Is Assassin’s Pride good? Is it worth watching? A review

The anime Assassin’s Pride has found a sizable fan following within the Otaku and Weabo community. Before it was made into an anime, it was a Japanese light novel series written by Kei Amagi and illustrated by Nino Ninomoto. 

A manga adaptation created by Yoshie Katō and serialized in Shueisha’s Seinen Magazine has found a decent amount of popularity. A testament to its popularity and artistic potential is in the way in which an English dub of the anime was announced while the Japanese dub was still being aired.

Head down below to help you decide if you should be watching this anime or not!

1. Quick Review

With elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance, the anime does have its moments where it succeeds in engaging viewers with the plot. However, its poor execution of characters and an overdone caricature of a damsel in distress can get tedious to watch. 

2. Is it worth watching?

The anime is worth watching and can be enjoyable at times. However, it is unfortunate that it does not have any new ideas to offer. It boils down to being a mere collection of tropes and cliché storylines even though the plot and the dystopian setting seem to offer a unique viewing experience.

That being said, I vehemently believe that any viewer should see for himself/herself if the plot’s execution is as good as the plot itself.

I. Plot

The plot of the anime takes place in a dystopian universe, where humanity has been brought to the verge of extinction. In this universe remains the only city-state of Flandore where building blocks are separated from each other by building glass domes. 

The world outside of Flandore has been entirely occupied by dangerous entities called lycanthropes while within the dome, things are far from ideal.

Humanity has been broadly stratified into two categories: the nobility and the commoner classes. The former has the power to channel their supernatural abilities sourced from their blood into annihilating lycanthropes. The commoners depend on them largely for such operations and for the maintenance of harmonious social order.

Within this disturbing and dark backdrop, we are introduced to a girl by the name of Melida Angel, who is designated as the “incompetent untalented girl.” She gets termed as such because, in spite of her noble blood, she hasn’t been able to use her powers of mana, for which her noble blood is questioned.

The plot progresses at a slow and steady pace, and for a short span of twelve episodes, It does cover many events. The whole premise of the plot is a very unique and innovative idea.

Anyone watching this show after reading the concept note will face disappointment and regret at such a poor execution of such an innovative plot. 

Even then, it does have some good points that do not render it totally useless and unworthy of watching. It does have some good fight scenes that are promising and do entertain. 

II. Characters

The character design of the character duo of Kufa Vampir and Melida Angel is such that they form a symbiotic relationship. While Melida is hopelessly weak and incompetent to defend herself, Kufa Vampir has been bestowed by the creator with too much power. 

While it is inspiring to see such a relationship bloom and thrive, the plot does not show any significant development of the character of Melida. It does however, do a good job of highlighting and elaborating on Melida’s pain and struggles as she gets ostracised and bullied by peers and family for her inability to churn mana powers. 

That alone is unfortunately not enough for the plot progression which revolved around the spectacle of Kufa rescuing her all the time. In fact, her servility and weakness become too stretched out. It reaches a point where one is likely to get annoyed with the lack of progression. 

It flirts with the prospect of a romantic relationship between the two. Kufa’s decision to not assassinate her as he was supposed to be not clearly stated. However, it is hinted that he gets touched by Melida’s strength and resilience. 

3. Final Thoughts

The anime Assassin’s Pride disappoints on many levels. The only reason it is worth watching it, is for is its unique plot and dystopian setting. While the anime starts off with so much promise and potential, it is saddening that it failed to fulfill the expectations of many viewers. 

4. Grade

5. Info Card

6. Watch Order

A watch order won’t be necessary.