This review contains spoilers about Bakuten!!; please read at your own risk.

I am going to be a little more thorough in this review, as I really enjoyed the show and enjoyed the style. I was excited for every episode to come out, and couldn't wait for the next one. It was one of the animes that captivated me during its airing season. Surprising, as it's not often I watch animes when they're airing. I have started to do this, of course. But that's besides the point.

# ANIMATION -----------

Absolutely loved it. 10/10. I loved everything about it. Even the incorporation of CG didn't phase me. It transitioned quite smooth between the two in my opinion, and it was only noticeable because it was basically the performance(s) that they used CG in. This doesn't bother me as I figured they used it to animate scenes that would take more time, and would be tiring to animate as it would take longer to do so. I completely understand, and it really, even rewatching it, doesn't bother me.

The incorporation of the blue bird was beautiful, too. I enjoyed the scenes, and the metaphor the bird stood for.

# CHARACTERS ----------
Everyone was great. 9/10. It's the typical sports anime where each team has a character or two that is the same as someone on the opposite team, but different in their own way. Typical for an anime sport, but I didn't mind it. I found the scene where they were playing Hide and Seek cute because everyone that "was the same" hid with each other and it helped establish a relationship between them. Even if it's something as small as also enjoying the same music. The interactions between the two main teams -- Ao High School and Hakumei University - I absolutely loved. They were funny, quirky and gave life to characters that appeared snooty, headstrong and are the antagonists, but give you a reason to like them just a little more.

My favourite character is Kotaro Watari. I just love how he's so headstrong but so sweet. He takes pride in his cooking and gets jealous when others cook. I think it brings a light to him that his favourite movies can't.

I also really liked Shūsaku Shida. I liked the running gag that his wife didn't exist because you never got to meet her until the episode that specifically touched on their relationship. I liked that he loves his wife, loves the sport and wants to make the change that he never got to make. He may have messed up his career, but he shows his team that they're able to stray away from his mistakes by learning from his own mistakes and teaching them what's right.

# MUSIC ----------

The OP is an absolute banger. My partner - who has never watched the anime - loves it. He's downloaded it and put it on his playlist which makes me happy because I absolutely love it. The ED is just as great, but I personally prefer the OP. It's got the right vibe, and it puts a smile on my face hearing it because I was just so stoked for the episodes to come out, and hearing it got my hyped for the show.

# VOICE ACTING ----------

I feel the casting was perfect. I had no qualms with it, and I wasn't disappointed in the voice acting or voices for anyone. I rather enjoy the work from some of the actors, so I am not the least disappointed by their performances. While I wish that some characters had more time to talk and really express themselves, it is fine the way it is.

Shimba Tsuchiya I've never heard in another anime - and seeing his credits I can see that he's rather new. I have high hopes for him because he did a good job playing a character that's trying his hardest, insecure in his skill, and gradually gets confident performing. It's refreshing to see a new name in the industry that's done a good job.

There are big names in this anime - and I'm surprised it's not as talked about as it should be. The cast is big, and the work was done well.

# OVERALL RATING ----------

• Animation: 10/10
• Characters: 9/10
• Music: 10/10
• Voice Acting: 10/10

I am very excited for the movie to come out, and I hope it just does as well as the anime did. I can't wait for it to come out!