Chris Beveridge
02-23-2011, 06:10 AM
http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000006/82/62/b0ff0f4aebd7e968_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/pandora-hearts-vol-2-premium-edition_article_126418.html)
Mania Grade: B+
In Summary:
Pandora Hearts is a series that has a lot of potential but isn't able to fully capitalize on it. There are a number of interesting ideas here, though I think the Alice in Wonderland riffs are a bit too forced and lack a natural feeling. The characters themselves are where the fun is and seeing Oz really being conflicted with himself rather than being coolly confident all the time like other series would do it is quite welcome. The supporting cast all have their own lives and the show lacks the usual idea of numerous women interested in Oz in a serious manner. There are those that like him, but it never devolves into a comedy of events as they compete for his attentions. And while it wasn't something that a lot of people cared for, I rather liked the visual design with the intentional grain, even if it is more apparent because of brightness differences. Overall, Pandora Hearts is a series that easily needs another couple of seasons to explore what the manga is doing but that's simply going to take time. What we get here is an interesting and fun show with a good sense of self that loses focus in this half simply because it can't really tell a proper ending.
Mania Grade: B+
In Summary:
Pandora Hearts is a series that has a lot of potential but isn't able to fully capitalize on it. There are a number of interesting ideas here, though I think the Alice in Wonderland riffs are a bit too forced and lack a natural feeling. The characters themselves are where the fun is and seeing Oz really being conflicted with himself rather than being coolly confident all the time like other series would do it is quite welcome. The supporting cast all have their own lives and the show lacks the usual idea of numerous women interested in Oz in a serious manner. There are those that like him, but it never devolves into a comedy of events as they compete for his attentions. And while it wasn't something that a lot of people cared for, I rather liked the visual design with the intentional grain, even if it is more apparent because of brightness differences. Overall, Pandora Hearts is a series that easily needs another couple of seasons to explore what the manga is doing but that's simply going to take time. What we get here is an interesting and fun show with a good sense of self that loses focus in this half simply because it can't really tell a proper ending.