Hitsugi no Chaika

I went into this with low expectations but after watching it, i must say that it is a very enjoyable and well done anime. The character designs are well done, the pacing of the story is great and filled with suspense ( especially the second season), the story itself is intertesting, the method of using magic was unique along with their depictions of fantasy beasts and Chaika , herself, is a character you really develop feelings for. I really wish this series expanded past the second season. Underated, and not boring.

I really enjoyed the first season and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

The mystery of the Chaika's, who suddenly appear several times and have very different characters and abilities, is interesting and when the main protagonist has to decide between the red and white Chaika, there is real tension.

Season two - I enjoyed the first 4 episodes. But then... dunno... I kind of lost interest and fast forwarded a lot.

The obscure main plot - a mad emperor who is reincarnated and seemingly omnipotent - kept coming to the fore... and I couldn't relate to it at all.

The Chaika's are coordinated by a seemingly omnipotent sorceress who keeps appearing and then disappearing out of nowhere. Nobody can harm her. No explanation is given for this kind of magic that no one else has. In general, world building is lacking, and the occurrence and properties of magic and the past of the world and characters are not properly explained. Towards the end of the anime, the plot just seemed random and boring to me.

Season one I would rate 7-8. Season two 4-5 max.

I watched the first two episodes, and I've got to say - its pretty good. I'm not really interested on watching it right now, but I'll probably revisit it again some time in the future. I would recommend watching it though.

Chaika's story in the 1st season has surprisingly depth, from the characters and their backstories to the slow unfolding and explanation of the world and how it functions, little comments from the protagonists often end up being important nuggets helping define the story.

The typical cliches are well handled and even the "silly anime moments" can be looked at as having more depth in the correct light. I'm not suggesting it's a masterpiece, but it does have more going on than expected.

Pros:

• Interesting premise.
• "Hunters" and "Hunted" characters aren't cardboard cutouts and have personality.
• World has development and depth.
• Limitations on magic and equipment add a level of believability.
• Worthwhile subplots including the debate over identity / personal uniqueness.
• Fourth and final companions "Deus Ex Machina" factor handled pretty well.
• Good English dubbing.
• Violence isn't always the answer (unexpected in this kind of anime).
• There is a 2nd season and an OVA.
• The series has a conclusion.

Cons:

• Inconsistent animation at times.
• Male protagonist has a rushed evolution.
• Ending felt rushed, spread over 2 or 3 episodes would have been fantastic.
• Final episode animation drops a bit.
• Unresolved secondary character plot points.
• OVA is difficult to find and watch.

The OVA episode seems like cut content / storyline content with a lighter perspective, it's fun but not critical to watch

I think chaika the coffin princess(japan to English transl.) is great series at first i really think i should start or not start this anime because of the name but it turns out this is a great series must watch if you like anime very much You should think the name is not good but it fits when you watch it you have to broke bias first.I broke it and i really enjoyed.There are really good things about anime first of all most of the main characters are not extreme strong and They think before taking action and there are a lot of teamwork.Action scenes are good and animation nice plot seems first not interesting but it turns out it is.Well some there are somethings i did not like but i didn't bother it because this is great series.I recommend for who likes good action anime,and a little bit sense of humour.