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The tags 'Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, School, Shounen, Vampire, Supernatural' actually summarize the show pretty well, with the exception of 'school' perhaps. If you want to watch a normal guy who stumbles upon ridiculous powers and then proceeds to save the world and get a lot of female attention; then here you go.
One of the things to appreciate here is that what you see is what you get. It's a straightforward anime you can get some escapism/ good sequences out of (be them of the girls or of the action). I also think that the first few episodes are quite representative of the series as a whole; so your interest should be fairly easy to gauge early on.
-Story
7/10 - as expected, the story isn't outstanding, it simply does its job here. Strike the blood's strong point is not going to be its plot. The story works in arcs, with new villains/ girls being added or focused on in each arc. There are some overall trends and developments but its nothing special. I'd call it overly simplistic - however actually for a show that I watched to just distract myself for an hour or so I found this to be a positive. I'm not sure if some of the satire or irony that came across was intended, but if it was then I tip my hat to the writers.
The story does work for the genre(s) in mind here - pretty much the plot will be bent to better accommodate scenes where Kojou can be a hero or save the girl or can get into a better fight. But that's fine because that's why people will watch the show in the first place.
Without wanting to give too much away, I think certain plot devices were quite clever. Overall I think the plot serves its function quite well, but because the plot is obviously going to be side-lined in such a series there is a limit to how good it is.
-Art
9/10 - Probably the anime's best point is the art. The characters designs, as well as the background and effects for fights, etc. are well done and ultimately are very effective. The art style is certainly easy on the eyes, and the sequences often fit the anime well.
I can't really think of many negatives here - perhaps some money was saved on certain designs but in my opinion the art here almost makes the show.
-Sound
7/10 - Like most modern animes, there really isn't much to comment on here as its just simply decent. I thought the OPs were fine, as were the endings. They are not something I'd personally want to listen to outside of the show, alongside the background music, but they contribute pretty much as you'd expect them too.
The voice acting here is good as far as I can tell. Kojou isn't meant to be super charismatic so it fits the plot, but its nothing to write home about.
-Character
6/10 - The characters are ok, given that the pretense of the show is to break character models and focus on action and harem.
Kojou is (axiomatically) fairly likable and for most people easy to relate to. This is no surprise given the escapism theme (/self insert theme). I don't particularly like Kojou, and I found him a bit overly simplistic. But the fact that I have an opinion is evidence for him actually having a character (which is more than can be said for certain animes in similar genres).
The girls are all quite distinct and well developed, apart from their at times inexplicable devotion to Kojou (but then again, harem). I think Himeragi Yukina probably has the best developed character, and she actually has some development/ perspective added, although this is also stunted because of the harem nature of the show.
The villains are, in general, awful and almost completely one dimensional. But it doesn't really matter because most of the time they are on screen they just get destroyed by Kojou.
Tl;dr - it's harem, don't expect interesting or insightful characters. For a harem, the characters are ok.
-Enjoyment
8/10 - Although the show has its flaws, its quite good fun to watch, and I found it a nice contrast to studying. Because of the art and arc-type plot, it's something that could quite easily be re-watched or returned to, which is a positive IMO.
I would say that your enjoyment of this anime is very dependent on how much you enjoy action and/or harem and/or supernatural genres. The Kojou/Yukina relationship is ok to follow, but this is not a romance anime, and it's something I'd recommend watching when you want to have a break rather than something to stimulate your brain.
-Overall
7/10. Again, the art, the escapism and the straightforward nature of this show are its strong points. It's generic, but I'd say it beats most other shows in similar genres. Why? There's nothing that groundbreaking, just a few subtle nuances that go unnoticed individually but actually contribute to making this show quite enjoyable. Unfortunately the show does fall flat on its face at times for taking itself too seriously and shoe-horning itself into arcing episodes, where it probably had potential to be a better overall show if it avoided this. As is, it remains something lighthearted that most young guys will probably enjoy once or twice (if you enjoy the first few episodes, you'll enjoy the rest. Despite the flaws, there is something to be appreciated here.)

