B: The Beginning
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
On the islands of Cremona, a vigilante runs amok. Celebrated by some and hunted by others, the notorious "Killer B" takes justice into his own hands, armed with a sharp blade and superhuman abilities. Unable to apprehend this renegade, the Royal Investigation Service (RIS) calls upon the expertise of Keith Flick, a seasoned, yet eccentric detective who was relegated to the Archives Department following a personal loss. As crimes in Cremona begin to escalate, from stealthy executions of wrongdoers to sophisticated strikes on public figures, it soon becomes clear that there is more than one person responsible. With the help of his impulsive sidekick Lily Hoshina, and unexpected aid from the elusive Killer B himself, Keith begins to unravel plots involving secret organizations, domestic terrorism, and human experiments. When the involvement of the RIS extends beyond the scope of justice, the extent of the government's corruption—as well as the trustworthiness of close allies—are thrown into question.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is divided, with many praising the stunning animation and action, while others are frustrated by a convoluted and underdeveloped plot. The show is seen as ambitious and visually impressive but ultimately suffers from narrative incoherence and weak character development, leading to a polarizing experience.
Strengths
- Fantastic action scenes with great animation and choreography.
- Impressive and fluid art style with detailed backgrounds and good cinematography.
- Strong English dub performances that bring characters to life.
- Shocking and rewarding twists that add rewatch value.
- Satisfying conclusion to the main plotlines.
Weaknesses
- Confusing and jumbled story with a severe identity crisis and lack of cohesion between plot threads.
- Underdeveloped supporting characters with little to no growth.
- Pacing issues, often too fast or erratic, leading to underdone execution.
- Confusing and often nonsensical plot points and character motivations.
- Female characters are often poorly written or serve as mere plot devices.