Bastard!!
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
The kingdom of Metallicana is under attack from the Four Lords of Havoc. This party of villains—ninja master Gara, deadly thunder empress Nei Arshes, cold and calculating Kall-Su, and enigmatic dark priest Abigail—will stop at nothing to get what they want, even if it leaves utter destruction in their wake. High Priest Geo is desperate to help save the kingdom and its people. He unleashes the mighty wizard Dark Schneider, a man who used to be an ally of the villains. Unfortunately, Dark Schneider has his own plans in mind. Will he stop the Four Lords of Havoc or join them in their conquest of the world?
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for Bastard!! is highly polarized, largely hinging on an appreciation for its unashamedly over-the-top, 'so bad it's good' 90s aesthetic and a legendary English dub. While many find its parody of dark fantasy tropes and absurd humor incredibly entertaining, others are put off by its cliched plot, gratuitous ecchi content, and perceived lack of narrative depth.
Strengths
- The English dub is frequently cited as a major strength, with specific praise for Daran Norris's voice acting as Dark Schneider, elevating the comedic timing and overall enjoyment.
- The show's over-the-top nature, particularly its parody of fantasy tropes and blatant embrace of 90s aesthetics, is a significant draw for many, leading to it being described as 'so bad it's good' and highly entertaining.
- Visuals and character designs are praised for their quality, especially for a 90s OVA, with detailed backgrounds and striking character designs that capture the dark fantasy aesthetic.
Weaknesses
- The plot is often described as cliché, nonsensical, and lacking in depth or clear motivations, with a story that becomes predictable or 'snoozeworthy' in its latter half.
- Inconsistencies in animation, particularly choppiness and noticeable shifts in artistic style between episodes, detract from the viewing experience.
- The show's reliance on gratuitous nudity, ecchi humor, and explicit sexual themes is off-putting to some viewers and is seen as a significant detractor from any serious narrative merit.