Charlotte is a 2015 anime created by P.A. Works and written by Jun Maeda, known for his work on Angel Beats! and Clannad

Charlotte is a 2015 anime created by P.A. Works and written by Jun Maeda, known for his work on Angel Beats! and Clannad. At its core, Charlotte tells the story of teenagers who possess supernatural abilities, focusing on Yuu Otosaka, a boy with the power to temporarily possess others. The plot evolves when Yuu is recruited by Nao Tomori, the student council president at Hoshinoumi Academy, to help track down other ability users.

Strengths:

Emotional Core: True to Jun Maeda’s style, Charlotte has moments that hit hard emotionally, especially in the later episodes. It touches on themes of loss, personal growth, and the responsibility that comes with power.

Unique Premise: The idea of teens with flawed or limited powers sets Charlotte apart from typical "superpower" anime. Rather than grand heroics, the story emphasizes the personal and often dangerous consequences of using these abilities.

Visuals and Music: P.A. Works delivers strong animation with vibrant colors and smooth action sequences. The character designs are appealing, and the soundtrack—especially the opening and ending themes—adds emotional weight to key scenes.

Weaknesses:

Pacing Issues: The biggest criticism of Charlotte lies in its pacing. The first half focuses on lighter, episodic storytelling, while the second half rushes into darker, more intense plot points. This shift feels abrupt and leaves little time for certain emotional beats to properly develop.

Character Development: While Yuu’s character arc is handled well, many supporting characters, including Nao and others, don’t receive the same depth. Their backstories and motivations are sometimes glossed over, making it harder to invest in them.

Over-Ambitious Plot: By the end, Charlotte introduces several world-altering plot twists that feel too large for its 13-episode run. The show could have benefited from more time to explore these ideas in depth.

Overall Impression:

Charlotte is an anime that swings for the fences with its emotional storytelling and unique premise. While it stumbles in pacing and character development, it still offers a memorable experience for those who enjoy heart-wrenching moments and supernatural elements. It’s a series that shines brightly in parts but may leave you wanting more closure or consistency in its narrative.

If you're a fan of Maeda’s previous works, you'll likely appreciate Charlotte, though it may not leave the same lasting impact as Clannad or Angel Beats!.