Soul Eater – Complete Series Review summarized

“Atsushi Ōkubo’s Soul Eater made a significant impact in the late 2000s, establishing itself as one of the standout hits of its time. The manga and its anime adaptation garnered immense popularity, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, supernatural elements, and a captivating storyline. Now, Manga Entertainment brings us the complete collection of Soul Eater on Blu-ray, offering fans and newcomers alike a chance to immerse themselves in this iconic series once again.

Despite being over a decade old, Soul Eater still manages to captivate and impress with its enduring appeal. As a first-time viewer, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it holds up compared to many of the longer-running shonen shows that have come out in recent years. From its engaging characters to its stylish animation and compelling narrative, Soul Eater delivers a captivating and enjoyable viewing experience.

The story is set in a world similar to ours, but with a twist: magic and witches are real, and certain individuals possess the extraordinary ability to transform into powerful weapons. These weapons, known as “meisters,” are trained at the Death Weapon Meister Academy in Death City under the guidance of Shinigami, also known as Lord Death. Lord Death, with his enigmatic presence and distinctive skull mask, oversees the academy and its mission to combat witches and the forces of evil. The ultimate goal for a meister and their weapon is to become a Death Scythe, a weapon personally wielded by Lord Death, by collecting the souls of 99 corrupted beings and one witch.

The series revolves around the adventures of Maka Albarn and her partner, the formidable scythe weapon Soul Eater. Their primary objective is to transform Soul into a Death Scythe, but they face challenges in acquiring the necessary witch’s soul. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they become entangled in the intricate schemes of the cunning witch Medusa, whose ultimate aim is to resurrect the Kishin—a being driven mad by consuming innocent souls, transformed into a formidable demon. Maka and Soul, joined by their fellow meisters Black Star and Death the Kid, along with their respective weapons, must confront Medusa and prevent her from unleashing the chaos of the Kishin upon the world.

Soul Eater stands out among longer-running shonen shows, comparable to the original adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist. Due to the manga’s incomplete state at the time of the anime’s production, Soul Eater diverges from its source material and takes its own path. While I haven’t delved deep into the manga’s plot, the anime adaptation feels tightly paced and action-oriented, focusing on the intense battles against Medusa and the Kishin. Though the series includes some filler episodes and side stories, they seamlessly integrate into the overarching narrative, enhancing character relationships and providing valuable insights into the meisters and their weapons. Notably, the arc involving Black Star and Tsubaki’s struggle against their family legacies and Death the Kid’s action-packed episodes, brimming with comedic moments centered around his obsession with symmetry, stand out as highlights of character development.

The core cast of characters in Soul Eater is relatively small, allowing for substantial character growth throughout the series. Each character, from the determined and courageous Maka to the cool and caring Soul, is well-designed and endearing in their unique ways. Their authenticity and freedom to express themselves within the story create a relatable and immersive experience for viewers. Even the side characters, like the enigmatic Lord Death, who conceals his more aggressive nature from the students, or Excalibur, the legendary sword boasting immense power but having an annoying and conceited personality, add depth and intrigue to the series.

While the villains in Soul Eater may lack complexity, their character designs are visually striking. Each witch is inspired by a specific animal, and their powers reflect the nature of that animal. This attention to detail, combined with the dark and mysterious world presented in the series, contributes to its distinct visual style. Bones, the animation studio behind Fullmetal Alchemist and Darker than Black, masterfully brings Atsushi Ōkubo’s original artwork to life, creating a vibrant and captivating world. The animation is fluid and dynamic, particularly during the exhilarating action sequences that showcase flashy special moves, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The audio elements of Soul Eater further enhance its immersive atmosphere. Taku Iwasaki’s urban, R&B-inspired soundtrack perfectly complements the series’ cool and stylistic vibe. Memorable insert songs such as Soul’s theme, “So Scandalous,” and “Psychedelic Souljam” are absolute gems, while the incidental themes effectively capture the tone of lighthearted moments. The opening and ending themes, performed by renowned artists like T.M. Revolution and Tommy heavenly6, evoke nostalgia and resonate with fans of the era.

Manga Entertainment’s release of the complete series provides viewers with options to enjoy both the original Japanese audio with subtitles and the English dub. The Japanese voice cast delivers excellent performances, with notable actors lending their talents to the characters. Mamoru Miyano, recognized for his roles such as Osamu Dazai in Bungou Stray Dogs, portrays Death the Kid, bringing a familiar yet distinct voice to the character. The English dub, featuring a talented cast including Laura Bailey as Maka Albarn, Troy Baker as Excalibur, and Maxey Whitehead as Crona, provides a competent and enjoyable alternative viewing experience.

Moreover, the release offers a variety of on-disc extras to further enrich the viewing experience. From audio commentaries for selected episodes to clean versions of the opening and ending themes, viewers can delve deeper into the production and behind-the-scenes aspects of Soul Eater. The inclusion of the humorous Soul Eater Late Show shorts, originally attached to the end of certain episodes during the TV broadcast, adds an extra layer of entertainment value.

As a first-time viewer, I found myself wondering why I had initially overlooked Soul Eater when it first aired. The series offers a wealth of elements to love, ranging from its fantastic action sequences to its distinctive sense of style and well-developed, quirky characters. Soul Eater exemplifies how shonen shows should be executed, making it essential viewing for fans of the genre who may have missed its original release. At the same time, the complete collection serves as an ideal opportunity for existing fans to revisit and rediscover the series in arguably its best presentation yet.

In conclusion, Soul Eater remains a timeless gem that continues to entertain and captivate audiences. Its enduring appeal lies in its dynamic storytelling, engaging characters, stylish animation, and memorable soundtrack. Manga Entertainment’s release of the complete series ensures that fans and newcomers alike can experience the magic of Soul Eater in its entirety. Whether you’re a shonen aficionado or simply seeking an exhilarating and visually stunning anime series, Soul Eater is an absolute must-watch that promises an unforgettable journey into a world where supernatural powers and epic battles collide.”

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