If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted anime full of cool dragons, 'Seikoku no Dragonar' (Dragonar Academy) is the right answer! This 2014 anime takes us into a world of dragon riding and an unlucky boy who ends up as the owner of a super-strong dragon girl. This story will immerse you in an adventure that's hilarious, exciting, and heartwarming.
Synopsis (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in a world where humans and dragons coexist, with the 'Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy' training future dragon riders. Ash Blake, a boy with a 'Star Mark' proving his contract with a dragon, cannot summon his own dragon, becoming the laughingstock of his classmates. One day during an incident, a mysterious dragon appears and transforms into a girl named 'Eco,' who declares herself Ash's dragon. From then on, Ash's life changes completely. He faces many challenges: training, battles, and complex relationships with Eco and his friends.
Performance and Characters
The characters in this story are uniquely charming. Ash is a seemingly weak protagonist but with strong determination. Eco, the dragon girl who is both cute and fierce, is voiced by Mariya Ise, who delivers emotions excellently. Sylvia, a high-born classmate voiced by Ayane Sakura, adds a lot of color. Supporting characters like Raymond and Maximilian have clear roles. Although some characters may seem stereotypical for a comedy anime, they remain engaging.
Direction, Animation, and Music
The series is directed by Shinji Ishihara, known for works like Fairy Tail and Log Horizon, giving the story a fun pace. Animation by Studio C2C, while not spectacular, is smooth, especially in dragon battle scenes. The soundtrack by Kazuya Nishioka complements the mood well, with the upbeat opening 'BINKAN Attention' and the catchy ending 'MOST以上の“MOSTEST”'.
Editorial Analysis
'Seikoku no Dragonar' is an anime that doesn't aim for depth or social commentary but focuses on straightforward entertainment. Its strength lies in blending action and comedy seamlessly. The main characters Ash and Eco have great chemistry, and their relationship development is the core that keeps viewers engaged. However, the latter part of the story may feel rushed, and some plot points are left unresolved. Still, it's a pleasant watch, perfect for those seeking lighthearted fun without overthinking.
Verdict
For those who enjoy fantasy comedy anime with dragons and lighthearted humor, 'Seikoku no Dragonar' is worth watching. While not a masterpiece, it's fun enough to make you smile.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Main characters are cute and have good chemistry
- +Dragon battle scenes are fun and exciting
- +Soundtrack is catchy and memorable
👎 Cons
- −Storyline is somewhat clichéd for dragon anime
- −Ending feels incomplete with unresolved plot points
Top Cast
FAQ
The anime has 12 episodes, complete in one season.
It is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix (in some countries).
It's about a boy who can't summon a dragon but ends up with a super-strong dragon girl as a partner, going on adventures and battles at a dragon riding academy.
There are several dragons, but the main one is Eco, a dragon girl who can transform into a human.
