It's like Dragon Ball but with magic and happy cats. And every show needs happy cats. (Image Courtesy of: fairyloads.com)
I was introduced to most shonen anime as a kid through either the show itself or its manga, but Fairy Tail caught me by surprise years after I had mostly stopped watched anime with that focus. In fact, it was Fairy Tail that reignited my passion for the genre, reminding me why I loved watching it in its best and worst forms.
This is a tale with simplicity at its core. It is about friendship and family, about fighting for what's right and good. It is not breaking any new ground, but it is dominating but such an eclectic and engaging group of characters that it is simply too hard to not watch.
I honestly wondered how best to address the series as it is a long and divergent series. I have decided to follow the original breakdown of the series into two parts with this only covering the original 175 episodes. I will return to the series' remaining 90 episodes considered Fairy Tail (2014) at a later date.
This is a tale with simplicity at its core. It is about friendship and family, about fighting for what's right and good. It is not breaking any new ground, but it is dominating but such an eclectic and engaging group of characters that it is simply too hard to not watch.
I honestly wondered how best to address the series as it is a long and divergent series. I have decided to follow the original breakdown of the series into two parts with this only covering the original 175 episodes. I will return to the series' remaining 90 episodes considered Fairy Tail (2014) at a later date.
Concept and Set-Up
In the land of Fiore, magic is used in every day life with guilds formed to take on certain vital tasks. Fairy Tail is one of the most noteworthy guilds and the one Lucy Heartfilia is most interested in joining. Lucy is a Celestial Wizard, using keys to summon spirits to her side, and has just set out to become a great mage.
Luckily, she stumbles upon Natsu, a Dragon Slater who eats and fights with fire, as well as his flying cat friend Happy who are members of Fairy Tail. She quickly teams up with Natsu as well as the ice wizard Grey Fullbuster and the swordswoman and spatial mage Erza Scarlet to begin adventures that span across all of Fiore.
Luckily, she stumbles upon Natsu, a Dragon Slater who eats and fights with fire, as well as his flying cat friend Happy who are members of Fairy Tail. She quickly teams up with Natsu as well as the ice wizard Grey Fullbuster and the swordswoman and spatial mage Erza Scarlet to begin adventures that span across all of Fiore.
When I try to come up with easy ways to describe Natsu, I suddenly think he's just Goku and Luffy mixed together with a happy cat companion. Thus, he wins. (Image Courtesy of: fairytail.wikia.com)
Story Arc Analysis
***This section not only contains spoilers but directly analyzes story arcs, expecting the reader to have seen them which will leave readers with no understanding of Fairy Tail simply confused. This is the only section with spoilers, so, if you have not seen Fairy Tail yet, skip ahead to the Impact and Art Style section.***
Meeting Fairy Tail (Episodes 1-20): Most of the introduction to this anime is a sequence of short adventures which are fun if inconsequential particularly with the quick build up of stakes soon thereafter. Lucy and Natsu have adventures together, using their magic and learning new skills.
While I am all for a steady narrative, it is a shame that this sense of adventure is somewhat lacking in the series during long stretches. This is the positive of filler episodes (which are largely avoided in this series), allowing the characters a breather from the high tension, though there are other ways to tell a fun story without getting overly dramatic as well.
Phantom Lord and the Truth of Loke (Episodes 21-32): Here begins the first battle of guild vs. guild as Phantom Lord uses a kidnapping mission as an excuse to destroy Fairy Tail for good. This ultimately establishes the major structure of the series, pitting mage against mage, each from one side in a larger guild vs. guild struggle.
Mainly, this arc is cool because it adds a few of the series' best supporting characters with Gajeel and Juvia switching sides once Fairy Tail is victorious. This section ends with a quick arc where Loke is revealed to actually be a disgraced celestial spirit which is one of the series' better surprise reveals.
Tower of Heaven (Episodes 33-40): This story arc showcases Fairy Tail at its best. Focused mainly on Erza, it showcases the past she left behind as well as the ways she has changed. Plus this arc is dominated by the series' most interesting character, Jellal, the corrupted friend and potential love interest of Erza.
Erza's sacrifice to stop the Tower is the most shocking moment of the entire series, but it is quickly reversed in the next episode. Still, this whole arc makes a lasting impression through the way it tells its story and makes quick affecting decisions.
