Something funny about this show is I've seen it pop up on Crunchyroll's recommendations a few times, yet I never got around to watching it either just because I was watching something else at the time or I ended up forgetting about it. But my desire for an action-packed thrill ride eventually led me back to this baby, and all in all I don't regret seeing this
So in the world of Karen Senki, robots have waged war on people and now humans are forced live as second class citizens. However, some people like our titular heroine Karen are having none of that, so she does what all folks do against mechanical oppressors and guns 'em down. Also she can fly and has some other magic at her disposal. Yeah honestly best way I can describe this OVA series is science fantasy, where a lot of things just are and the things they do elaborate actually tie into at least one of the character's backgrounds. It's surprisingly strong in its world building like that for its ability to explain something without explaining something
Wish I could say that about the entire experience though because there are definitely times where factions and allegiances get mixed up. Like I genuinely don't know if someone was supposed to be a chessmaster, if one guy was a double agent based on the fact he had contact with the "villain," whether or not some characters are related, a certain plot thread involving Karen's special ability that goes nowhere, just small details that kinda derail some dynamics we're supposed to be invested in
Because the really frustrating thing about Karen Senki is at its best, it's actually very competent, using only a few scenes to successfully convey what many anime would flub with even more time. There's a sense of history behind its better characters and it actually makes me wish this were a full length series. There's flashes of brilliance in this OVA that shine through how short it is and it makes me wanna live in the world of these characters longer, but it's enough of an anchor as is for the action scenes
Those action scenes are definitely going to be the highlight for most people, being as fast, fluid, but also visible as they are. But the most striking thing about Karen Senki is how good the CGI looks. Yeah it's an all-CGI OVA, but the combination of cel shades and the grungy art direction giving everything a lived-in aesthetic make me forget this is a fully 3D series. I never found myself having to "adjust" to the show's look the way I did Arpeggio of Blue Steel, Knights of Sidonia, or even the Godzilla anime film (but I'm limited to trailers on that last one). If nothing else this OVA does look really good also Karen triggered something in me for China dresses mmmm
Anyway there's definitely some problems to go along with everything solid about the OVA and then some. You just gotta sorta roll the good with the bad, but I can promise that Karen Senki is a good time, no alcohol required...on a rainy day. It's not something to go out of your way for, but if you're bored and in the mood to watch a hawt grill in a China dress kick shoot robo-ass, try checking this out. It might surprise you
Ooor if you've already seen Karen Senki, what did you think about it? Comment below, let me know, and thanks for reading