Big Order Season 1: A Chaotic Symphony of Ambition and Absurdity

Big Order Season 1, a 10-episode anime series that aired in Spring 2016, is a wild, polarizing ride that attempts to blend the psychological intensity of Future Diary (created by the same mangaka, Sakae Esuno) with over-the-top action and a smattering of absurd humor. Adapted from the manga serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Shōnen Ace and produced by Asread, this anime is a fascinating case study in ambition gone awry, yet it retains a bizarre charm that makes it unforgettable for better or worse. This review dives into what makes Big Order Season 1 unique, its strengths, its flaws, and whether it’s worth your time.

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The Premise: A World Shaped by Wishes

Big Order centers on Eiji Hoshimiya, a high school student who, ten years prior, inadvertently triggered the “Great Destruction,” a catastrophic event that reshaped the world after a mysterious fairy named Daisy granted his wish. The nature of Eiji’s wish remains a mystery, but its consequences are dire: countless lives were lost, and select individuals, known as Order users, gained supernatural abilities tied to their deepest desires. Eiji, now burdened with guilt and focused on protecting his terminally ill sister Sena, possesses an Order called “Bind Dominator,” which allows him to control anything within a designated territory—potentially making him one of the most powerful beings alive.

The story kicks off when Rin Kurenai, a fiery and vengeful Order user, targets Eiji, blaming him for the Great Destruction. As Eiji navigates assassination attempts, government conspiracies, and a shadowy group of Order users called the Group of Ten, he’s forced to confront his past and the true extent of his powers. The premise promises a high-stakes, psychological thriller with a dash of superhero flair, but the execution is where Big Order both shines and stumbles.

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What Makes Big Order Unique?

1. A Blend of Genres That Defies Convention
   Big Order is a melting pot of genres: action, psychological drama, supernatural, and even moments of dark comedy. Unlike Future Diary, which maintained a tighter focus on psychological tension, Big Order throws everything at the wall—time manipulation, reality-warping powers, political intrigue, and gratuitous fan service. This chaotic mix creates a viewing experience that feels like a fever dream, making it stand out in a season crowded with more conventional anime. Whether this is a strength or a flaw depends on your tolerance for narrative whiplash.
2. The Order System: Creative but Convoluted
   The concept of Orders—powers born from individual wishes—is genuinely intriguing. Each Order user’s ability reflects their personality or desires, leading to a diverse array of powers, from Rin’s healing flames to dimensional zippers and time control. Eiji’s Bind Dominator, which allows him to dominate anything or anyone within his territory, is particularly unique, as it’s both overpowered and inconsistent, reflecting his internal conflict. However, the show struggles to explain the rules governing these powers, leading to moments where abilities feel like convenient plot devices rather than a cohesive system.
3. A Protagonist with a Dark Secret
   Eiji Hoshimiya is no typical shounen hero. His guilt over causing the Great Destruction and his single-minded devotion to Sena give him depth, but his bland personality and questionable decisions (especially regarding his sister) make him polarizing. The show hints at a darker, more complex character beneath the surface, but its rushed pacing prevents full exploration. Fans of morally ambiguous protagonists may find Eiji compelling, while others might see him as a weak link.
4. Unapologetic Absurdity
   Big Order doesn’t shy away from being ridiculous. From a green sky (with no explanation until the final episode) to gratuitous fan service and bizarre plot twists (like memory manipulation and incestuous undertones), the show leans into its weirdness. This makes it a cult classic for some, as evidenced by a Medium review calling it “God’s gift to humankind” for its sheer audacity. For others, these elements are dealbreakers, contributing to its reputation as a “Big Disaster.”

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Strengths of Big Order Season 1

• Ambitious World-Building: The concept of a world reshaped by wishes, with Daisy as a wish-granting program and the Hoshimiya Agency’s shadowy experiments, is genuinely creative. The idea that human desires can manifest as reality-altering powers offers fertile ground for storytelling, even if the show doesn’t fully capitalize on it.
• Memorable Moments: Despite its flaws, Big Order delivers some jaw-dropping twists, particularly in the final episodes. The revelation about Daisy’s origins and the Second Great Destruction keeps viewers guessing, even if the execution feels rushed. The action sequences, while not visually spectacular, are inventive due to the variety of Order powers.
• Voice Acting and Soundtrack: The Japanese voice cast, including Masakazu Morita as Eiji, brings energy to the characters, even when the script falters. The soundtrack, while not iconic, complements the show’s frenetic pace with intense, electronic-infused tracks.

