Sparks of Tomorrow Review Finds Frustration Beneath Gorgeous Animation
The negative review signals that the Kyoto Animation production, despite high visual quality, may struggle to connect with viewers due to narrative shortcomings.
Reporting from 1 source: Anime News Network.
A review of the first three episodes of Sparks of Tomorrow on Anime News Network criticizes the show's steampunk Meiji setting and weak characterization despite stunning animation from Kyoto Animation. The reviewer finds the script frustrating and the large cast of gimmicky characters unengaging, comparing the show unfavorably to ensemble works like Baccano! and Durarara!! The show streams on Netflix.
Community scores for the first three episodes of Sparks of Tomorrow sit at 3.9, 3.6, and 3.9, but the critical reception is more pointed. A review of the first three episodes describes the show as 'explicitly designed to annoy me specifically,' citing the steampunk Meiji setting as a fundamental misstep that undermines the historical period's inherent interest. The reviewer also faults the character writing, calling the ensemble gimmicky and noting that the script does not rise to the level of the studio's 'stunning and inventive visuals.'
Comparisons are drawn to well-regarded ensemble shows like Baccano! and Durarara!!, with the reviewer suggesting Sparks of Tomorrow falls short of those benchmarks. The series is currently streaming on Netflix.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Anime News Network Sparks of Tomorrow Episodes 1-3