Final Thoughts on Sword Art Online

It was a scapegoat for an entire anime generation, the punching bag for so many hang ups for the industry. A lightning in a bottle series that struck it rich in a way that happens only once a decade. So much so that some say it got too popular too fast. A series loved my millions and loathed by just as many. Either the underappreciated gem, or the overrated mess. But, how does the series really hold up? What does someone, so removed from the fanboys, the haters, think of the series? What happens when that person just lets the series exist?

Join me after the cut as I give you my final thoughts on the Sword Art Online.

Tune of the Week(ish): Sword Art Online’s ANIMA

I would be remiss to not wrap up my look at Sword Art Online without this song, one of the best of the series. The Tune of week is the final opening theme to the series: ANIMA by ReoNa

Sword Art Online: War of the Underworld: They Fight

Our look at the anime series Sword Art Online has now reached the final arc. It has been a long ride full of ups and downs, but now we are here, the final chapter. The last forward moving entry, for now, of Sword Art Online until most likely 2030. I’ve already discussed my thoughts on both halves, but now I want to talk about the series as a whole. Join me after the cut as I dive into the fourth season of Sword Art Online: War of the Underworld.

How it all ends, and how it will begin, again.

Sword Art Online: War of the Underworld: Alicization Awakening and Alicization Lasting

Our look at the anime series Sword Art Online has reached its conclusion. The final half of the last arc, the great climax, and end of all things. It’s been a wild ride, and I feel a little bittersweet about it. Regardless, let us bring this journey to its conclusion. After the cut, let’s take a dive into the final half of War of the Underworld: Alicization Awakening and Alicization Lasting.

Episode IV: A New Waifu

Tune of the Week(ish): Sword Art Online’s Resolution

Our final look at the Sword Art Online anime wouldn’t be complete with the last two opening. This week we look at the third of Alicization. The tune of the week is Resolution, by Tomatsu Haruka.

Sword Art Online War of the Underworld: Alicization Invading and Alicization Exploding

Our look at the anime Sword Art Online continues! Now that the series has wrapped up, it’s time for me to finish all of this off! This will be two posts, consists of both halves of the fourth season. There is plenty to discuss though, so after the cut, let’s dive into Sword Art Online: War of the Underworld: Alicization Invading and Alicization Exploding!

Episode III: Revenge of the West

Schrodinger’s Harem: Kirito and the Girls of Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online, being as popular as it is, has been a series that has received more than its fair share of criticism over the years. While some of it is fair and merited, most seems to be superficial and surface level. Yet while everyone is entitled to their own views on the series (you either like it or you don’t), and while much of the critiques over the series are addressed over time. There has been one accusation thrown at Sword Art Online that has stuck around more than all others.

Kirito’s ‘harem.’

The idea that Sword Art Online is a harem anime, that all the girls are in love with Kirito, and that they are just there to be part of said harem, it something that has been lobbied at the series time and again. Even in my short time among this fandom, I have seen the critique thrown out as some sort of ‘gotcha’ moment. Having watched many, MANY harem anime over the years, and having seen almost all of Sword Art Online, I today to examine that critique, where it comes from, and how yes, in some ways it exists, but how it is also not true. Let’s get into it after the cut.

((Spoilers for the ending of War of the Underworld up ahead. Anime only viewers, please be aware))

Time to beat this dead horse.

Sword Art Online: Unbiased and Fanboy-free.

Hey guys.

About a month ago, I finally decided to take a look at the long running, popular series Sword Art Online. One of the most beloved, but divisive series of all time. I went into the show completely unbiased, non-judgmental and fanboy free. To try and judge the series for what it is, not what fans and haters have made it to be.

I’m exceptionally proud of the work I did, and I was deeply touched by the reaction from viewers and members of the SAO fan community. Now that I’ve gotten some distance though, I want to put up a post where you can find links to each of the blog posts. I hope you enjoy them as much as I loved writing them, and please feel free to share! Check out the links after the cut.

Sword Art Online Alicization: Respected Stumbling Ambition

Our look at Sword Art Online continues! Like before I have said my piece on the two halves of this third season, but I could not say goodbye (for now) to Alicization and Sword Art Online with giving my final overall thoughts on the season so far. Let’s not waste anymore time. Join me after the cut as I take one final look at the third season of the the most divisive anime of all time: Sword Art Online -Alicization-

My thoughts on Aincrad

My thoughts on Fairy Dance

My thoughts on Phantom Bullet

My thoughts on Calibur and Mother’s Rosario

My thoughts on Ordinal Scale

Climbing a Tower of God

Sword Art Online Alicization: Alicization Rising and Alicization Uniting

Our look at Sword Art Online continues! We have now reached the end of the second half of the final season (as of now) that we’ll be looking at. Comprised of two different, but intertwined parts, how do the remaining episodes hold up? Join me after the cut as I dive into the second part of Sword Art Online Alicization: Alicization Rising and Alicization Uniting!

Episode II: Attack of the Bros