Air in Summer
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Unwilling to move to a different shrine and leave her friends behind, Kanna escapes in the dead of night with her loyal bodyguard Ryuuya and confidant Uraha. Knowing their pursuers are not far behind, the three embark on a journey to locate Kanna's mother, who Kanna yearns to see after many years of separation. Amid the tensions, the trio explores the world outside the confines of the palace—serving as a tranquil yet temporary distraction from what is to come.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is generally positive, especially for existing fans of the 'Air' series who appreciate the added character depth and animation quality. However, there's a notable split regarding its necessity and plot significance, with some viewing it as essential supplementary material and others as enjoyable but ultimately skippable filler.
Strengths
- Spectacular and flawless animation quality, consistent with the main series by Kyoto Animation.
- Excellent character development, particularly for Ryuuya and Kanna, providing deeper insights into their pasts and relationships.
- Enhances the understanding and background of the main Air TV series, filling in gaps between episodes.
- Emotional OST and great music, with piano, acoustic guitar, violin, and flute contributing to the dramatic and romantic tone.
- Adorable and humorous moments that lighten the mood compared to the main series.
Weaknesses
- Lacks significant plot development or a clear beginning/end, often feeling like filler or 'deleted scenes'.
- Not essential viewing and offers little new to the overall plot outcome of the main series.
- Can be confusing if the main TV series is not watched first.
- Some viewers found the pacing slow and the jokes tedious.
- Slightly more 'ecchi' or suggestive content than the main series, which may not appeal to all viewers.