Is Akashic Records on Netflix Worth Watching? Is it good?

Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records or simply ‘Akashic Records’ has definitely etched a good reputation for itself within otaku circles for its brilliant fight scenes, extraordinary powers, and its relatable portrayal of a teacher who is too lazy to teach magic (“mahou” in Japanese) to his students.

Such is its popularity that within a few months of the release of the original Japanese dub version, its English dub version was released to an English speaking audience.

It is a one-season anime of merely twelve episodes, and yet, it promises one of the most exciting and intense storylines that you will remember forever.

1. Article Highlights

It is a short anime that can be quickly finished in just two or three days. However, its short length doesn’t impinge its artistic and creative prowess. Overall, it is worth watching the anime and definitely worth your precious time.

2. Is it worth watching?

The plot of the anime show revolves around the sudden unwanted change in the lives of two high schoolers at a renowned magical academy, Sistine Fibel, and Rumia Tingel. They have to deal with the abrupt disappearance of their favorite professor.

As if this was not tragic enough, the new replacement is the incompetent and unqualified Glenn Radars, who is initially despised by all students for his lazy disposition but slowly reveals his warmth and competence to all.

The anime is a mix of heartwarming, comedic, gory, and violent moments. The skill with which the creators weave elements of comedy and violence together is quite commendable for being one of the few to accomplish it. The plot progresses in a bright, logical procession and has very few plot holes and fantastic depth for a short anime. It is not hurried and takes time out to elaborate on each of the characters’ psyches, motivations, and desires.

One thing that strikes out is the elaborate and intricately detailed scenery within which the plot of Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor takes place.

The academy where many of the characters are either studying or teaching magic is also drawn beautifully and realistically in the Victorian style of architecture. Though, as typical of Shonen anime shows which feature tons of violent fight scenes and too many things breaking and smashing, the building of the academy often gets damaged.

The character development of Glenn Radars is also impressive. As he undergoes a transformation from being a very uninspiring and lazy teacher (the annoying kind who’s more lethargic than even lazy students) to one who is admired and loved for standing up for his students, the anime show starts to make more sense and marks its descent into a new phase.

Apart from Glenn Radars, the other two female protagonists like Rumia Tingel and Sistine “Sisti” Fibel display strength, resilience, and depth in their personalities. Their pasts are explored and portrayed sympathetically. We learn to feel for the characters’ struggles and relate to their experiences. This is another area where the anime makes an astounding success.

As expected of a Shonen anime show, targeted at a young male audience, a lot of fan service is offered. An apt example is when in the first episode, Glenn Radars “accidentally” stumbles into the girls’ changing room, sees all the girls scantily clad in only their undies and proclaims comically that he shall take this chance to look at them and get it imprinted on his memory forever!

The fight scenes are amazing, intense, and violent. For the fainthearted and the squeamish, all the blood and violence could get to be a little too much.

One big thing which this anime should be commended for is the way it does not stagnate, it reaches its point and doesn’t beat around the bush like tons of anime do nowadays. If you are fed up of anime shows that are tediously riddled with filler episodes and seasons and yet don’t compromise on its art, you will surely love this anime.

Another applaudable aspect of this anime show is the way each of its twelve episodes ends with cute chibi drawings of the significant characters arguing, playing with each other, and engaging in humorous antics.

Also, after all these antics get over, the plot and title of the subsequent episode get revealed. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructors has theme songs and music that perfectly complement each episode’s opening and ending and punctuate any important moment in a scene.

3. Grade Card

4. Info Card

5. Watch Order

Since the anime series ends in just twelve episodes, there are no filler episodes or seasons. So any interested viewer can just plow through all the episodes. A watch order is not necessary for this anime.