Looking for a cutesy series that sugar coats all of its drama in anime cliches but at the same time has a serious plot? Rozen Maiden fits that description and is a unique tale about living dolls battling each other in a death match to meet their creator’s expectations. Sadly, most episodes are more like a slice of life than a story about dolls fighting. The show mainly focuses on its plot points, with little emphasis on romance or other important moral themes. The series’ story pacing also feels peculiar on various occasions, with several episodes being rushed.
However, Rozen Maiden does a good job of portraying its premise in terms of mechanics and setting. Sadly, its main story topic, the battle moments, isn’t a major eye-grabbers in this show. In addition, the show feels compelled to use clichés like meaningless dialogue and corny humor on occasion, providing the kind of “laugh-track” that can pull a viewer away from a story. But with enough whimsy from the characters and breathtaking details given to the living dolls, Rozen Maiden certainly makes a show worth sticking with.
If you are thinking of giving Rozen Maiden anime series a try, here’s a guide to help you watch it in the correct order.
Rozen Maiden Watch Order:
1. Rozen Maiden
Alternate Title: None
Episodes: 12
2. Rozen Maiden: Träumend
Alternate Title: None
Episodes: 12
3. Rozen Maiden: Ouvertüre
Alternate Title: None
Episodes: 2
4. Rozen Maiden: Zurückspulen
Alternate Title: Rozen Maiden (2013)
Episodes: 13
Rozen Maiden is a fantasy drama anime series adapted from the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Peach-Pit.
Synopsis: Rozen Maidens are special dolls imbued with Rosa Mystica, a precious gem that gives the doll a life. The purpose of Rozen Maidens is to fight each other in a contest called the Alice Game. The last standing doll gets a chance to meet its creator, the legendary dollmaker Rozen. One day, Jun Sakurada, a shut-in, discovers a Rozen Maiden named Shinku at his doorstep. Soon, both Jun and Shinku get attacked by another doll wanting to fight Shinku. Left with no choice, Jun and Shinku must work together to defeat the enemy doll.