Battle of Fairy Tail (Episodes 41-51): I wouldn't say this is true of any other part of the series, but it is a shame this story arc is so short. Laxus forcing Fairy Tail into a civil war is a fascinating idea that explores his character as well as putting many of the mages into interesting situations. This also reveals certain information about Mystogan and leads to Lucy taking a more active role in the guild. All in all, it is excellent.
Oracion Seis and Daphne (Episodes 52-75): Here the arcs begin to grow longer with multiple running fights at the same time. On one hand, it makes this sequence feel more epic, adding weight to the Oracion Seis as the biggest challenge to the characters yet.
On the other hand, it begins a running theme of the show simply taking a bit too long to go anywhere. It would be better if there was a focus on one fight at a time even if that wouldn't work as well to sell what is happening chronologically. Overall though, this is a fun arc with Natsu taking a huge step forward in unlocking his power.
I included the short Daphne story arc here as well just because I really don't want to talk much about it. It makes little sense with Gray "turning bad" because he wanted to make sure Natsu remembered a promise he forgot to keep a long time ago with things getting out of hand.
Meeting Fairy Tail (Episodes 1-20): Most of the introduction to this anime is a sequence of short adventures which are fun if inconsequential particularly with the quick build up of stakes soon thereafter. Lucy and Natsu have adventures together, using their magic and learning new skills.
While I am all for a steady narrative, it is a shame that this sense of adventure is somewhat lacking in the series during long stretches. This is the positive of filler episodes (which are largely avoided in this series), allowing the characters a breather from the high tension, though there are other ways to tell a fun story without getting overly dramatic as well.
Phantom Lord and the Truth of Loke (Episodes 21-32): Here begins the first battle of guild vs. guild as Phantom Lord uses a kidnapping mission as an excuse to destroy Fairy Tail for good. This ultimately establishes the major structure of the series, pitting mage against mage, each from one side in a larger guild vs. guild struggle.
Mainly, this arc is cool because it adds a few of the series' best supporting characters with Gajeel and Juvia switching sides once Fairy Tail is victorious. This section ends with a quick arc where Loke is revealed to actually be a disgraced celestial spirit which is one of the series' better surprise reveals.
Tower of Heaven (Episodes 33-40): This story arc showcases Fairy Tail at its best. Focused mainly on Erza, it showcases the past she left behind as well as the ways she has changed. Plus this arc is dominated by the series' most interesting character, Jellal, the corrupted friend and potential love interest of Erza.
Erza's sacrifice to stop the Tower is the most shocking moment of the entire series, but it is quickly reversed in the next episode. Still, this whole arc makes a lasting impression through the way it tells its story and makes quick affecting decisions.
Battle of Fairy Tail (Episodes 41-51): I wouldn't say this is true of any other part of the series, but it is a shame this story arc is so short. Laxus forcing Fairy Tail into a civil war is a fascinating idea that explores his character as well as putting many of the mages into interesting situations. This also reveals certain information about Mystogan and leads to Lucy taking a more active role in the guild. All in all, it is excellent.
Oracion Seis and Daphne (Episodes 52-75): Here the arcs begin to grow longer with multiple running fights at the same time. On one hand, it makes this sequence feel more epic, adding weight to the Oracion Seis as the biggest challenge to the characters yet.
On the other hand, it begins a running theme of the show simply taking a bit too long to go anywhere. It would be better if there was a focus on one fight at a time even if that wouldn't work as well to sell what is happening chronologically. Overall though, this is a fun arc with Natsu taking a huge step forward in unlocking his power.
I included the short Daphne story arc here as well just because I really don't want to talk much about it. It makes little sense with Gray "turning bad" because he wanted to make sure Natsu remembered a promise he forgot to keep a long time ago with things getting out of hand.
If you want to sell alternate universe characters properly, they should all have goatees. (Image Courtesy of: pinterest.com)
Edolas (Episodes 76-95): Edolas is a fascinating arc for the series as it lacks for major action for much of this section but brings some needed information about Fairy Tail's mythology. It is finally made clear what kind of creatures Happy and Carla are, opening up a new side to their relationships with Natsu and Wendy, while fully revealing who Mystogan is.
