Kirakira Pretty Cure A La Mode
Synopsis
Cheerful teenager Ichika Usami has a passion for sweets that is inspired by her mother's baking. In celebration of her mother's return from overseas, she tries her hand at making a cake herself. She is interrupted when a dog-like fairy named Pekorin crashes into her kitchen. With Pekorin's help, Ichika successfully bakes her cake. Only then enters an imp named Gummy who bursts in and attempt to steal the cake's "kirakiraru", a magical power that gives sweets the ability to bring happiness. Though Ichika initially offers her cake to Gummy in order to protect Pekorin, the fairy helps her realize how important the treat is and the love it represents. As the kirakiraru within Ichika's cake grows, it changes into a set of trinkets that transforms her into Cure Whip, a hero known as a Pretty Cure. Using her newfound powers, she goes on to battle kirakiraru thieves whenever they appear. Ichika fights to protect Ichigozaka's sweets and finds colorful new allies along the way. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions on Kirakira Precure A La Mode are divided. Some appreciate its unique aesthetic, character designs, and wholesome themes. However, others criticize its inconsistent plot, forced character dynamics, and dated visuals, resulting in a polarized reception.
Strengths
- Unique aesthetic combining desserts and animals.
- Memorable character designs and transformation sequences.
- Enjoyable and complex villains.
- Wholesome and cheerful themes that can uplift viewers.
- Some well-written character arcs, like Himari's, with neurodivergent representation.
Weaknesses
- Plot inconsistencies and lack of direction.
- Forced friendship dynamics between the Precures.
- Dated visuals and unpolished animation for a 2017 anime.
- Mix of unrelated themes (cakes/sweets and animals) that don't blend well.
- Uneven story quality, with a weaker first half.
- Potential for the series to become depressing, clashing with initial lighthearted expectations.