Grimoire of Zero
Synopsis
In a world of constant war between humans and witches, there exist the "beastfallen"—cursed humans born with the appearance and strength of an animal. Their physical prowess and bestial nature cause them to be feared and shunned by both humans and witches. As a result, many beastfallen become sellswords, making their living through hunting witches. Despite the enmity between the races, a lighthearted witch named Zero enlists a beastfallen whom she refers to as "Mercenary" to act as her protector. He travels with Zero and Albus, a young magician, on their search for the Grimoire of Zero: a powerful spell book that could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. During their journey, his inner kindness is revealed as he starts to show compassion and sympathy towards humans and witches alike, and the unlikely companions grow together. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions are mixed, with many finding the anime enjoyable despite its flaws. While the simple plot and character interactions are appreciated, the predictable storyline and inconsistent writing are frequently criticized. The series is considered a decent watch for fans of the fantasy genre, but not a masterpiece.
Strengths
- Well-paced story that isn't too rushed or boring, making every moment engaging.
- Good character chemistry, especially between Zero and Mercenary, making their relationship development fun to watch.
- Satisfying ending that wraps up the main arc nicely.
- Artwork is visually appealing and fits well with a fantasy mindset.
Weaknesses
- Predictable plot with many mysteries easily solved, lacking a big reveal or surprise.
- Inconsistent writing with character traits appearing only when needed by the plot.
- Uneven character development, particularly with Mercenary, with more focus on witch characters.
- World-building and magic system not explained in sufficient depth.