It’s not hard to figure out what Strike the Blood might be about at first even if you’re coming into the show completely fresh. The key words are ‘blood’ and ‘strike’ where the latter is when our main male protagonist Akatsuki Kojo does his mojo to satisfy his blood lust. There’s hardly anything too original related this series. After all, we get the typical mysterious guy meets young girl in a city on an ordinary day. Then, a not-so-normal event happens and the duo gets caught in events they didn’t think could get both involved. But if we add everything together, Strike the Blood comes together as a little more than a show to induce nosebleeds.
Strike the Blood is an animated series based off the light novel of the same name written by Gakuto Mikumo. This is not his first work as he has previously been involved with series such as Dantalian no Shoka, the Zettai Karen novels, and Asura Cryin’. What he brings into Strike the Blood has a little taste of all of those elements in his previous works but transform it into a meat package – a series with a main protagonist that feeds off of others to control its users’ familiars.
An anime series involving with vampires. That’s hardly original in any sense either with its generics. There’s plenty of anime that followed similar ideas such as Vampire Knight, Karin, or Blood+. Strike the Blood takes our main male protagonist Akatsuki Kojo and makes him into a big name in a big city. For instance, most people who knows about his origins and status as the Fourth Progenitor, the world’s strongest vampire. As the title strikes both a bit of fear and respect, it’s no surprise that he is a man to take notice of especially for his observer, Yukina Himeragi. For the duo, their relationship begins kicks off with a rocky start loaded with misunderstandings, confusion, and animosity. Given the fact that Yukina’s job is to observe Akatsuki makes their relationship seem even more awkward as the former would be labeled as a stalker in some ways. At the same time, Akatsuki becomes annoyed by her presence. It’s also not exactly the best combination with Yukina’s anti-progenitor spear always on hand. It seems to serve as a warning sign should Akatsuki goes out of control. Over time however, the duo gets along better with Yukina even developing a seemingly crush on the young man. Outcomes like this should not be taken as a surprise however. While the duo lacks strong chemistry, they share a similar feeling towards those they encounter and the city they live in. It’s through their willingness to help others that ties them together to make the duo stronger.
Based off a light novel series, the series divides itself in arc format with a certain set of episodes focusing on a specific event/character/conflict that requires a solution. In total, there are 7 arcs covering the light novels. More importantly is the fact that each arc focuses on a different character with a different otherworldly conflict. It brings out the diversity that the audience can get accustomed to. There’s all types of otherworldly beings that the show focuses on whether it’s vampires, werewolves, angels, or witches. Along with that, each arc also progresses Akatsuki’s relationships with others as he gets stronger. Unfortunately, his lack of characterization doesn’t shine with his past being left in unexplored territories. This falls under a similar case for Yukina as the audience hardly knows about them beyond their purpose on the surface. Other characters of course also plays their roles in each arc, some more than others with a particular few getting veritable moments. But because each arc changes its tone, audience should be ready to adjust themselves to match the mood with its themes. There might also be some sort of hidden moral that progresses the story although most of it is obscure and seems cliched . Unfortunately for Akatsuki, there’s little focus on his goals or morals as the show itself doesn’t give an impression as if it he had one at all in the first place. With the way he is dressed. Akatsuki is more of the lone wolf and he only gets into situations because of his status.
While the word ‘diverse’ can be used to describe a favorable stance to adapt an anime’s character cast, there is also generics that makes up the other half. The majority of the main characters are female that falls under some sort of characteristic that comes off as generic as it can be. We have Yukina, the girl that observes Kojo 24/7 as her role. There’s the typical classmate Asagi Aiba with an obvious crush on Kojo. Nagisa Akatsuki plays the role of the little sister with her chatty mouth but lack of understanding of the supernatural world. Then, there’s the tsundere Sayaka Kirasaka whom often says things that means the opposite way around. Each arc also features a prominent character that is the focus of its story. Most of them are always female and shouldn’t be a surprise with a show like Strike the Blood. It’s predictable with most endings of each arc with Akatsuki doing the striking and blood spilled for authentic reasons.
