Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
Riru1
Decent idea, miserably executed
I was aware of this anime for several years and never bothered to watch it or learn what the story was, until just recently when I decided it would be pleasant to binge through some shorter shows on my list. Choosing this anime as my starter for the binge, I curled up in bed with a bowl of chips, and turned on the first episode, unaware of the utter disappointment and annoyance I was soon to experience.
As a side note, this may just be, with no exaggeration, one of the WORST anime I have ever seen in my experience with the genre. Though there are certainly things worth praising, my biggest problems - the story and characters.
Story 4/10
Normally I enjoy this kind of monster-hunting genre, and the sci-fi themes and funky, colorful atmosphere definitel…
Read at the sourcedefunctmaluser
One of the most annoying trends established over the last decade or two is how some studios will opt to adapt a publishing manga/novel partially. We've seen this happen with shows like Black Butler, Fruits Basket, and Attack on Titan, but they're the lucky ones in this regard. Their source material sells quite well, so there's always going to be a vested interest in making a continuation or indeed, a full-on reboot. Some shows, unfortunately, aren't so lucky. There's a whole host of shows that got one 13-episode season before fading away into obscurity because the BD sales were poor. For every Black Butler or Attack on Titan continuation, there's a Deadman Wonderland or No Game No Life condemned to a life of obscurity. It doesn't matter if these shows are accessible outside of Japan either…
Read at the sourceBunille
After watching this anime, I can surely say that it is by far one of my favourites yet. This is one of the very few that I've enjoyed almost every, if not every single episode to the point that I had to absolutely binge it. I kept on putting myself off of the anime as I've been wanting to watch it for about a year or so, and I don't regret watching it at all... I kind of regret waiting this long, aha. Ironically, the reason that I decided to finally watch it was because I was looking for new inspiration to glisten up my account, and straight after the first episode, I loved it to pieces.
Story: 8/10
While the story may be confusing for some, I do admit that it can be, but to be fair, you have to have a very high- *coughs*
...sorry.
As confusing as the story may be, the depth that the anim…
Read at the sourceNadimi
Karneval is an anime that has beautiful art, great music, intriguing characters, talented seiyuus, and... a bunch of bad ratings. So what went wrong?
From the beginning, it became apparent that this show's most appealing and irresistible factor was the eye candy, but it seemed like there could be something more. The first two episodes were promising and seemed to set up the right amount of quirky mysteries to make this anime intriguing and addicting. The problem, however, was that instead of slowly resolving these so-called mysteries, the writers just kept adding in more and more with every episode. As a result, way too many questions were being asked and, sadly, no one bothered to answer them. As in, ever. Not even in the last episode. Or in another season. Just, no.
And that's what m…
Read at the sourceRavenclaw18
9.7/10
The story was pretty good, with the two main characters Gareki and Nai getting involved with Circus, as well as the Varuga and Kafka. The pacing was done well, but even though it was only a 13 episode anime, I personally feel that it wrapped up quite nicely. Even though you are still stuck with the question of "What happened to Uro? What about Palned?", the future for characters like Gareki are shown, and thus end the anime without too many loose ends. I liked the story line, and the humor they put in every once in a while was enjoyable. The main characters, Nai, Gareki, Yogi, and Tsukumo, spent a lot of time in the hospital, though. But when they go out on a mission, something very entertaining always happens.
The art was amazing. It was really colorful without being gaudy. The a…
Read at the sourceNameWithheld
This might actually be one of my favorite animes, and I doubt that that is the case for many others. But it was as if this anime was designed to appeal specifically to me. The look, characters, mythology, story, it all works wonders for me. The best things about this anime is twofold. First, the animation is absolutely stunning. The colors are bright without being garish, and help with the atmosphere wonderfully. The character designs are also very well done on all fronts. This show has a very, very distinct look to it, which I appreciate. Secondly, the cast of characters is very solid. The interactions among them and subplots that result are written realistically and executed well. The story is somewhat thin, but the story isn't what really matters. If Hayao Miyazaki directed an anime, it…
Read at the sourcePipluphmv
Karneval, I had high hopes seeing the logo and art style of the promotional banners, an interesting mix of cheery and gothic. I was sad that the art didn't continue very much into the actual show further than the costuming of the circus agents. The overall feel felt like a brighter version of D.Gray Man. The story was interesting but could have used a little more thought and the characters were decent, (despite Nai's lack of a back bone driving me nuts) but the downfall was the work put into the dub. I cringed every time the main cast entered the scene due to the poor casting of Nai and Gareki who both sounded forced and either below or above the actors' comfortable vocal range. The script writing for the dub at first sounded like they were trying to be off-beat and interesting but eventua…
Read at the sourcepalladia
I was immediately attracted to this anime because of the gorgeous character designs. The intricacy of the details and the unique appearances...so, very confused by the lack of information on the plot, I began Karneval, expecting a lot of beautiful characters and an equally wonderful story. However, I have to say that Karneval is one of those animes that begins with a great premise and then fails to fulfill the expectations that it builds.
