Record of Ragnarok Season 1 Review: A Battle of Gods and Humans

Read our review of Record of Ragnarok Season 1, an anime series that pits gods against humans in an epic battle for humanity’s survival. Find out how the show delivers a captivating premise and thrilling storytelling, but falls short in terms of animation quality.

Record of Ragnarok Season 1 Review: A Battle of Gods and Humans

Record of Ragnarok is an anime series based on the manga of the same name. It revolves around a grand battle between gods and humans, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. With an intriguing premise and an epic tournament arc, this anime offers a thrilling and action-packed experience. However, it also falls short in certain aspects, leaving room for improvement.

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Every 1000 years, the gods gather to decide the fate of humanity. Growing tired of humans, the gods decide to exterminate them. But just as judgment is about to be cast, a valkyrie named Brunhilde intervenes and proposes a chance for humans to prove their worth in the battle of Ragnarok. Thirteen fighters from each side engage in one-on-one battles, with the first group to achieve seven victories emerging as the victor. Legendary humans from history wield valkyries who have transformed into mystic weapons, facing off against gods from various pantheons.

The anime relies heavily on the audience’s familiarity with these historical and mythological figures. While it successfully builds upon well-known characters like Thor and Lu Bu, it struggles to establish connection and investment with lesser-known fighters. The writing plays a crucial role in delivering the grand spectacle and the creative reinterpretation of myths and legends. Flashbacks are skillfully used to provide character motivation and add depth to the battles.

Visuals and Animation: Falling Short of Expectations

One of the shortcomings of the anime adaptation is its visuals. While some scenes showcase unique cinematography and exciting fighting sequences, the overall animation quality is average. The series often resorts to long pauses, slow pans, and reaction shots from the crowd, which are common in fighting anime but may disappoint viewers seeking visually captivating moments. The animation fails to fully capture the vivacity and passion present in the source material, leading to a somewhat lackluster viewing experience.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Disappointments

Record of Ragnarok is a show of extremes, offering a captivating premise, bombastic energy, and an easy hook for viewers. It excels in its conceptual spectacle and creative storytelling, with the writing carrying much of the weight. However, the anime adaptation falls short in terms of animation quality, failing to meet the expectations set by the source material. While it may not be as bad as some critics claim, it does not reach the level of greatness that fans anticipate. Nonetheless, it succeeds in generating interest in the manga, which may ultimately be the anime’s primary goal.

Overall Grade: C
Overall (dub): B-
Overall (sub): B
Story: A
Animation: D+