Read positive comments online about “Charlotte”, so decided to sample a few episodes of this new summer anime, unfortunately it failed to keep hold of my interest compared to other shows I had not planed to watch either but did got hooked on, like “Himouto! Umaru-chan” or “Akagami no Shirayukihime”.
The main reason I was not keen on trying “Charlotte” was because it is an original anime project by visual novel studio Key, who are known for their dramatic, sad storytelling. Together with animation studios PA Works and Aniplex, Key previously created “Angel Beats!”, an anime that is praised by many but which I actually didn’t like all that much due to its many flaws.
Hence, was somewhat apprehensive about “Charlotte”, and based on the first few episodes I watched, felt that like “Angel Beats!” it might take itself too seriously. The show feels rather heavy due to the majority of the plot elements being overbearingly dramatic, most events that occur as well as the main characters their pasts and current lives are filled with agony and misery.
While a sad tale can be good when properly told and executed, have a feeling that “Charlotte” will increasingly become more dramatic to the point where the events that unfold are pure torment on the characters, and if there should be a silver lining or happy ending, it would not feel uplifting due to the gloom that came before it.
Granted that it may likely be due to my own personal taste not being suited to such a drama anime, but those of you who liked series such as “Angel Beats!”, “Air” or “Little Busters” might enjoy this show.
You can watch “Charlotte” on Crunchyroll.