Story :: 6
Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the story. It started out interesting, albeit not that unique, and became even more fascinating when Circus showed up on the scene. As the multiple plot lines began to build, I became excited to see a climax, a resolution, how the entire mess would turn out. The problem is, there isn't a resolution. Karnev…
Read at the sourceDackquiri
I wanted to like this show. Hand to God, really. It was probably one of the most visually unique programs I'd found in recent memory, and its commitment to the visual theme of a circus reminded me of Soul Eater's gothic design motifs in a refreshingly good way.
But having finished its (insofar) only season, I feel exhausted, and yet, content-wise, I feel grossly underfed.
The main problem is Karneval wants so badly to be a big, interesting anime with big mysterious overarching serial plot threads. It wants to do the FMA:B-esque slow, controlled, gradual reveal of information. All of its arcs (save for the one that finds Gareki revisiting his childhood home—probably not coincidentally, the show's high watermark by a long shot), aim to pique the reader's curiosity about the mythos and the…
Read at the sourceHattiewithSugar
A logical first impression when someone hears about “Karneval” and looks at the Cover Art:
• “Wow, Karneval! That’s a really cute name! And look at the cover art! It looks like a party! Look at the main character! He looks so cute! This is going to be a totally cute and not-violent anime with lots of fun and partying!”
That same person’s impression after they watch the first episode:
• “Wh-What? Rape? Huh? Where are the parties? Why is everything so creepy? Why is there a serious, black-haired, yet crazy handsome kid holding a gun? What is that monster, why is it very graphically eating that man?! Ah! Confliction!”
Needless to say, this anime is not what you think it is. If you want a cute little shoujo party anime, go to Shugo Chara. This anime gives off the impression of being cu…
Read at the sourceShiroShinigami
First of all, this anime isn't for everyone. It took me 2 months to finish just 13 episodes. I started it and it was interesting but then got really boring so i couldn't bring myself to watch any more, but started again today and was really captivated. I WANT MORE EPISODES.
The art is amazing, I'm inlove with Gareki and Hirato.
The opening and ending songs got me singing with them.
There's no real story. Just a boy that is looking for his friend. And you know the rest, people help out and blah.
oh, add in some random crap about Varuga (demon thingy's) and a animal turned human, with circus themed everything. You got Karneval.
The anime does have some really funny moments and some absolutely heart-wrenching ones.
If there's a season 2, I'll watch it.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
Read at the sourceajlashleigh
Karneval was one of the most vivd anime's I have ever watched and to be really honest this enticed me. I found myself loving the use of colours and also the contrast in colours when looking at characters. For example, Nai is blonde and usually dressed in light colours showing how pure he is, on the otherhand Gareki is always dressed in dark colours, creating this kind of mysterious air about him, we are constantly left thinking that Gareki is a pessimist, no matter the situation.
One thing that did displease me though was the fact that it was slightly predictable and Gareki, the character I fell in love with, seemed to be the only character who was not 'special' in some sense.
I suppose this created a more real feel to the anime as Gareki is constantly the normal and Nai is the strange.…
Read at the sourceTawnyWings
This anime is not a Yaoi! It can contain little bits of Shounen-Ai. Mostly just friendship between characters.
PERSONAL ENJOYMENT -10
Fully enjoyed watching this series. So much so that I am currently reading the manga. There was not a single sigh or eye roll during my watching.
STORY -9
The story it's self I rate a 9, mainly because it leaves you wanting more at the end and that it's humorous yet it still has a sufficient and some-what serious at times plot to keep one entertained.
ART -10
I find that the characters themselves are animated beautifully and very close to the original manga. I find the backgrounds to be well done too.