The action of Strike the Blood can be described as thrilling but not anything that blows itself out of the water. If I had to describe it, it would fall under the line of dangerous but also hectic. Each arc features a different conflict so the action tends to diverse itself a bit in terms of presentation. However, one key factor always strikes at heart with Akatsuki’s blood lust. The earlier stages plays it off as a necessity but later on ventures into a more erotic allurement. It shouldn’t be surprising at all with hints given already featuring its fan service moments. There’s the pantsu, honey trap, and misunderstandings all over the place that brings out Strike the Blood’s generics to its core. Surprisingly enough, the show omits the traditional onsen/beach episode. Perhaps it was too busy focusing on its conflicts in each arc to given our characters a vacation or it wanted to go beyond its setting. Who knows? What it’s known is the fact that Akatsuki always gets his fun (not the way he sees it though) in each and every single arc. Fun itself can also give the audience different impression. The show sometimes likes to make fun of itself with little gags. Even the organization Yukina belongs to is hard to take serious at first with a name like “Lion King”. We also can’t forget about some of the dialogues that comes out in the wrong way with most coming out as cheesy. Finally, there’s also bits of romance. Unfortunately, that territory is something Akatsuki seems to have the least interest in. Despite obvious advances, Akatsuki doesn’t seem to show actual interest in any of the girls that approaches him besides satisfying his blood lust. Every meal means he gets a little satisfaction but not in a romantic sense. If you’re looking for a developing romantic story, Strike the Blood is the wrong place to be. Akatsuki is just not a bachelor for his candidates.
Silver Link animated Strike the Blood. On a technical level, the style of the series fits well with its supernatural themes. The Demon District, Itogami City also gives off an impression of aspects with its advancing arts. Most otherworldly beings are depicted accurately with credibility. Unfortunately, some of the character designs lacks a bit with any unique features. The school uniforms looks generic and hardly stands out. Akatsuki’s design makes him look like a loner with his hood covering his head that viewers will feel less attached to. Other characters such as Nagisa Minamiya has appearances that contrasts their age. Supporting main characters are also hardly noticeable despite some of their status. On the other hand, the background art of its city gives an impression of a luxurious display with its aquatic-like attributes.
Soundtrack can come off as a mixed bag. On the surface, it is consistent to match its style. But at the same time, it can come off as just being there with nothing to focus directly on. The OP and ED songs offers a montage of the main characters as well as possible foreshadowing. With a show like Strike the Blood though, the arcs can be predictable already anyways. But for what’s worth, most of the characters’ voice acting is remarkable. The only sting is the dialogues themselves that comes off as cheesy and lacks distinguishing moments. However, I do give praise to their voice mannerism especially for Yukina (Risa Taneda). Even though she just began recently with animated voice acting, there’s promising potential for her with a role of a main character.
In the end, Strike the Blood is another typical series with nothing stellar that strikes hard at home. It has its harem vibes, the fan service, the gimmicky gags, and predictable arc conclusions. However, it does bring out a diverse cast of characters that offers attention. Not only that but Akatsuki isn’t your typical wimpy main lead. He often takes charge despite not like being part a conflict. If only the show focused on him more rather than adding a girl to his harem every arc would bring out much more potential. On the other hand, each arc does have potential with its diversity. While some of it is colored with gags, it does progress the story’s overall themes. It could take a bit of patience to get used to this show overall in the end but that’s how it is really.

​Thunder's Review no.4: Strike the Blood
I followed this anime whole way down to the hell where it have ended. Much virgin blood was sucked and a lot of underwear exposed. Occasionally I enjoyed the ride but the road was rocky and full of holes. Those holes were full of predictable randomness not seen in ages and suited final destination perfectly. Welcome among all these vampires, witches and loli teachers, this is Strike the Blood.
