Name: A show with great concepts, but relatively mediocre execution. A show that can't decide if it's a comedy or a drama.
Item: Monochrome Factor
Rating: 60
Author: princefado

Waifra

A show with great concepts, but relatively mediocre execution. A show that can't decide if it's a comedy or a drama. · Waifora

Note: As of writing this review, I have not read the manga in its entirety, though I am aware a large portion of the story, particularly's Haruka's character, were invented solely for the anime.

This review will contain semi-major spoilers for the ending.

Monochrome Factor was another stop for me on my journey to take a look at every anime that's ever been tagged with "BL". The premise was a definite win for me; delinquent meets a beautiful man who helps him become a magical boy in order to fight shadow monsters—and they even seal his first transformation with a kiss! Unfortunately, this aspect of their relationship takes a sideline for a great deal of the anime, and the anime itself is bogged down by filler.

I'm normally quite a fan of what some might consider 'filler' episodes; I think, at their best, they can be great opportunities to slow the pace down and give viewers a chance to spend time with the cast, away from pressing plot concerns. Unfortunately, in a 24-episode anime, you really can't spend that much time on filler without making it feel like the plot hardly matters, and that's definitely the case with Monochrome Factor. In fact, I actually binged the first 18 episodes in a couple days, but took a break for several months to even finish the last 6.

Episodes 17-21 have literally almost nothing to do with the main plot, and don't even really focus on the main characters, at least not to the point where any significant development happens. They also really drive home something that bothered me about the show, and that was its reliance on cheap gags. The show can be very funny. Unfortunately, most of the time, it's not very funny, and the attempts at humor only serve to ruin what tension has been established for the more dramatic scenes.

Overall, the characters are likeable, and the show is actually pretty funny before the recurring gags become overplayed. The greatest strength the show has is the relationship between Shirogane and Akira, and as stated before, they really aren't allowed to develop their relationship that much. Much of the show is spent showing Shirogane pining or jokingly flirting with Akira, to which Akira responds with either violence or disbelief. It would have been really compelling to see Akira begin to trust Shirogane—preferably sooner than during the last three episodes, which attempt to tie up the plot in one of the biggest rush-jobs I've ever seen!

I can't rate the anime too poorly; my fudanshi heart was greatly pleased by the book-ends of Shirogane and Akira meeting with a kiss, and parting with a kiss. I honestly wasn't sure if it was going to happen in the end; with how much Shirogane's affection for Akira was played for laughs, I wasn't sure if the show would emotionally commit to it. But, even if it was a bit sloppy, I do think the show committed to that aspect, at least in the end, and I'll give it credit for that.

If anything the opening and ending themes definitely pulled a LOT of weight in getting me invested in the show. Even if you don't watch the series, I definitely recommend listening to both of them. The lyrics and visuals are extremely compelling, and bring a tenderness to Shirogane and Akira's relationship that sadly just isn't as present in the show.