Anime Review: Clannad + Clannad After Story

The Beautiful Family of Clannad

CLANNAD/ CLANNAD AFTER STORY

*Spoiler Alert*

Story: 10

Art: 9.8

Music: 9.9

Characters: 9.8

Overall: 9.9/10

Clannad: 22 Episodes + Extra

Clannad After Story: 22 Episodes + Extra

Clannad is simply impossible to review without its entirety, so I decided to combine the two seasons and give my best shot on one of the most legendary, classic, and all-time best animes ever created. (Especially when I have to do this by memory)

When I think of the full story of Clannad, I think of two distinctly separate parts; the build-up, and the prime peak of the plot, including the conclusion. Now, let's get this straight; the buildup is nothing compared to the climax. The climax defined the series and literally drove it to the top. However, this golden masterpiece is seen from the last half of After Story and really is a byproduct of the buildup itself, so both parts are necessary for the full entertainment.

Daww..... Bishoujos...

Clannad is a romantic, slice of life/tragedy that repaints modern dramas we often see today. Okazaki Tomoya is the main protagonist and serves as the literal point of inflection for the series' diabolical plot to turn you to tears. He's a delinquent, he's comical, and he's a good representation of the average teenage boy. What he does in the series is, literally, help people out. But when he helps the people he cares about, he finds a sort of gem in the city he so hated. This touching plot gave us a glimpse of humanity at its best, which is why it gave so many people the anguish the writers so strived for. (Especially since we're talking about Key here)



The story was carefully woven into a one of a kind experience that purges the very bowels of your innocence. You will cry, and if you don't, you're a heartless, cold-blooded, mother@#$%er that deserves nothing but by feigning ignorance. Also, there's a sort of deux ex machina in the climax of the story, but don't let that bother you too much. The story kind of requires this to utilize the themes of the story to the fullest extent, especially since this is based off of a dating sim game. Plus, Tomoya deserves his #$%@in' good ending dammit.

Damn right. 

The art was good and consistent. Pretty and gracious. It had a kind of fuzzy-feel to it and really added to the experience that was supposed to ensure a slice of life scenery. And it did it all too well. However, I can see how people would get bothered by the eyes in the characters. I wasn't but I can see and understand why people would call the pupils a bit "busy".

The music was great and fit the tone of the series like an elegant puzzle-piece. The only complaints I would give would be the first opening. It was a bit forgettable. But the soundtrack is overall, a masterpiece.

The characters were pretty bloody good considering that most, if not all were likable and (possibly) lovable. Quite frankly, the series ended up making me like every single damn character in this series! Even Tomoya's father who we were supposed to hate!

Summary: the series was phenomenal and is potentially one of the best animes ever created. The characters are great for their creative quirky emotions. The music is beloved and memorable for the most part, when it gets sad, the piano knows what the do. The art is pretty and astounding while being clean, consistent and smooth. The story was the defining substance of the show and deserves a grand round of applause. It was sad, it was touching, it was funny, and it was memorable. Bloody perfect.

The legend that is Clannad.
 UUUUUSSSSHHHHHIIOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The family that should forever be happy.

By the way, the extras are entertaining, but not at all as fantastic as the original story, so you don't have to force yourself to watch them. Oh and this is WAY better than the movie.

And I mean WAY better than the movie.