Season 1 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 1: Cometary Encounter -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2: Sunset Rocket -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 3: Explosive Mechanic -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 4: Clashing Seaside -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 5: Endless Dreamer -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 6: Salutatory Initiation -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7: Daring Leadership -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 8: Into Battle. Ultra High-Power Dream -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 9: Planetary Gravity -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 10: Crybaby Restart -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 11: Rematching Seaside -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 12: Stardust Telepath -| Review Score – 4/5
Many manga and anime enthusiasts turn to Manga Time Kirara for stories that are adorable, lighthearted, and carry a smidge of complexity. Whether it be the iconic series K-On or surprising hits like Bocchi the Rock, this company never fails to offer its fanbase heartfelt moe-related tales to watch. In Fall 2023, Stardust Telepath, another property under their banner, received a 12-episode anime adaptation. While it has its issues, it gives audiences another genuine story worth viewing.
This anime’s source material was penned and illustrated by Rasuko Ookuma. It revolves around Konohoshi Umika, a high school girl who doesn’t have the best communication skills. However, when she meets a girl who believes she’s an alien, Umika’s life takes a dramatic turn for the better. Stardust Telepath’s plot follows the standard “moe” formula fans come to expect. It delivers a nice blend of slice-of-life scenarios, comedy, and colorful, child-like imagery.
The story’s plot, while simple, carries ounces of depth and educational value. The series tackles the intricacies of the bottle rocket activity well. It does so by giving our characters numerous internal and external hurdles to overcome. From thoughtful group discussions to raising funds for materials, you’ll appreciate Rasuko Ookuma’s nice attention to detail in this work.
Additionally, this series tackles universal ideas from friendship to social anxiety. This allows the series to resonate with all audiences, regardless if they’re knowledgeable about bottle rockets or not. Moreover, this anime tackles these concepts brilliantly through engaging bottle rocket battles and dramatic conversations. Coupled with its cozy atmosphere and stellar life lessons, Stardust Telepath has the ingredients necessary to become a flawless show. However, there are a few issues that prevent it from achieving that.
For instance, the anime’s plot feels somewhat predictable and basic at times. While a slice-of-life series doesn’t need thrilling twists and turns, inserting Umika and her friends in more creative scenarios would’ve been great. For example, having Umika and the others attend a bottle rocket convention would’ve been a good choice. This would’ve tied into Umika, Haruno, and Yu’s sub-plot where they wanted to strengthen their skills at the bottle rocket hobby.
Additionally, another chapter could’ve had the girls meet more competitors at the championship event. This would’ve helped the series develop its world, making it feel more lively, distinct, and authentic. Also, Stardust Telepath’s predictable nature and failure to break new ground in the “moe” field might turn people away. Stardust Telepath’s plot is filled with repetitive failures and uninspiring forays, making matters feel bland to watch at times.
While its story carries divisive energy, fans will adore the characters Stardust Telepath presents. The biggest standouts from the main four were Umika and Matataki. Both characters receive compelling growth. They’re inserted in many engaging scenarios that’ll convince fans to continue watching Stardust Telepath. Whether it be their personal goals or opposite personalities, these two were a delight to watch on screen, especially when they interacted with each other.
Haruno and Yu were fine protagonists. The former received great depth as her relationship with her grandfather was fascinating to learn about. Unfortunately, besides Yu’s “alien” powers and kind spirit, she wasn’t as fully developed as the others. Nevertheless, Haruno and Yu are likable figures in this tale whose actions reflect the anime’s perspective on human connection and hope. As for the supporting cast, besides Kei, they all feel one-note and don’t receive as much depth as the others mentioned.
Studio Gokumi, the Japanese animation studio behind Stardust Telepath’s anime adaptation, did a great job capturing the show’s comfy and dramatic nature from start to finish. While some will find this anime’s cutesy imagery uninspiring, fans of the “cute girls doing cute things” concept will love Gokumi’s utilization of those standard art techniques. Besides that, everything about this anime’s visuals looked astonishing, especially during its dramatic sequences.
Musically, Stardust Telepath offers a soothing and heartfelt experience to the ear. From pleasant background music to charming voice acting, fans will love Stardust Telepath’s OST. Coupled with a great opening and ending theme song, Stardust Telepath’s visual and musical offerings should leave audiences satisfied. On the whole, Stardust Telepath is no different from any other slice-of-life “moe” anime. It contains familiar character archetypes and story beats fans come to expect from the genre.
Despite its minor flaws, fans shouldn’t turn a blind eye to Stardust Telepath. It delivers a tale that’s comfy, dramatic, and compelling in ways and offers a cast that’s engaging to follow. Although it may not offer the most unique tale about a friend group’s journey to reach the cosmos, it delivers enough exceptional material to keep many audiences entertained.
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Verdict - 8/10
8/10