The Story 2/10
The best way to describe this show is simply saying that it's a harem with vampires and magic. Beginning is generic but fairly interesting, there was some space for development but all hope for the good story is quickly washed away in a couple of episodes. The world that could be interesting setting with different vampire lords and organizations controlling it is never explained to us and all we see throughout the whole series is one city.
Our protagonist is of course your typical high school student who accidentally happens to be the strongest vampire in the world, oh and there are a lot of girls falling for him just because he's a nice guy. And do I have to mention that Itogami City that he's living in is a place that all demons are sent to to live in 'secret'?(weekly destroy the city and a lot of explosions scenario)There is nothing outstanding and even decently original or interesting in the Strike the Blood's story, actually there is no plot! All plot lines are resolved in the series of short arcs, few episodes long each. Episodic nature at least suit Strike the Blood as a one time per week time waster. I doubt that I would care to watch something with no overall plot, episode after episode constantly.
Okay so we know that there is arguably no plot, then what's with those episodic arcs? Well, this is old shounen formula done even worse than usual. Villain of the week appear, our main character can't bit him but then just get power up by turning his vampire urges on and sucking blood out of the one of attractive girls in the show (read, any girl in the show). It ended with me just waiting for some girl to undress and be done with it. It was funny first time but seriously EVERY time?! The only times when you'll be surprised will be those moments when they introduce new characters or threats to the city. I doubt I've ever seen such a random plot twists. There is absolutely no foreshadowing, everything is just thrown at you without warning.
Strike the Blood doesn't handle its more serious plot twists well, actually when serious stuff is happening your only motivation for keeping watching is another ecchi moment or some short fight scene. Fight scenes can be fairly enjoyable, at least at the beginning, but there is barely any tactic involved and all characters are just screaming names of their insane shounen attacks again and again and again... Overall I think that best parts of the show was those that nothing happens in and all the characters were just fooling around. Seriously, comedy parts were the only think I was interested in and every week I prayed to myself for as much of it as possible.
I don't want to spoil wonderful ending for you, just know the word that describe it best: random.
The Animation and the Art 6/10
Animations in Strike the Blood are fluid enough, especially in fight scenes. Characters are well drawn and there are some really attractive girls out there if you're in for that kind of stuff. Some backgrounds may be call beautiful and overall animations and art stands on more than decent level, but is drowned down by some cgi. What this anime misses is original art style, especially on characters. There is nothing that make me remember how characters looked. I can barely remember which girl had which hair style. On the other side you usually doesn't remember pretty girl from the porn video you watched so I guess it's fine.
The Sound 6/10
Both openings were ok, at least when it comes to watching them once per week. Overall soundtrack wasn't bad and was kind of nice background music but nothing more than that. There was no tracks that stand out enough to make me listing to them afterwards, I'm sad every time it happens. Music is very important part of every show and this anime really needed something to make up for the random story. Sadly music wasn't this something.
As far as voice acting goes I don't have anything special to say about it, it wasn't bad but I heard better.
The Characters 4/10
In show with such a troublesome plot there should be great characters to make up for it. When characters in Strike the blood aren't worst I've seen, they are not that great either. Our main male lead, Akatsuki Kojou is fairly likeable but also fairly generic teenager that a lot of girls are falling for just because he's a vampire that sucked their blood. There is also our main female lead Himeragi Yukina. She can handle herself in a fight and are ready to beat up Akatsuki every time he do some perverted thing he haven't actually done. There are of course few other girls that are there to interact with Kojou in interesting ways ('cough', fanservice). Some characters have interesting backstories to them when others have almost none. We get to know most things about most secondary character within duration of few sentences. So basically we don't have a reason to care about most characters in the show.
Our main cast get some simple character development, but it's very slow development and by the show's end characters aren't much different than by its start.
