Gakuen Alice
Synopsis
Mikan Sakura is a normal 10-year-old girl. Optimistic, energetic, and overall a very sweet child, Mikan is the complete opposite of the aloof, intelligent, and somewhat cold-hearted, Hotaru Imai. Despite their glaring differences, the two girls have been best friends for a very long time. So when Hotaru suddenly transfers to Alice Academy, a prestigious school in the city, her best friend is devastated—especially when she hears of the horrible rumors regarding the academy's harsh treatment of students. Beset with worry, Mikan runs away to see her best friend! Upon her arrival, Mikan learns of "Alices," individuals gifted with various supernatural abilities, and that the school is an institution built by the government to train and protect them. Discovering that she has her own unique powers, Mikan enrolls in the academy, and, after a lot of trouble, finally reunites with Hotaru. Gakuen Alice is a heartwarming comedy that follows Mikan and her friends' adventures in the academy, as well as their attempt to uncover the mysteries surrounding the problematic, fire-wielding student Natsume Hyuuga. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience consensus for Gakuen Alice is mixed. Many appreciate the heartwarming story, charming characters, and blend of genres, which makes it an enjoyable watch, especially for those who enjoy shojo anime. However, the series is criticized for its rushed ending, average art, and potentially annoying humor, leading to disappointment for some viewers who felt the series could have been better developed.
Strengths
- Charming characters with unique personalities that viewers can easily fall in love with.
- Interesting premise with a blend of comedy, drama, and romance.
- The series is enjoyable right from the beginning with a catchy theme song and cute artwork.
- The series tackles some dark themes which are not commonly associated with shows of this genre.
Weaknesses
- The series has a rushed and unsatisfactory ending that leaves many subplots ignored or poorly explained.
- The art and animation are quite average and not particularly attractive.
- The initial episodes can be annoying due to the main character's constant bullying.
- Some viewers may find the series childish and the humor cruel.