Kanata no Astra

*NO SPOILERS* I struggled a bit with episodes 1-3, as the mystery was not addressed yet (only subtly), but the real science-fiction element kept me interested. There were too many sub-plots which did not add up to the sci-fi overtones of the premise. BUT I WAS WRONG - each of the elements were answered, and in a logical way.

Overall, I was impressed with the writing. It DID deliver on the premise, and it kept the pacing, mystery, and character development. Great job crew!

I would RECCOMEND this mini-series. It was wrapped up nicely. Do not expect a second season, this was a complete telling of the story, and it was done well.

Overall the core plot and many of the sub-story twists are a breath of fresh air among a glut of "Copy and Paste" anime's, but it does have its faults.

Pro's:

• Fairly unique plot with reasonably good execution.
• "Challenge of the week" handled in a fairly intelligent manor.
• Good overall background tension, smiling faces sometimes hide pain.
• Not always sunshine and happiness, there is some strife and distrust amping up the group dynamic.
• Above average character growth, with time spent on each giving them a personality beyond the cardboard background stand in's most shows have.
• Individualized hurdles for each character.
• Self inclosed story arc with the possibility for more.

Cons:

• Start is a bit rocky, and it needs a few episodes to get it's feet.
• The challenges they face are sometimes overcome in comically easy ways, detracting from the overall struggle.

-Some of the "reveals" had either too much foreshadowing or were too predictable.

• At Times a little to "happy" or the group dynamic is a bit more positive than I'd expect.
• Ending felt rushed, really could have used some more time, but isn't this always the case?

While it feels a bit rushed at times, this is a pretty great anime. The character development is pretty good too. The main cast starts off as fairly cliche anime tropes but as they develop you begin to connect with them more and more. And boy does it get HEAVY near the end as everything is explained to us.

Overall, I kinda wish this anime had more episodes as it would give me more air to breath as it REALLY dumps everything on you all at once it seems. But I strongly recommend it nonetheless if you like sci-fi. Has some great themes of friendship and love too!

Objectively an 8.5/10 but I love it, so it gets a 10 from me. :)

Another one of my favorites. In 2063, eight high school students and one kid are flown out to a camp, but a glowing orb warps them nearly 5,012 light years away, meaning they need to get back home on a slow, dangerous trek across the universe, engaging in a vigorous journey. In the process, Luca Esposito reveals himself as intersex, although he may also be genderqueer. I enjoyed this as much as any of the others on this list, but at times the number of characters could be confusing to follow, which is why this it is has its current rating.

I don't think anyone can predict this story. It might seem that it's going in a certain direction but just wait and watch. This is top-notch writing with a story that connects every single plot point it establishes. Nothing here is senseless. Everything is part of the puzzle. The characters can be a bit cringey at times but the mystery and adventure keeps it going.