This is what everyone is waiting for… The finale with the true identity of the Vlad finally revealed!
No, it was blatantly obvious that Sayonaki is the Vald by his rather strange behavior. While he looks like an innocent teacher, he apparently had some wolves under his control with one of them got tamed by Reki in Episode 10. Besides from that, the Vlad is one scary vampire, which takes other people’s blood to gain the abilities of a person. From this, he essentially brainwashed Riko into thinking that he is her family and took her freedom away, which was a fabrication. Aside from that, watching him beat her up to the pulp when she is helpless is pretty gruesome, especially knowing her emotional scars of the past.
While the animation quality of the battle was lackluster, it was still a pretty cool battle. Riko manages to realize her own identity and saved Aria. Then come up with a strategy to shut him down by shooting three Vlad’s weak point and the secret one, which is the tongue at the same time. Believe it or not, even if Riko is such a bad girl, watching Vlad get defeated was a satisfying experience considering how wicked he was in the past.
In the end, Riko and Aria revert to being friendly rivals. In return, Riko fulfills Aria’s promise with everything turning back to normal. As for the real Kana, we only get a small glimpse her. She is a really pretty trap that is actually…
Final Thoughts
While I have only watched a few JC Staff shows, it’s apparent that this show lacks some of the charm of the earlier loli-tsundere harem shows. However, I don’t agree with the general consensus that this show sucked simply because Rie Kugimiya is voicing another tsundere character. The show had a fairly enjoyable premise of having young high school students trained to be amazing crime fighters with guns, swords, etc. Not to mention, the girls in the show were really pretty, especially Shirayuki and Jeanne.
Even if Hidan no Aria won’t surpass the outlandishness and hilariousness of Tantei Opera Milky Holmes’s comedy, it’s a mindless action and harem shows that some will enjoy. However, I don’t recommend it as an introduction to Rie Kugimiya tsundere shows since there are better shows that have slightly better storytelling from JC Staff such as Hayate no Gotoku, Shana, Toradora. Even so, don’t be afraid to watch it as you might enjoy it.
Overall Series Rating: 8.0/10, B-, Good
Review coming sometime next week! ¶
Yeah I figured that’s who Kana was ahahah good work, this was a so so series for me I always end up watching most of J C Staff’s shows and they usually all become the same rehashed works. Like Tsundere main lead and rest fall right into place.
I did enjoy a few of the moments in this series but that final boss fight? WTF Werewolf but he’s a vampire?! WTF AGAIN LOLOL so damn random.
Aria you are fun! But not much progress, Girls with guns are still fun so expect a season two.