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The Apothecary Diaries Anime Review: Unveiling the Oriental Charm, Stunning Art, and Engaging Characters

Story - 7/10:


'The Apothecary Diaries' offers a unique setting, delving into historical and oriental themes rarely explored in anime. However, it falls short in storytelling, with a slow-paced, episodic approach. While the mysteries are engaging, the overall narrative lacks a compelling sense of stakes, and the nonchalant attitude of the main character may hinder viewer investment. There's potential for improvement in the second half of the season, but as of now, the plot progression is a bit underwhelming.


Animation - 8:

The art of 'The Apothecary Diaries' is a standout feature, providing beautiful visuals and captivating character designs. Though it might not boast intense fight scenes, the animation style and backgrounds elevate the overall aesthetic, making it a visually appealing anime.


Sound - 8:

The anime scores well in sound design, offering good music and solid voice work. It exceeds the average standard, enhancing the overall viewing experience.


Characters - 7:

MaoMao, the main character, shines with a unique personality, bringing a refreshing twist to the typical character tropes. However, character development falls short for some, like Jinshi, whose motivations are not well-established. The supporting cast is mostly generic, lacking depth. While MaoMao's character is enjoyable, the overall character writing could benefit from more exploration and depth.


Overall - 7.5:

'The Apothecary Diaries' stands out with its setting, visuals, and unique protagonist. However, it falls slightly above average due to its slow-paced plot and underdeveloped characters. There's potential for improvement in the second half of the season, and it remains a decent watch, but the current state may not live up to the initial hype. (This review is based in first 13 episodes)



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