Kanata no Astra

*NO SPOILERS* I struggled a bit with episodes 1-3, as the mystery was not addressed yet (only subtly), but the real science-fiction element kept me interested. There were too many sub-plots which did not add up to the sci-fi overtones of the premise. BUT I WAS WRONG - each of the elements were answered, and in a logical way.

Overall, I was impressed with the writing. It DID deliver on the premise, and it kept the pacing, mystery, and character development. Great job crew!

I would RECCOMEND this mini-series. It was wrapped up nicely. Do not expect a second season, this was a complete telling of the story, and it was done well.

I don't think anyone can predict this story. It might seem that it's going in a certain direction but just wait and watch. This is top-notch writing with a story that connects every single plot point it establishes. Nothing here is senseless. Everything is part of the puzzle. The characters can be a bit cringey at times but the mystery and adventure keeps it going.

I love shows about outer space (that's what got me intrigued to check this one out). Simply put this show is probably one of my favorite animes right now and it's a total shame that (as of writing this) it only has 6 reviews.

To summarize without any spoilers - a group of high school kids take a field trip to another planet and end up getting lost in space.

That is a very, very simplified version of this show. As you get deeper into it there are many complex elements that arrive leading to questions that vary from political to semi philosophical. There is hardly any violence in this show, but the adventure itself is a wonder to watch and the character building is among some of the best I've seen for only having 12 episodes.

This was such a refreshing show in the sci-fi genre that I want to buy the manga just to have it (and I don't own any manga!)

Just watch this show and enjoy the adventure.

Overall the core plot and many of the sub-story twists are a breath of fresh air among a glut of "Copy and Paste" anime's, but it does have its faults.

Pro's:

• Fairly unique plot with reasonably good execution.
• "Challenge of the week" handled in a fairly intelligent manor.
• Good overall background tension, smiling faces sometimes hide pain.
• Not always sunshine and happiness, there is some strife and distrust amping up the group dynamic.
• Above average character growth, with time spent on each giving them a personality beyond the cardboard background stand in's most shows have.
• Individualized hurdles for each character.
• Self inclosed story arc with the possibility for more.

Cons:

• Start is a bit rocky, and it needs a few episodes to get it's feet.
• The challenges they face are sometimes overcome in comically easy ways, detracting from the overall struggle.

-Some of the "reveals" had either too much foreshadowing or were too predictable.

• At Times a little to "happy" or the group dynamic is a bit more positive than I'd expect.
• Ending felt rushed, really could have used some more time, but isn't this always the case?

Another one of my favorites. In 2063, eight high school students and one kid are flown out to a camp, but a glowing orb warps them nearly 5,012 light years away, meaning they need to get back home on a slow, dangerous trek across the universe, engaging in a vigorous journey. In the process, Luca Esposito reveals himself as intersex, although he may also be genderqueer. I enjoyed this as much as any of the others on this list, but at times the number of characters could be confusing to follow, which is why this it is has its current rating.