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Weaknesses: Where Big Order Falters

1. Rushed Pacing and Plot Holes
   With only 10 episodes, Big Order crams an ambitious story into a tight runtime, resulting in breakneck pacing that leaves little room for character development or world-building. Plot points like the Group of Ten’s motivations and the mechanics of Orders are introduced and abandoned with little explanation, leading to confusion and deus ex machina resolutions. Reviewers on MyAnimeList have called the story “nonsensical” and criticized its reliance on overused tropes like memory alteration.
2. Poor Production Values
   Asread’s animation is lackluster, with inconsistent character designs and uninspired backgrounds (the infamous green sky being a prime example). Compared to other 2016 anime like My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari or Re:Zero, Big Order feels visually dated. The excessive censoring of fan service scenes further detracts from the experience, rendering them pointless.
3. Questionable Narrative Choices
   The show’s handling of Eiji and Sena’s relationship has drawn significant criticism for its uncomfortable, borderline incestuous undertones, which alienate viewers expecting a more straightforward action story. Additionally, the writing often disrespects the audience’s intelligence, with illogical decisions and unnecessary fan service undermining the plot’s gravity. David West of Neo gave the series a 1/5, citing these issues as particularly egregious.
4. Missed Potential
   Big Order had the ingredients for a compelling thriller: a guilt-ridden protagonist, a unique power system, and a post-apocalyptic setting. However, it fails to explore these elements deeply, opting for shock value over substance. Fans of Future Diary may be disappointed by the lack of psychological depth, as the show prioritizes action over character-driven drama.

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Critical Reception: A Divided Audience

Big Order Season 1 is a divisive anime, with reviews reflecting its polarizing nature:

• MyAnimeList (MAL): The series has a low average score (around 5.6/10), with reviewers like HidamariSeashore calling it a “Big Disaster” due to its confusing plot and lackluster execution compared to Future Diary. Others, like JustAnotherShiro, argue it’s “hated more than it deserves” for its unique premise and entertaining chaos.
• Anime News Network: Rebecca Silverman noted that the anime “takes what could have been an interesting premise and somehow manages to make it feel both overstuffed and devoid of anything important actually happening.”
• Reddit and Fandom: Online discussions, such as on r/CharacterRant, lambast the manga and anime for being boring and poorly written, though some fans on Amino appreciate its unapologetic weirdness.
• Medium: A tongue-in-cheek review by Sumedh Singh hailed it as “the greatest series of all time,” but this seems more ironic than earnest, highlighting its cult appeal.

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Is Big Order Worth Watching?

Big Order Season 1 is a rollercoaster that’s equal parts frustrating and fascinating. If you enjoy chaotic, unpolished anime with a knack for the absurd—think Pupa or Isuca—it might be worth a watch for its sheer audacity. Fans of Future Diary may appreciate the familiar themes, but they should temper expectations for a less refined experience. However, if you prioritize coherent storytelling, strong animation, or likable characters, you’ll likely find Big Order a letdown.

Recommendation: Watch it if you’re in the mood for a short, bizarre action anime and can overlook its flaws. Stream it on platforms like Crunchyroll, where it’s available in Japanese with English subtitles. For a deeper dive, consider checking out the manga, which some argue handles the story better despite its own issues.

Final Score: 5.5/10
Big Order Season 1 is a flawed but unique experiment that swings big and misses often. It’s a testament to the risks of ambition in anime, offering a glimpse of brilliance amid a sea of chaos.

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Where to Watch: Big Order Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and other streaming platforms, depending on your region. Check JustWatch for current availability.

Fun Fact: The OVA released in 2015, included with the complete series Blu-ray, features a “random multi-scenario” format, making it feel like an interactive anime game—though reviews suggest it’s more confusing than enjoyable.

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This review aims to balance the anime’s unique elements with its critical shortcomings, providing an informative look at a series that’s as divisive as it is distinctive. If you’ve seen Big Order, what did you think? Share your thoughts below!