Angel Beats! is my definition of a sleeper hit of a series. When I first set eyes on in it, I knew nothing about it, and did not expect anything either. I never heard of any merit about for this series, so I dismissed it as mediocre before I even saw it. Boy, was I wrong. This show exemplifies non-mediocrity in every fiber of its being. Heading things off is the premise, which is wonderfully unique and is so abstract and alien that it will take most of the series to get used to it. I do not wish to spoil anything, but it takes a refreshingly unique and non- religious view on an afterlife scenario. This leads to a style of storytelling that is rarely, if ever, found in anime. The characters are also well made. The main group is a very quirky, funny group of people who still, despite all humor, are the definition of friendship and companionship. This leads me into another facet of Angel Beats that I thoroughly enjoyed, which is how serious sections transition directly into absolutely hilarious one in mere seconds. Not only is there a huge and sudden contrast between these two feelings, but the serious is truly serious with emotional and epic moments, and the funny is uproariously hysterical. In the end, the show is bizarre, unique, and has a feeling that is anomalous to anything I've ever seen. This does not however mean that standard emotions are left out this. In fact, the ending, if viewed properly, is one of the saddest and most beautiful scenes I've ever seen. All this emotion, humor, and story is helped by a stunning soundtrack that is mind-blowing in how much emotion is in itself, let the series as a whole. The only pity about the series is it's length. Angel Beats! is a 13 episode series of 20 min. episodes. Still, in retrospect, the sweetness of the series comes out of how as soon as you settle in to enjoy, it's over, just still lasting in impression. All in all, this helps to create an incredible "Life is Good" vibe that I have never seen like this anywhere else.
Definitely watch this series if you are looking for a unique, short series with wonderful humor, yet beautiful and bittersweet ending to it.