Plus who doesn't love an alternate universe story, getting to see the familiar characters with different even opposite personalities? This does go a bit long for its lack of action, but it has the most unique spin on the series and may be the most memorable arc.
Tenrou Island (Episodes 96-122): This section has a great set-up and fascinating conclusion, but it gets a bit bogged down in the middle. There is no reason this entire section could not have just been the S-class trials. There are some fantastic Fairy Tail vs. Fairy Tail member fights especially Natsu being destroyed by Guildarts in a showcase of just how far he has to go.
Then the island is invaded Grimoire Heart, setting up the third battle of rival magic guilds. Some of the Grimoire Heart villains are interesting characters with cool backstories while others are annoying, but the ones that matter last the longest. Acnologia's appearance is similar to Natsu's fight with Guildarts, showing the true powerhouse of this series, obliterating Fairy Tail, forcing them seven years into the future in their attempt to defend against him.
Key of the Starry Sky (Episodes 123-150): It was an interesting choice to send the main characters into the future, aging some of the less used Fairy Tail members to give them more to do. The group is then sent right into a new struggle with the church and the new Oracion Seis.
This story works because it returns to characters from earlier parts of the anime, adding new more extreme layers to their backstories. However, it is far too long and overdramaticized. In particular, the complete elimination of most Celestial Wizards feels too extreme.
Grand Magic Games (Episodes 151-175): I will always love a good tournament arc in anime. It brings out the most in the characters, forcing them to fight in ways that feel less conventional, and sets up tangible progression from start to finish. The Grand Magic Games is one of the coolest tournament arcs in any anime.
This is particularly thanks to the introduction of a rivalry between Fairy Tail and Sabertooth with Sting and Rogue behind only Jellal as the most interesting villains in the series. Their dynamic with Natsu as fellow Dragon Slayers gives them a dangerous air but also a softer side.
The anime ends on a bit of a cliffhanger with the games not finished, just stopping after Natsu and Gajeel's battle with Sting and Rogue (the coolest fight of the series), due to the production shifts of the series. It would later pick up with Fairy Tail (2014).
Phoenix Priestess (Movie): This is a fairly standard anime movie, telling a completely separate tale that mostly follows the story arc structure but moves faster. It is not all that memorable, but it does do a great job establishing Eclair as a character to the point that it is tough to lose her by the end.
Plus who doesn't love an alternate universe story, getting to see the familiar characters with different even opposite personalities? This does go a bit long for its lack of action, but it has the most unique spin on the series and may be the most memorable arc.
Tenrou Island (Episodes 96-122): This section has a great set-up and fascinating conclusion, but it gets a bit bogged down in the middle. There is no reason this entire section could not have just been the S-class trials. There are some fantastic Fairy Tail vs. Fairy Tail member fights especially Natsu being destroyed by Guildarts in a showcase of just how far he has to go.
Then the island is invaded Grimoire Heart, setting up the third battle of rival magic guilds. Some of the Grimoire Heart villains are interesting characters with cool backstories while others are annoying, but the ones that matter last the longest. Acnologia's appearance is similar to Natsu's fight with Guildarts, showing the true powerhouse of this series, obliterating Fairy Tail, forcing them seven years into the future in their attempt to defend against him.
Key of the Starry Sky (Episodes 123-150): It was an interesting choice to send the main characters into the future, aging some of the less used Fairy Tail members to give them more to do. The group is then sent right into a new struggle with the church and the new Oracion Seis.
This story works because it returns to characters from earlier parts of the anime, adding new more extreme layers to their backstories. However, it is far too long and overdramaticized. In particular, the complete elimination of most Celestial Wizards feels too extreme.
Grand Magic Games (Episodes 151-175): I will always love a good tournament arc in anime. It brings out the most in the characters, forcing them to fight in ways that feel less conventional, and sets up tangible progression from start to finish. The Grand Magic Games is one of the coolest tournament arcs in any anime.
This is particularly thanks to the introduction of a rivalry between Fairy Tail and Sabertooth with Sting and Rogue behind only Jellal as the most interesting villains in the series. Their dynamic with Natsu as fellow Dragon Slayers gives them a dangerous air but also a softer side.
The anime ends on a bit of a cliffhanger with the games not finished, just stopping after Natsu and Gajeel's battle with Sting and Rogue (the coolest fight of the series), due to the production shifts of the series. It would later pick up with Fairy Tail (2014).
