Underrated Anime: Part 1— Akudama Drive

Akudama Drive: Is It Really Underrated?

When discussing Akudama Drive, one question often comes up: is it truly underrated? Released in 2020, it made waves with its unique cyberpunk aesthetic and chaotic energy. However, as someone who watched it after its initial release, I couldn’t help but feel differently about the hype surrounding it.

The Expectation-to-Reality Gap

There’s a common phenomenon with hyped anime where you hear people rave about how a show is “peak,” “amazing,” or “underrated.” But when you watch it, you realize it doesn’t hit those high expectations. Shows like 86, Psycho-Pass, and even Moriarty the Patriot are examples of 12-episode anime that do live up to their reputation. With Akudama Drive, though, the experience felt different.

It’s not that the show isn’t good—it’s visually stunning and packed with exciting action. But it didn’t feel like the kind of series where you’d finish watching and say, “Wow, this was peak anime!” There were elements within the show, such as significant events (spoiler alert: everyone dying except Courier?), that made me wonder why people didn’t discuss them more. Yet, at the same time, those moments didn’t fully land with the weight they should have.

Character Arcs: Good but Not Quite Impactful

One of the standout points in Akudama Drive is its cast of characters. They’re interesting, entertaining, and fun to watch. However, they don’t leave the kind of deep, lasting impression you might expect from a show hyped as “underrated.”

Take the protagonist (Swindler) as an example. Her transformation felt uneven to me. Cutting her hair and embracing her role in the rebellion was meant to symbolize her growth, but the way it was executed felt like it happened because the plot needed it to, not because her character’s journey naturally led to that moment. 

Say: We wanna do THIS but we can't? Why? We need the mc to be like THAT. 

It’s not that her arc felt completely hollow—there were elements of growth and change that fit the context of the story. But at the same time, it was too obvious not to notice that her choices were driven more by the story’s direction than by authentic character development. It works well enough to serve the narrative, but it doesn’t feel as impactful or earned as it could have been.

Afterthoughts

Looking back, I’d say Akudama Drive is a fun, stylish anime with interesting characters. It delivers on its premise but doesn’t exceed expectations. While it’s not fair to say it feels hollow, it’s also impossible to ignore the obviousness in its storytelling choices. The gaps in execution hold it back from feeling like a truly transformative or unforgettable experience.

It’s one of those shows that you enjoy while watching but don’t carry with you afterward. It’s good, not peak, and definitely not underrated. Still, if you’re looking for a high-octane ride with intriguing characters and a visually striking world, it’s worth the watch. Just keep your expectations tempered? 

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Teaser for Underrated Anime: Part 2 — B: The Beginning

Imagine a world where science meets the supernatural, where a mysterious serial killer leaves a trail of chaos, and where one man's dark past might just be the key to everything. B: The Beginning is an underrated gem that blends thrilling mystery with futuristic technology? But why does it still fly under the radar for many anime fans? Join us as we explore this gripping, action-packed series and why it deserves more attention than it gets next time. Cheers.