Fairy Tail Review

Rating: 13/20

Watching Fairy Tail was a memorable experience for me, especially coming off the back of a shonen marathon that included Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. In 2015, Fairy Tail became my next binge, and I quickly found myself enjoying it for exactly what it offered: a lighthearted, action-filled story centered around friendship, epic battles, and a bit of fanservice thrown in.

The Power of Friendship (and the Criticism That Comes With It)

Let's address the elephant in the room: Fairy Tail's reliance on “the power of friendship” is legendary, and yeah, it's been criticized heavily for it. But personally, I found that this was part of the charm. It's refreshing to watch a series that's unabashedly optimistic, even if it does occasionally stretch the logic of its battles. I mean, sometimes you just want to watch a show that feels good, and Fairy Tail delivers that in spades.

Sure, it has its moments where victory seems a bit too convenient, but that's also part of the series' unique flavor. The show fully embraces its theme, delivering a story that's about loyalty, camaraderie, and hope, no matter how high the stakes get.

Characters and Fanservice

The characters in Fairy Tail are both a strength and a weakness. Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and the rest of the guild are lovable and well-defined, each with their own quirks and motivations. The guild dynamic is heartwarming, and the interactions between characters often bring a smile to your face. Fairy Tail doesn't shy away from fanservice, but it's handled with enough humor and style that it rarely feels overdone. It's part of the series' identity, and though it's not to everyone's taste, it worked well enough within Fairy Tail's world.

Storytelling and Fights

Where Fairy Tail really shines is in its fantasy world-building and epic battles. The series is packed with intense fights and magical showdowns, and even though they sometimes resolve in predictable ways, they're always entertaining. It's the kind of story that doesn't try to be overly complex; instead, it focuses on delivering action-packed arcs with a good dose of humor, making it easy to jump in and out of without feeling bogged down by intricate lore or darker themes.

Final Thoughts

Fairy Tail is a fun, feel-good series that sticks to its formula, for better or worse. It may not reach the emotional or narrative depths of other shonen giants, but it offers something unique: a bright, optimistic journey that leans into its themes of friendship and loyalty. It's the kind of series that's perfect for unwinding, and despite its flaws, it's easy to appreciate for what it is.

Final Rating: 13/20 - Fairy Tail is an enjoyable series that doesn't shy away from its “power of friendship” vibe. If you're looking for something uplifting, fun, and packed with magic and battles, it's worth a watch!