GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation

GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation is a thrilling action-adventure anime series that gained wide popularity when it was launched by the Anime Strike network in 2017. Based on the popular video game series by Cygames, the series is set in an expansive fantastical world filled with floating islands and magical beings.

As the title suggests, the world in GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation is heavily influenced by the elemental forces of nature. The setting is in an unknown world, a sky where vast islands of all shapes and sizes float. The narrative essentially focuses on Gran, the show's protagonist, a boy inhabiting an island in this sky, and Lyria, an ethereal girl who has escaped from the Erste Empire, a military government aiming to conquer the entire aerial realm.

The series perfectly merges the realms of the ordinary with the extraordinary, offering viewers a unique blend of typical day-to-day small island life and grand adventures. Gran leads a peaceful life with his miniature dragon-like partner, Vyrn, until they encounter the royal girl, Lyria. And so, their extraordinary journey begins. Lyria, as a remarkable character in the series, possesses the ability to command primal beasts, feared and respected creatures by all.

The plot thickens when Lyria and Gran cross paths with a girl named Katalina, an exalted to-be knight of the empire who helps Lyria to escape from the clutches of the sinister Erste Empire. Together, they embark on an epic quest to uncover the secrets of the astrals, ancient beings that created their world. They find a ship and a crew and traverse through an ocean of clouds, where countless islands drift. It's worth noting that the series doesn't confine itself to the usual trope of good versus evil but establishes complex narratives and relationships between these warring factions.

While the main narrative is gripping and immersive, the spectacular art and animation is another aspect that makes this series a must-watch for any avid anime fan. From beautiful floating islands and crashing blue waves in the sky to various wild fantastic creatures and stunning fighting scenes, the visual experience of this show is indeed top-notch.

The characters in GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation are as diversified as the world they inhabit. This work puts a strong emphasis on the power of friendship and comradeship. There are heroes, villains, rogues, creatures of all sorts, and mysterious entities, each character interestingly complex with evolving motivations and relationships. Gran, the protagonist, is the heart of the series. Though he’s a dreamer, he’s also brave, experiences growth and development throughout the show, and has a strong sense of justice. Lyria, on the other hand, brings an element of mystery and magic to the narrative, and her bond with Gran is central to the plot.

Music is another signature contour of GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation. It underscores the dramatic events of the series, setting an emotional and rhythmic pace to the narrative. Tense battle sequences are scored with dynamic, pulsating pieces of music, while serene moments are punctuated with delicate melodies that highlight the beauty of the animation.

The series is also very well balanced in terms of its pace. The narrative oscillates between moments of calm and outbursts of intense action in a manner that keeps the viewers engrossed without feeling overwhelmed. Despite being adapted from a role-playing game, GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation still manages to maintain an engaging storyline and rich character development.

The series indeed excels in visual storytelling, layering dimensions of narrative depth, character development, and world-building with incredible animation. Each episode takes the viewers on a full, thrilling ride, fueling their anticipation for the next installment. Engaging, uplifting, and embodying the spirit of human resilience, GRANBLUE FANTASY The Animation is an anime spectacle that is not to be missed. If action, adventure, intricate character relationships, and a beautifully created fantastical world is your cup of tea, this is a series you will thoroughly enjoy.