Phoenix Priestess (Movie): This is a fairly standard anime movie, telling a completely separate tale that mostly follows the story arc structure but moves faster. It is not all that memorable, but it does do a great job establishing Eclair as a character to the point that it is tough to lose her by the end.
Lucy doesn't have a happy cat, but she does have a white blob with a golden carrot nose. (Image Courtesy of: mrcharizard1992.deviantart.com)
Impact and Art Style
Fairy Tail is imaginative and action-packed, focused on the traditional themes of shonen anime. The Fairy Tail guild are the heroes of this story because they care about one another and take every offense to one as an offense to all. While there are world-threatening plots, the core here is that friends are threatened and protected.
This may not stand as tall as other anime in the genre through popularity, but it may be the best at maximizing its run time without feeling overlong. There are times where the pacing of fights could have been shifted or whole story arcs could have been better written, but they do not distract from an overall strength in quality.
If there is one issue that will always hold this show back, it is the fan service. There may not be an anime that uses sexuality more as the primary comedy of the anime. Too often the levity is only defined by this which can distract from the strength of the anime especially in the power of its female characters.
The art style could have pulled back on this front, but overall this is a colorful anime that gives its characters personality through unique looks. Sometimes the designs can look underdrawn at a distance, but there is solid detail when the characters are the focus of the scene.
This may not stand as tall as other anime in the genre through popularity, but it may be the best at maximizing its run time without feeling overlong. There are times where the pacing of fights could have been shifted or whole story arcs could have been better written, but they do not distract from an overall strength in quality.
If there is one issue that will always hold this show back, it is the fan service. There may not be an anime that uses sexuality more as the primary comedy of the anime. Too often the levity is only defined by this which can distract from the strength of the anime especially in the power of its female characters.
The art style could have pulled back on this front, but overall this is a colorful anime that gives its characters personality through unique looks. Sometimes the designs can look underdrawn at a distance, but there is solid detail when the characters are the focus of the scene.
Sub vs. Dub
This is a Funimation anime with a quality cast that is particularly deep. Almost every character is memorable through the choice of voice actor with it hard for me to hear the anime without many of the lead English actors voicing the stars.
In particular, Todd Haberkorn (D.Gray-man) as Natsu and Colleen Clinkenbeard (One Piece) as Erza are fantastic, conveying the strength and pain these characters go through as well as their sudden humorous shifts in scenes. Both dub and sub are strong, but I have grown attached to the dub which is well done throughout.
Recommendation: Dub
In particular, Todd Haberkorn (D.Gray-man) as Natsu and Colleen Clinkenbeard (One Piece) as Erza are fantastic, conveying the strength and pain these characters go through as well as their sudden humorous shifts in scenes. Both dub and sub are strong, but I have grown attached to the dub which is well done throughout.
Recommendation: Dub
Here we see Erza in her usual attire. This attire though isn't used often because the show wants her in one of her million revealing outfits instead. (Image Courtesy of: comicvine.gamespot.com)
Conclusion
When Fairy Tail hits its stride in a storyline, few if any shonen anime can match it. With a clear cast of over-the-top characters each with a great dramatic story behind their silliness, this is a series that can easily be invested in at any age even if it tries too hard to pander to a teenage demographic with its fan service.
The main issue holding Fairy Tail back is it has so many story arcs that there are several stories that simply feel too long. This is a series that gets increasingly more in-depth as it goes along which can make for slower progression similar to a series such as Dragon Ball Z, taking ten episodes to get through four concurrent battles.
I expected to like Fairy Tail and truly fell in love with certain parts of the anime, enough to forgive the less interesting arcs along the way. This is a story of swords and magic, elemental powers and special creatures. It is as imaginative as anime can get, making it a worthwhile watch at any time.
The main issue holding Fairy Tail back is it has so many story arcs that there are several stories that simply feel too long. This is a series that gets increasingly more in-depth as it goes along which can make for slower progression similar to a series such as Dragon Ball Z, taking ten episodes to get through four concurrent battles.
I expected to like Fairy Tail and truly fell in love with certain parts of the anime, enough to forgive the less interesting arcs along the way. This is a story of swords and magic, elemental powers and special creatures. It is as imaginative as anime can get, making it a worthwhile watch at any time.