elDLIVE [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Review: elDLIVE – A Space Adventure with Mixed Reactions

When elDLIVE first hit screens in January 2017, it promised a quirky blend of sci-fi, comedy, and action, courtesy of Studio Pierrot (known for Naruto and Bleach). The anime follows Chuuta Kokonose, an orphan with a mysterious voice in his head, who gets recruited into elDLIVE, an intergalactic police force. The premise is fun—aliens, space crime, and a protagonist with untapped potential—but how did it fare among fans? Let’s dive into the chatter.

The Good: A Slow Burn That Picks Up

Many viewers agreed that elDLIVE had a rocky start. The first few episodes felt like a slog, with Chuuta’s whiny personality and the show’s reliance on clichés turning people off. One fan bluntly called the opening episodes “a pain to get through.” But around the midpoint, things shifted. The reveal of Chuuta’s childhood friend being alive added emotional weight, and the finale delivered a satisfying payoff.

The final battle against Vega, the traitor within elDLIVE, was a highlight. Fans praised the intensity of the fight, with Chuuta finally proving himself as a capable officer. The teamwork between Chuuta and Misuzu (his tsundere superior) was a crowd-pleaser, even if their dynamic leaned heavily into shounen tropes. Some viewers loved the cheesy “power of friendship” moment, while others rolled their eyes—but hey, it’s anime.

The show’s aesthetics also got love. The alien designs were creative (shoutout to the “yellow banana guy”), and the vibrant color palette made it visually engaging. Veronica’s ridiculous spin-kick panty shot? Divisive, but undeniably memorable.

The Bad: Predictable and Rushed

Not everyone was sold. The biggest gripe? The storytelling. Vega’s betrayal was telegraphed from miles away, with one fan joking, “They couldn’t have made it more obvious.” The pacing, especially in the finale, felt rushed. Key moments—like Chuuta’s growth or the resolution of Vega’s arc—were crammed in, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.

Chuuta himself was a polarizing protagonist. Some found his underdog journey endearing, while others called him “a terrible MC” who paled in comparison to classics like Shinji from Evangelion. His pervy antics didn’t help, with fans arguing it cheapened his character.

And then there’s the filler. The anime’s original ending diverged from the manga, leaving manga readers frustrated. One fan lamented, “The manga is amazeballs. The anime? Generic shounen.”

The Verdict: Underrated or Overhyped?

elDLIVE sits in a weird spot. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s not a trainwreck either. Ratings from fans hovered around 6-7/10, with some outliers calling it “underrated” or “a waste of time.”

The show’s charm lies in its absurdity—aliens, over-the-top action, and a protagonist who yells his way to victory. If you can push past the slow start, there’s fun to be had. But if you’re looking for deep storytelling? The manga might be the better bet.

Would a Season 2 fix things? Some fans are hopeful, especially with darker arcs waiting to be adapted. Others? They’re fine leaving elDLIVE as a one-season wonder.

Final Thought: elDLIVE is like a fast-food burger—flawed, but satisfying if you’re in the mood for something simple and silly. Just don’t expect gourmet.

What did you think of elDLIVE? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts below!