I guess all characters do their job as plot devices, even if they are there this whole time to do something important just once. Just don't go in this show expecting some interesting individuals with their own ideologies that actually makes sense. Villains are unworthy of mentioning. When the biggest part of characters are mediocre, villains in this anime are below that standard. Their goals are simple and simply evil. At least we have decent quantity of attractive girls to look at.
The Enjoyment 5/10
When Strike the Blood doesn't try to be serious it's actually quite enjoyable. Too bad that it didn't have more comedy or maybe some overall plot but I guess it would not work with that sort of show. There is nothing outstanding about it, soundtrack and animations are just decent. You can still probably like it more than I do if you really like anime stereotypes and you didn't grew tired of them yet.
Overall 4/10
Strike the blood is rather mediocre show that failed when it counts the most. What we got is vampire teenager with harem of girls, a lot of anime stereotypes, good comedy that was a light in the dark in this show, messy 'plot' that ended in a very random way and a group of rather weak characters. It wasn't worst thing that I've seen and sometimes you need something mediocre to appreciate better works.

My expectations for Strike the Blood were simple: I wanted lots of action with some romance thrown in. Instead, I feel like I got the opposite. Overall, I was disappointed in some areas and pleasantly surprised in others. Though I don't regret watching it, I wish the show had only 12 episodes instead of 24.
Story: 6
To put it simply, the story for this show is mediocre. It isn't outstanding, but nor is it bad. It simply fulfills its duty to carry along the main premise of the show, which focuses more on the relationships between characters (primarily, of course, between the leading hero Koujo and the ladies). The show is divided into several arcs, which range from 2-5 episodes long. After the first few arcs, a general pattern of events begins to emerge and repeat itself. Though this has no real severe implication on the show, it does make it a bit predictable.
The only significant issue I have with the plot is that it never addresses the circumstances in which Kojou becomes the Fourth Progenitor. Though it is mentioned several times in the show and there are a few short flashbacks, the questions surrounding Kojou's mysterious transformation are left unanswered--though I suppose that if there's a possibility for a second season they could be answered then.
Art: 10
By far the best thing about this show was the art. Very crisp, exciting animation, with exciting colors and fantastic fight choreography totally fulfilled my expectations. Character designs were spectacular, the magic was interesting, and the scenery was beautiful.
Sound: 7
The sound was not particularly memorable. It, like the plot, fulfilled its purpose, though unless you're paying attention, it's not very noticeable. The OPs and endings were fine, but not anything out of the ordinary.
Character: 5
The characters in a romantic show, especially a harem, are its driving force, and I feel like this is where Strike The Blood's mediocrity prevails.
I found the main character, Kojou a bit two-dimensional and simplistic. He was likeable, handsome, decent, heroic, and pretty much everything a good (but not particularly interesting) protagonist should be. He had only a few minor flaws, leaving little room for character development or improvement.
The girls in the show, however, are a different story. Their personalities are more clearly defined and more developed than Kojou's, and they don't really follow archetypes, so they're certainly more interesting. Himeragi, the female lead, is the most developed, and she undergoes the most noticeable character development in the whole show.
The one thing that bugged me most about the girls, however, is that no matter how smitten they were with the main character, they constantly berated him, calling him an indecent pervert even in situations that are totally out of his control (this is especially true of the main female character, Himeragi.) Though I can understand that this was meant to be comedic relief, hearing 'HENTAI' screamed in various high pitched girly voices episode after episode starts to grate on one's nerves.
Supporting/side characters were incredibly bland. For example, Kojou's male friend with headphones was so underdeveloped that those are the only two things I can remember about him. A few side characters, like the First Progenitor, could have been really interesting, but they were sort of put on the back burner to all of the romance going on.
Enjoyment: 6
This is the sort of show I'd recommend to someone who wanted to shut off their brain for a while, watch some cool magic, and see a couple panty shots. It certainly wasn't bad, and I can't say I disliked it, but overall, it fell straight into the mediocre category.