There is a secret battle going on as the balance of the world is constantly in danger. Entities know as the Denizens of the Crimson Realm freeze time in what is called a fuzetsu and steal the power of existence from unsuspecting humans. However the Lords from the Crimson Realm possesses humans giving them powers to stay unfrozen and great strength and abilities to fight off the Denizens. But when a person's power of existence is stolen they vanish from the world and a Flame Haze places a Torch in their place so they will gradually fade away and the people who knew them won't be thrown off balance from their sudden disappearance.
Shakugan No Shana follows the story of Yuji Sakai who finds himself captured in a fuzetsu caused by a couple Rinne who work for a Denizen, but Yuji is still able to move around. Here he meets a young flame haze he names Shana and discovers that he is no longer alive, but a torch himself.
This is a heartwarming story rich with fantasy elements and the love that grows between Shana and Yuji as they save the world. However sad the circumstances of their lives are you will be drawn into this story in spite of the main character being already dead from episode one. That's one thing I like about anime, not everything has to be all sunshine and rainbows all the time, but if you are someone who doesn't like misery or one who is easily depressed don't let the premise of this show deter you as the first season at least still has enough of that happy ending cliche to keep your own emotions at a good balance.
As for the characters themselves, most of them are relatable. Shana is a bit hot headed repeating "shut up, shut up, shut up!" when Yugi get's on her nerves, which becomes her catchphrase. It can be a bit much at time, but that is just part of her charm. Shana doesn't understand the human condition much, as she only sees herself as a flame haze and in the beginning mainly focuses on her duties as one. Though after staying with Yugi for a while she begins to soften up. Yuji is curious yet honorable. He of course is affected by the news that he is dead and struggles with his new existence, but that doesn't hold him back. He has a strong will and is kind hearted. As you meet more characters in this series you will find that they all have their own weaknesses and strengths. No one seems that they are perfect or impenetrable giving the circumstances of their mystical powers. The character interactions also consist of relatable themes such as duty, jealousy and love along with teen mischief.
Though there is some fan service here in the form of some large breasted characters in tiny bathing suits, which at times which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it. Though I find a little too much emphasis on that part of the female body as another flame haze dresses up in a kimono having their boobs ready to burst out. Also be prepared for a bit of brotherly/sisterly love and lots of wet kisses. However a bit of fan service does not deter me from the story or saying that I really loved this anime.
Since this is a story about keeping the balance of the world in tact you can expect a lot of battles and a lot of enemies. New Denizens come to town and pose a new threat to Shana and Yuji with them lasting only a few eposides so there is no one main antagonist. With so many enemies we get the feeling that the world is constantly in danger all over the world and not just in their city. Multiple main baddies also give us different types of battles, fighting styles and weapons to keep them fresh.
The art style and animation used in Shakugan No Shana is common in many animes keeping with the most noticeable feature of large eyed characters and the likes. The backgrounds are beautiful and the character art is stunning as flecks of fire encompass Shana as she transforms.
Seeing how this is just season one, the ending is left open having you crave for more story. The last few episodes are also epic and life changing that also lead for a good wrap up for the first season. If you are looking for a good, new anime series I would definitely say to pick this one up.
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