SOUND -8
Voice actors did a fantastic job in Japanese (no dub yet) yet can be a little quiet at times. I found myself watching both the ending and the begi…
Read at the sourceAeterna
All flash, no substance. That's what I would say if I had to sum up my thoughts on Karneval.
Just looking at it - either the promotional artwork, the first few scenes of the anime, or the manga artwork - you can easily tell that it's pretty. Characters are drawn in pleasing ways and colours are bright and sharp. The animation of the series is also very well done - everything moves smoothly, action scenes are generally well directed, and CG is used to great effect. I have to admit, even the soundtrack is pretty solid.
That's the flash I mentioned. In terms of substance, this is where Karneval suffers.
Let's start with the plot. The story revolves a mysterious boy named Nai who encounters the thief, Gareki, and the defense organization, Circus, in his search for an even more mysterious ma…
Read at the sourcekcrystalheart
The show must go on! No literally, the show should really keep going on. I only recently finished it and I'm already aching for more episodes.
At first, what may appeal to you and make you want to watch the show is the art. After all, it's very colorful, bright, and overall beautiful. It's enticing to say the least, and the first thing that hits you is probably how beautifully animated and drawn it is.
After the outstanding art settles in, the characters and plot may seem lacking. It centers around Nai and Gareki; a dynamic duo who met by chance and chance alone. They're soon intertwined into a world of action and danger via Circus, a protection agency whose sole mission is to protect the world from the Varuga and Kafta. (You'll find out more about them throughout the show.) The two soo…
Read at the sourcePinkSea13
I'm so lucky to have been introduced to this manga and anime series by a friend, since it is not as well known to others. I will say now: This anime was completely amazing. The art was beautiful (the eyes, wow.), the characters were all so unique, the sound was just so realistic, and the plot was just too great. Now as I have seen many negative comments on how slow the story was in the episodes, I will say now: why base this wonderful anime off how they choose to advance the story?
This anime was mainly one of mystery and fantasy, so if you are a fan of Kuroshitsuji, D-Gray Man, or Arcana Famiglia, you will enjoy this story greatly. You will also enjoy every scene with the beautiful art. If you haven't watched it, then please do!
Read at the sourceStark700
Karneval is a mysterious series. By mysterious, I don't entirely mean it being filled with clues to be solved by some detective. What I mean is how the series comes together through its plot, theme, and most importantly the characters of the mysterious 'Circus'. It spells out mystery in a variety of ways through fantasy and its elegant atmosphere. However, Karneval is one of those series that can be a hit or miss for potential viewers.
The anime series Karneval is based off the manga of the same named written by Touya Mikanagi. With 10 volumes and counting, the manga has received some attention, enough for an anime adaptation. So here we are, spring 2013 and the series makes it on to the screen for the very first time.
To me, Karneval is one of those shows where a variety of things happ…
Read at the sourcestahki
I Love Much Karneval..
The Story Is Make Me Happy,Fun, And Sad When Gareki Think He wasn't able doing anything to protect nai,yogi and others..
Best Anime in my life,,,
I Hope Season 2 will be soon.. :)
Read at the sourcerobo731
I'm very glad that I chose to watch this anime. It caught my attention at the first episode. The scenery, the animation, the style, the characters, the soundtrack, and everything else are all great parts of the series. I see no flaws. I loved every episode. The characters are well developed and the story seems to have set itself up for a sequel. Which would be great. I haven't read the manga yet, but I'm really looking forward to it. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any US English versions of the volumes (Scanlations not included). I think I will probably just buy them from Madman. I'm buying the Blu-rays, which have English subs from Amazon Japan and I look forward to their arrival. I can't wait to continue such a great story. The show captivates me. I really loved the soundtrack…
Read at the sourceItsPHI
This anime is a shoujo anime, so if you're looking for an anime about a cute boy this is basically it for you. In fact it's probably one of the best well drawn adorable boys anime out there.
I didn't notice the genre of the anime until the first few episodes when I decided to see where this anime was actually going. The anime's basically a common told story of a boy who has little memories, and his best friend Gareki tags along with him and they join a institution which fights evil.
Simply put, the story's for people who want to stare at an adorable boy. The art is absolutely stunning, very high quality.
Looking at this anime from a holistic view, I wouldn't say it's great as it is mostly an anime for physical appeal rather than anything else. Nevertheless, the anime does fill its role…
Read at the source