Shakugan No Shana

Shakugan No Shana is an Anime based on the Light Novel of the same name by Yashichiro Takahashi. It was adapted with 3 seasons by J.C Staff and formerly licensed by Genon USA and now by Funimation.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The concept of an exorcist-like race fighting against evil spirits to bring back balance to the world is very interesting and well executed.
 * 2) A great plot about Shana who is one of the surviving Flame Hazes shares her adventures with Yuji who is now a devoured spirit known as a "torch" to discover the mysteries and motives of the Crimson Denizens and bring in end to their plan of conquering the balance of the world and revive those who became "torches".
 * 3) Very likable characters such as Shana who in first seems cold and nihilistic but actually wants to make Yuji learn that there is still hope for the world and becomes more social in later seasons.
 * 4) Very good animation,designs,visuals and effects especially the battles and fight scenes.
 * 5) Well done drama and emotional scenes such as Yuji learning that he and his friend Kazumi are "torches" which he starts to learn about the fate and balance of the world.
 * 6) Very well done opening and ending themes especially the first season's first opening theme "Hishouku No Sora" which captures the drama and themes of the anime.
 * 7) Very well composed music which fits the mood of the series and scenes.
 * 8) A large amount of backstory about the Flame Hazes and Crimson Denizens.
 * 9) Very great Japanese and English dub (both Geneon/Ocean and Funimation) acting.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) Yuji is very stubborn and acts very weak as he can't fight and is cowardly. He does get stronger in season 3 but acts more insufferable and narcissistic than in the previous seasons until the ending.
 * 2) The ending feels rushed as Shana basically has to bring Yuji's senses back to bring balance to the world though it could've been better if they fought like the final Crimson Denizen instead. Though thankfully it is very happy as everyone is revived and restored back to being humans.
 * 3) As iconic as Shana's catchphrase; "Shut up, shut up, shut up!" is, it can get annoying. (Depending on your viewpoint.)

Trivia

 * Shana shares the same Japanese voice actress as Taiga Aisaka from Toradora.
 * It made Taiga Aisaka famous for voice acting little girls,as the noun "Aisaka disease" spread in Taiwan and other Asian countries.