B: The Beginning Season 1: A Visually Stunning Yet Flawed Anime Gem

B: The Beginning Season 1, a 2018 Netflix original anime created by Production I.G and Kazuto Nakazawa, is an ambitious blend of crime drama, supernatural mystery, and high-octane action. Set in the fictional archipelagic nation of Cremona, this 12-episode series weaves a complex narrative around a vigilante serial killer, a genius detective, and a shadowy organization with sinister motives. While the show dazzles with its animation and gripping moments, it stumbles under the weight of its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. This review dives into what makes B: The Beginning Season 1 unique, its strengths, its shortcomings, and why it remains a polarizing yet compelling watch.

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The Premise: A Tapestry of Crime and Supernatural Intrigue

Set in a futuristic yet vaguely retro world inspired by Italian cities like Cremona and Milan, B: The Beginning follows two parallel storylines that eventually converge. The first centers on Keith Flick, a brilliant but eccentric detective recalled to the Royal Investigation Service (RIS) to hunt the enigmatic vigilante known as “Killer B.” This serial killer targets criminals, leaving a carved “B” at crime scenes, earning both public admiration and official condemnation. The second storyline follows Koku, a mysterious young man with supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting wings and a blade-forming arm, as he battles members of a criminal organization called Market Maker.

The show introduces a sprawling cast, including Lily Hoshina, Keith’s spirited sidekick, and a host of villains with colorful, Joker-esque aesthetics. As crimes escalate from targeted executions to large-scale terrorism, Keith and Koku’s paths intertwine, revealing conspiracies involving human experiments, government corruption, and ancient legends like the “Black-Winged King.” The narrative ambitiously blends police procedural elements with fantasy, aiming to keep viewers guessing about the true nature of Killer B and the forces pulling the strings.

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Strengths: Where B: The Beginning Shines

1. Stellar Animation and Action Sequences

One of the standout features of B: The Beginning is its breathtaking animation, courtesy of Production I.G, a studio renowned for works like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass. The series is a visual feast, with crisp character designs, fluid combat choreography, and vibrant contrasts between Cremona’s neon-lit urban sprawl and its darker, dystopian underbelly. A highlight is an early fight scene featuring Koku in a high-stakes chase involving a skateboard-riding terrorist and a train, set against a skyscraper’s edge. This sequence, described by IGN as a “wow moment,” showcases the show’s ability to deliver adrenaline-pumping action that feels both cinematic and uniquely anime.

The color palette enhances the mood, with dark tones evoking despair and brighter hues offering brief respite, as noted by Geek Culture. The animation’s polish extends to smaller details, like the intricate designs of Market Maker’s tattooed, face-painted members, making every frame visually engaging.

2. Compelling Core Characters

While not all characters are equally developed, the main trio—Keith, Koku, and Lily—brings enough personality to anchor the story. Keith Flick, voiced by Hiroaki Hirata (Japanese) and Ray Chase (English), is a standout. His stoic, analytical demeanor and tragic backstory—haunted by his sister’s unsolved murder—make him a grounded counterpoint to the show’s fantastical elements. His dynamic with Lily Hoshina, an energetic and sharp-tongued detective voiced by Asami Seto and Faye Mata, adds levity and heart. Their banter, described by HubPages as “entertaining,” feels authentic and keeps the police procedural aspect engaging.

Koku, voiced by Yūki Kaji and Kyle McCarley, is a more enigmatic figure. His dual life as a quiet violin craftsman and a supernatural vigilante creates intrigue, though his motivations remain unclear until the season’s midpoint. Once revealed, his backstory adds emotional weight, particularly his quest to save his childhood friend Yuna, making him a relatable if understated protagonist.

3. A Genre-Blending Mystery

B: The Beginning ambitiously merges crime drama with supernatural elements, a combination that sets it apart from typical anime. The show starts as a police procedural, with Keith unraveling clues about Killer B, but evolves into a conspiracy-laden mystery involving demihumans, secret organizations, and ancient prophecies. This shift keeps viewers on edge, as noted by a Reddit user who compared it to Boogiepop and Others for its mysterious vibe. The show’s ability to balance gritty detective work with fantastical action, like Koku’s wing-enabled battles, creates a unique tone that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

The English dub, praised by HubPages for outshining the Japanese in some respects, enhances the experience with strong performances, particularly Kyle McCarley’s nuanced take on Koku and John DeMita’s chilling portrayal of the villainous Gilbert Ross. The soundtrack, featuring Yoshihiro Ike’s atmospheric score and the haunting ending theme “The Perfect World” by Marty Friedman and KenKen, further elevates the mood.

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Weaknesses: Where the Show Stumbles

1. Convoluted Storytelling

The biggest criticism of B: The Beginning is its overly complex narrative, which often feels like a “dry cupcake with sprinkles” of violence and mystery, as one review put it. The show juggles multiple plotlines—Keith’s investigation, Koku’s vendetta, Market Maker’s schemes, and a shadowy government conspiracy—without fully resolving them. Clues to major reveals, like the identity of a traitor within the RIS, are often introduced after the fact, making twists feel unearned, as noted by Hey Poor Player. The season’s climax, particularly the final episode’s exposition-heavy dialogue, tries to tie up loose ends but leaves viewers confused, with 90% of the backstory feeling “useless and irrelevant,” according to a MyAnimeList reviewer.

