Shown above: me after watching Ranking of Kings.

This show was amazing. I think the best part of this show is how it continually upends all my expectations. One early example of this which won’t give too many spoilers is queen Hilling. From the first couple episodes, I thought she was the evil stepmother incarnate. Then later I discovered I could not have been more wrong. It’s that kind of thing which makes me love this show so much.I also felt like the show was very kind-hearted— these people do awful things to each other, but I can’t think of anyone the show completely gave up on, even the ones in the most hopeless situations. It’s a dark setting but still manages to be cheerful and hopeful.

Froggy wrote a nice article about some racist components to the show. Not sure what I think— the part in question is pretty minor— but wanted to point this out.

All in all, really solid show.

• Storytelling – A – Wow.
• Voice – A – Takes what seems like a standard fantasy setting and makes it very much not typical.
• Characters – A – They are all amazing.
• Attention Grab – A – Always looked forward to it.
• Production – A – Superb animation.
• Overall – A-

Recommendations – Princess Tutu, Mob Psycho 100