The highly anticipated season finale of Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest has arrived, and while it delivers some exciting moments and sets the stage for future arcs, it’s not without its shortcomings. The episode, which concludes the Elentear arc, leaves viewers with a mixed bag of feelings, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of this sequel series.
A Disappointing Climax
The finale’s most significant letdown is the anticlimactic battle against Alta-Face. After building up the tension, the fight concludes in a mere couple of minutes, leaving many fans feeling robbed of a truly epic showdown. Team Natsu’s victory, achieved through a sudden surge of magic power, feels rushed and lacks the weight one would expect from a season-ending confrontation. The animation during this battle, while containing a few visually appealing shots, is overall bland and fails to generate the necessary excitement. The insert music, typically a strong point of the series, also fails to elevate the scene due to its brevity.
Missed Opportunities
The lack of a substantial fight with Selene earlier in the arc and the subsequent quick defeat of Alta-Face leaves the finale feeling underwhelming. While the speed of the fight might be more acceptable in the manga, it translates poorly to the screen. Many viewers had hoped for a more spectacular conclusion to this arc, particularly after the previous episode had set up the potential for a grand battle.
Selene’s Strategic Moves
One of the episode’s more compelling aspects is the development surrounding Selene. Initially, it appears that Suzaku had defeated her off-screen, which would have been a disappointing end for such a significant character. However, the episode reveals that Selene has strategically seized control of Diabolos, a Dragon Slayer guild that has been in conflict with Fairy Tail. Her motivations appear to stem from a desire to break the stalemate between the Dragon Gods and potentially end the age of dragons, positioning her as a more complex and intriguing antagonist. This plot twist adds an exciting new dimension to the narrative, providing a strong hook for a potential second season.
Character Moments and Relationships
Despite the underwhelming main conflict, the finale does offer some character-driven moments that resonate with long-time fans. A brief scene between Jellal and Erza, where Jellal considers joining Fairy Tail, provides a heartwarming glimpse into their relationship. However, the treatment of Gray and Juvia’s relationship continues to be a point of contention. Gray’s acceptance of Juvia’s obsessive behavior, framed as an improvement, reinforces the unhealthy imbalance in their dynamic. While some viewers might find this humorous, it feels like a missed opportunity to develop both characters more fully.
Teasing Future Conflicts
The episode also includes a brief tease of Selene sending the Dragon Eaters after the dragon who gave Natsu and the others their quest. This, like Selene’s takeover of Diabolos, hints at future storylines and potential conflicts, which may be explored if the series gets renewed for another season. These teases, while intriguing, do leave the finale feeling somewhat incomplete, as the series ends without fully resolving these plot threads.
Animation Quality: A Mixed Bag
The animation quality of Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest has been a topic of much discussion among fans. While the series does boast some impressive animation sequences, particularly in certain fight scenes, it also suffers from inconsistent quality. There are instances of “steel frames” and “slideshows” that have been used multiple times, which detract from the overall viewing experience. Some fans have noted that the animation quality can be okay or just below average, not standing up to modern animation standards. However, when the animation shines, such as in the fight between Natsu and Mercphobia, it surpasses the quality of the previous Fairy Tail seasons. This inconsistency creates a frustrating experience, as the series fails to maintain a consistently high level of visual fidelity.
Comparisons to the Original Series
The animation in 100 Years Quest is generally considered an upgrade from the later parts of the original Fairy Tail series. Characters are more detailed, and the action sequences are smoother and more energetic. This elevates the visual appeal of the sequel, making it more polished and modern. However, some fans feel that the animation still doesn’t reach the heights of other contemporary anime series.
Story and Character Development: More of the Same
One of the criticisms leveled against Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest is its failure to significantly develop its characters or deviate from the established formula of the original series. Some viewers have found Natsu’s character to have regressed, appearing more childish and clueless than in previous arcs. Additionally, the overuse of Dragon Slayer magic has diminished its unique appeal. The series often relies on fan service, sometimes at the expense of meaningful plot or character development, with female characters often depicted in revealing outfits with little contribution to the story, while some of the male characters exhibit immature behavior.
Familiar Elements
The series overall maintains the familiar charm of the original Fairy Tail, which can be a positive for some fans. It successfully recaptures the essence of the characters and their relationships, ensuring that long-time fans will feel comfortable with the continuation. However, for those seeking a more ambitious or innovative sequel, 100 Years Quest may fall short. It largely plays it safe, delivering more of the same without significantly pushing the boundaries of its storytelling or character development.
Overall Assessment
The season finale of Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest is a mixed experience. While it includes compelling plot twists, particularly regarding Selene, and provides some heartwarming character moments, it’s ultimately let down by an anticlimactic main battle, inconsistent animation quality, and a lack of significant character development. The finale feels more like a setup for a potential second season than a satisfying conclusion to the current arc. The series as a whole serves as a direct continuation of the original Fairy Tail, which may satisfy some fans, but others may be left wanting more. The animation, while improved in some respects, does not consistently meet modern standards, and the reliance on familiar tropes and fan service can detract from the overall experience. It’s a solid continuation for dedicated fans of Fairy Tail but doesn’t quite reach the heights that some might have hoped.
