What could have been a raucous action comedy can quickly become an obnoxious headache that constantly pokes fun at its reliance on historical tropes, and that’s where Classroom For Heroes ends. end. Talking fast and loudly may get your attention, but if what you shout at a mile a minute can be more interesting then eventually your audience will walk away. It’s far from the most mediocre or boring Magic School anime you can find, but this one is still a C-grade at best.