The world-building is another weak point. The setting of Cremona, with its mix of modern technology and monarchical elements, is visually striking but poorly explained. Questions about the society’s structure, the origins of Koku’s powers, or the purpose of Market Maker’s experiments go largely unanswered, leaving the world feeling “bland,” as a Reddit user observed.

2. Underdeveloped Villains and Side Characters

While Keith, Koku, and Lily shine, the supporting cast and villains falter. Market Maker’s members, with their Harley Quinn-esque aesthetics, look intimidating but lack depth. Their leader, Minatsuki, is criticized for monotonous monologuing, and most are reduced to “cannon fodder” by the season’s end, per Geek Culture. This undermines the stakes, as their motivations—chaos and terrorism—feel generic. Similarly, side characters like Yuna and Erika, pivotal to the plot, are underdeveloped, with Yuna relegated to a damsel-in-distress role despite a brief standout fight scene.

Even within the RIS, characters like Boris Meier and Kaela Yoshinaga show promise but receive minimal focus, leaving viewers wanting more. The show’s failure to flesh out these figures, as noted by wherever-i-look.com, makes it hard to care about the broader conflict.

3. Pacing and Payoff Issues

The pacing of B: The Beginning is uneven, with a strong start that hooks viewers but a rushed conclusion that disappoints. The first few episodes build suspense effectively, but the back half introduces new conflicts too quickly, resolving them without enough buildup, as IMDb reviews point out. Key moments, like Keith confronting his sister’s killer or Koku’s final battle, lack emotional weight due to rushed resolutions or missing fallout. The show’s reluctance to slow down and let characters “breathe” or allow viewers to ponder mysteries diminishes the impact of its reveals.

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Unique Elements: What Sets It Apart

Despite its flaws, B: The Beginning stands out for its bold attempt to fuse genres rarely combined in anime. Unlike Death Note, which it’s often compared to, it leans less on psychological warfare and more on visceral action and supernatural intrigue. The concept of a vigilante serial killer celebrated by the public adds a moral ambiguity that’s refreshing, even if underexplored. Koku’s demihuman abilities—wings, a blade-arm, and shape-shifting—feel like a nod to Tokyo Ghoul but are grounded in a pseudo-scientific mythos tied to Cremona’s history, giving the show a distinct flavor.

The series also benefits from its Netflix backing, allowing for high production values and global accessibility. The English dub’s quality, rare for anime, broadens its appeal to newcomers, while the show’s mature themes—gore, corruption, and loss—cater to fans of darker narratives like Psycho-Pass. The cliffhanger ending, while divisive, sets up the second season (B: Succession), promising deeper exploration of the lore, as confirmed at the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

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Critical Reception and Audience Sentiment

Critics and audiences are split on B: The Beginning. Rotten Tomatoes praises its visual appeal and action but notes its struggle to reconcile crime drama and fantasy elements, with a 7.8/10 critic score. IGN highlights the thrilling fight scenes and Keith-Lily dynamic but criticizes the lackluster villains. On MyAnimeList, reviews range from calling it a “convoluted mess” to praising its mystery and animation, reflecting its divisive nature. Reddit users on r/Animesuggest and r/BTheBeginning describe it as “entertaining but forgettable,” with some loving the action but others finding the plot holes frustrating.

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Is It Worth Watching?

B: The Beginning Season 1 is a mixed bag that’s worth watching for fans of action-packed anime with a taste for mystery. Its stunning animation, compelling leads, and genre-blending ambition make it a standout, especially for those who enjoy Psycho-Pass or Terror in Resonance. However, its convoluted plot, weak villains, and rushed pacing may frustrate viewers seeking a cohesive story. If you’re willing to overlook narrative flaws for visual spectacle and intriguing characters, it’s a binge-worthy 12 episodes, clocking in at about 25 minutes each (TV-MA for violence and gore).

For newcomers to anime, the English dub and accessible premise make it a good entry point, though patience is needed for the initial confusion. Seasoned anime fans may appreciate its unique elements but find it falls short of classics in the genre. As one IMDb reviewer put it, “It’s not Death Note, but it’s a fun ride if you give it a chance.”

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Final Verdict: A Flawed But Captivating Start

B: The Beginning Season 1 is a visually dazzling anime that tries to do too much, resulting in a narrative that’s as frustrating as it is intriguing. Its strengths—gorgeous animation, memorable action, and the Keith-Lily-Koku trio—make it a worthwhile watch, but its convoluted plot and underdeveloped side characters hold it back from greatness. For those who enjoy a mix of crime drama and supernatural thrills, it’s a unique addition to Netflix’s anime catalog, best enjoyed with tempered expectations and an eye for its artistic merits.

Score: 7.5/10
Recommended for: Fans of action, mystery, and supernatural anime; those who prioritize visuals over airtight storytelling.
Watch it on: Netflix, available in Japanese and English with subtitles.
Tip: Stick through the first three episodes for Koku’s backstory to unfold, and pay close attention to Keith’s deductions to catch subtle clues.

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This review draws on insights from various sources, including IGN, Rotten Tomatoes, MyAnimeList, and Reddit discussions, to provide a balanced and comprehensive take on B: The Beginning Season 1. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into specific episodes, characters, or the second season