Soul Eater Not! (2014) User Reviews

Soul Eater NOT

[WeAreLive · 6/10 · 9 July 2021]

This a spinoff series to soul eater. Which is about a girl called Tsugami Harudori who after discovers her ability to transform into a weapon she enrols into the DWMA. Due to her ability, she is put into the NOT class and must choose between Anya and Meme as her partner.

While I can see what this series is going but honestly, this isn't really something fans wanted to see after 5 years since the series ended. The concept of this series is interesting but the exclusion was very poor.

While I get they wanted to focus more on the NOT part of the manga but honestly, it wasn't really as we don't really see any of our favourite characters in the anime, they are there but they are rarely appearing, while I get it's set a year before Soul Eater however, the story just focus on characters that aren't even relevant in the actual.

Also the series kinda changed it's tone from a magical adventure to some slice of life series which nobody really wants. Tsugami isn't really a bad character, maybe if the original series would have continued she probably would have been introduced and they would have gone from there. While I get the show wanted to focus more on her, anya and maya, and while I do admit some of the other new additions such as Clay and Akane. However, I am pretty sure fans wanted to see Maka, Soul and the others after so many years of waiting not them.

I will say though that the newer animation was decent.

Soul Eater NOT gets a 6/10.

A spin-off that doesn't require one to watch the original series

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 10 July 2014]

When Tsugumi Harudori discovers that she is in fact a weapon she moves to the Death Weapon Meister Academy in Death City. Here she must study to control her powers and select a partner who will wield her. She doesn't find it easy and only transforms into a blunt halberd. She soon makes two friends, Meme Tatane and Anya Hepburn, but can't decide which of the two will become her Meister. The Academy is split into two sections; the EATs who wish to use their skills to help others and the NOTs who just want to learn to control them so they aren't a menace; our three protagonists are in the latter group. For the most part the series is a gentle comedy; showing the girls going through their lives at the school but towards the end a threat emerges that will force them to fight against a foe that threatens the whole city.

I was a little unsure about watching this series as I'd not watched any of the original 'Soul Eater'; I needn't have worried as the situation is explained and the protagonists are new characters. The early more comedic episodes were funny and served to make the viewer care about the characters by the time the threat emerges. At that point there is more action although it is never too threatening and one doesn't doubt that things will work out in the end. There is a bit of fan service but nothing really offensive and the violence isn't very gory so it is probably suitable for early teens and upwards. Overall I found this a fun series and would certainly recommend it even if you haven't seen the original.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Mostly fluff

[sentharia-09190 · 5/10 · 14 December 2018]

I know it says Not right in the title but they really mean it... and they set themselves up for failure by making it more slice of life than the action and world building Soul Eater had. It is an ok show, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if my expectations had been more correct.

A Disappointing Spin-off that Fails to Live up to Its Predecessor

[lipnusis · 2/10 · 2 June 2023]

Soul Eater Not!, the spin-off series to the popular anime Soul Eater, is a deeply disappointing addition to the franchise that fails to capture the essence and appeal of its predecessor. With its weak storytelling, lackluster characters, and missed opportunities, this series falls flat and fails to deliver a satisfying viewing experience.

One of the major flaws of Soul Eater Not! Is its weak and uninteresting storytelling. The plot lacks depth and fails to engage the viewer. Unlike the original series, which was filled with intense battles and a captivating overarching narrative, Soul Eater Not! Takes a more slice-of-life approach, focusing on the daily lives of students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy. However, the execution of this concept is lackluster, with the series lacking a clear direction or compelling storylines. The episodes feel disjointed and fail to build suspense or create a sense of meaningful progression.

The characters in Soul Eater Not! Are underdeveloped and lack the charm and complexity of their counterparts in the original series. The protagonist, Tsugumi Harudori, lacks the depth and charisma that made the main characters of Soul Eater so captivating. The supporting cast fails to make a lasting impression, with forgettable personalities and shallow character development. The absence of compelling and relatable characters hampers any emotional investment in the series, leaving the viewer detached and uninterested.

Furthermore, Soul Eater Not! Misses the mark when it comes to exploring the rich mythology and lore of the Soul Eater universe. The series fails to delve into the intriguing world-building and dark themes that made the original series so engaging. It squanders the opportunity to expand upon the unique concepts introduced in Soul Eater, opting for a more mundane and unremarkable approach that fails to captivate or leave a lasting impact.

The animation and visual quality of Soul Eater Not! Are adequate but unremarkable. The art style lacks the dynamic and visually striking designs that were a hallmark of the original series. The action sequences lack the fluidity and excitement that fans of Soul Eater have come to expect, resulting in lackluster battles that fail to leave a lasting impression. The visual presentation lacks the innovation and creativity that could have elevated the series beyond its shortcomings.

In conclusion, Soul Eater Not! Is a disappointing spin-off that fails to live up to the standards set by its predecessor. The weak storytelling, underdeveloped characters, missed opportunities, and lackluster animation contribute to an overall unsatisfying viewing experience. Fans of Soul Eater would be better off revisiting the original series or exploring other anime that offer a more engaging and fulfilling journey into the supernatural world of Meisters and Weapons.

It isn't that bad.......

[random_r · 9/10 · 5 January 2020]

Yes, there isn't as much action, but there's a bit of back story in there and it is interesting in its own right. I've seen some really bad animes, and this one doesn't deserve the bad rating it's gotten. There's fluff and it's cute too.