Summer 2017 Anime: Princess Principal

Synopsis

Set in 19th century London, where the city was divided into 2 nations, Kingdom of Albion and Commonwealth of Albion, and separated by a large wall. At that time, five girls were living within the Kingdom of Albion as spies from commonwealth. These girls served as undercover spies while disguising as students at the prestigious Queen’s Mayfair school. Using their own abilities, they tried to survive in the underground world of espionage full of murder and betrayal.

Comments

Credit has to be given to Studio #Hz and Actas staffs because Princess Principal‘s visual in the first episode looks amazing. The 19th century London in this anime feels really atmospheric and dark. The first episode also feature many action scene that also executed really well. The character design also looks fantastic, combining the dark clothing style of Victorian era (Top Hat!) but still maintaining its cuteness.

Unfortunately, the Princess Principal‘s story isn’t as strong as its visual. While it isn’t bad, it’s hard to take the story seriously. It sets in London, but the city’s backstory feels randomly constructed from Berlin Wall history. The story also feature 5 cute high school girl (one of them is a samurai, and another one can fly with anti-gravitation instrument) who have to endanger their live in espionage and political conflict. Otherwise, there is an interesting thematic idea that presented in the first episode: about how spies have to lie to protect their own life, even to the closest friend.

Overall, there are some parts of the story that don’t make sense to some viewer. But it actually quite easy to overlook if the viewers already immersed with the story. Looking for an fictional espionage story with cool visual and cute, charming girls? Gives Princess Principal a try!

Facts and Figures

Screenshots and Trailer

The Indonesian Anime Times