ANIME REVIEW: Classroom For Heroes Season 1 (Spoiler)

Right off the bat, this series has been a chore to watch. Normally, I’d keep opinions like this near the very end of the review, but I just can’t. If you’re still interested in knowing my pain, by all means, read on.

“Classroom For Heroes” is a show that that tosses characters, jokes, and scenes at you with unrelenting vigor. On one hand, this keeps things brisk, sparing us from long, drawn-out plotlines. On the other hand, it can be a bit like trying to sip from a fire hose, with humor and chaos pouring in so relentlessly that you’ll occasionally yearn for a moment of calm. In a world with a more distinct identity, this could’ve been a “love it or hate it” affair, but it lacks the courage for that. At best, it divides viewers into those who find it a decent time-killer and those who consider it a noisy, hollow distraction. Simply put, “Classroom of Heroes” leans heavily on familiar character tropes and stock storylines.

Now, about those characters. They’re not exactly breaking new ground. We’ve got the fiery tsundere, the stoic soldier, the dragon in disguise, the half-demon with a split personality… it’s just a smorgasbord of clichés that even the characters themselves seem to acknowledge. Individually, they’re tolerable, but together, it’s like a cliché parade on steroids.

The show mainly relies on episodic adventures, introducing new characters or throwing the students into random quests. Comedy takes center stage, with only brief moments of seriousness that don’t overshadow the slapstick and fan service. If the characters and humor don’t strike a chord with you, there’s not much else in the toolkit.

To its credit, “Classroom For Heroes” attempts to salvage itself with a self-aware sense of humor. It knows it’s built on tropes and frequently pokes fun at its own absurdity. Blade, our protagonist, is comically clueless about matters of romance, and the female cast’s exaggerated attempts to gain his attention can be amusing at times. However, it occasionally feels like the show is apologizing for its lack of originality rather than embracing it.

Visually, the show is a mixed bag. There’s some solid animation, flashy effects, and imaginative scene transitions. Characters are cleanly designed, but there’s also an abundance of fan service if that’s your cup of tea. The scene transitions vary from chibi characters smashing the screen to pixel art wipes, adding to the show’s frenetic pace. They can be unpredictable and occasionally jarring, but they generally don’t disrupt the flow.

In the end, “Classroom For Heroes” is a high-energy rollercoaster that might leave you exhilarated or wishing for a quieter ride. It’s not the most exceptional show of its kind, but it’s far from the worst thing I’ve ever watched. If you’re up for a zany comedy filled with familiar tropes, then this could be right up your alley. If not, then my good friend Ryan’s three-episode rule might be the death of you.