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EP. REVIEW: The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent


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meiam



Joined: 23 Jun 2013
Posts: 3442
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:10 pm Reply with quote
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finds herself sidelining Albert and Sei's relationship in favor of the magic storyline

Very Happy
Quote:
That means that the anime is a chance for playing with her original vision for that part

Sad
I though ep 1 was fine until the last part where the hunky dude is introduce for the MC to fall in love with, which I have essentially 0 interest in. I would like if that part of the story just vanished in the background, but I'm guessing the opposite will happen. I do hope that magic side will be more than just "MC is the special one", maybe introduce some science in the potion making process rather than just "special one make special potion" where the character is essentially just the magic macguffin and has no real agency.
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Princess_Irene
ANN Reviewer


Joined: 16 Dec 2008
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Location: The castle beyond the Goblin City
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:16 pm Reply with quote
meiam wrote:
I would like if that part of the story just vanished in the background, but I'm guessing the opposite will happen. I do hope that magic side will be more than just "MC is the special one", maybe introduce some science in the potion making process rather than just "special one make special potion" where the character is essentially just the magic macguffin and has no real agency.


I wouldn't be surprised if the romance remains very much in the background, and I wouldn't worry too much about Sei just being a blanket Chosen One. While it hasn't gotten a ton of development yet, she does really think about how herbs are used back in her own world, and when we get to the plotlines for volumes 2 (political) and 3 (magical/herbal), we should see more of that in the anime.

And even if you don't like the romance plot, at least there's only one guy rather than the more typical (at this point) reverse harem.
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Violet Park



Joined: 18 Jul 2018
Posts: 115
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:54 pm Reply with quote
I think the anime has potential, but I have three big problems with it.

First, the storytelling feels like the audiovisual equivalent of reading the instructions of an IKEA chair. Very stiff, only giving us enough to understand what's going on with little emotion. The date in this ep is a big example. "Boy and girl are on a date. Boy helps girl to leave the carriage. Boy buys girl food. Girl says it's too warm, boy makes ice for her" and so on. It's really lifeless.

Second, the magic. I understand this isn't an action anime, but I'm sure there are ways to make Sei's omnipotent magic interesting. Both with the potions and the enchantments, we aren't shown how strong she is compared to everyone else, and the actual process is just boring.

And last, they are ignoring the most appealing part of the premise in favor of a cliche romance. Two different people have been summoned by the ritual, the prince has potentially created a diplomatic mess the high-ranking officers will have to clean up and Sei and Aria's new lives could fall apart if Sei is the saint... and we are shown nothing of it. What is Aria doing, why haven't they figured out who the saint is in months, is Prince Asshole really the only authority around, and if not, what's the actual ruler doing? The time skips certainly don't help.
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everydaygamer



Joined: 10 Jul 2009
Posts: 928
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:31 pm Reply with quote
Violet Park wrote:

And last, they are ignoring the most appealing part of the premise in favor of a cliche romance. Two different people have been summoned by the ritual, the prince has potentially created a diplomatic mess the high-ranking officers will have to clean up and Sei and Aria's new lives could fall apart if Sei is the saint... and we are shown nothing of it. What is Aria doing, why haven't they figured out who the saint is in months, is Prince Asshole really the only authority around, and if not, what's the actual ruler doing? The time skips certainly don't help.


It's briefly mentioned in episode 1 that Aria is capable of high-level healing magic so everyone is pretty sure she is the saint. The only ones who doubt that are those who've seen what Sei can do and they are currently keeping that a secret. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it becomes impossible to keep Sei a secret.
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meiam



Joined: 23 Jun 2013
Posts: 3442
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:59 pm Reply with quote
Princess_Irene wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if the romance remains very much in the background, and I wouldn't worry too much about Sei just being a blanket Chosen One. While it hasn't gotten a ton of development yet, she does really think about how herbs are used back in her own world, and when we get to the plotlines for volumes 2 (political) and 3 (magical/herbal), we should see more of that in the anime.

And even if you don't like the romance plot, at least there's only one guy rather than the more typical (at this point) reverse harem.


Sounds good, I'll keep a it. In some way I'd have rather like the harem route, what I dislike in those type of romance is that they always feel like the author is just grabbing the character and smashing them into each other's going "now kiss". They have no real chemistry together and are just falling in love because they're the main characters.

everydaygamer wrote:
Violet Park wrote:

And last, they are ignoring the most appealing part of the premise in favor of a cliche romance. Two different people have been summoned by the ritual, the prince has potentially created a diplomatic mess the high-ranking officers will have to clean up and Sei and Aria's new lives could fall apart if Sei is the saint... and we are shown nothing of it. What is Aria doing, why haven't they figured out who the saint is in months, is Prince Asshole really the only authority around, and if not, what's the actual ruler doing? The time skips certainly don't help.


It's briefly mentioned in episode 1 that Aria is capable of high-level healing magic so everyone is pretty sure she is the saint. The only ones who doubt that are those who've seen what Sei can do and they are currently keeping that a secret. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it becomes impossible to keep Sei a secret.

Aren't they both saint? Wasn't there a exposition dumb at the start when someone said two saint were summon and so on?
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everydaygamer



Joined: 10 Jul 2009
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 4:37 pm Reply with quote
meiam wrote:


everydaygamer wrote:
Violet Park wrote:

And last, they are ignoring the most appealing part of the premise in favor of a cliche romance. Two different people have been summoned by the ritual, the prince has potentially created a diplomatic mess the high-ranking officers will have to clean up and Sei and Aria's new lives could fall apart if Sei is the saint... and we are shown nothing of it. What is Aria doing, why haven't they figured out who the saint is in months, is Prince Asshole really the only authority around, and if not, what's the actual ruler doing? The time skips certainly don't help.


It's briefly mentioned in episode 1 that Aria is capable of high-level healing magic so everyone is pretty sure she is the saint. The only ones who doubt that are those who've seen what Sei can do and they are currently keeping that a secret. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it becomes impossible to keep Sei a secret.

Aren't they both saint? Wasn't there a exposition dumb at the start when someone said two saint were summon and so on?


I think they are both considered saints simply because they both got summoned but of the two only Aria got the attention of the prince so Sei was more or less ignored.
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Cryten



Joined: 19 Jan 2019
Posts: 979
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:01 pm Reply with quote
Im quite enjoying myself with this laid back little series. Its a relaxing show that takes its time. I feel like reading subtitles perhaps is not doing the show much favours because most of the episodes story telling seems to be in reading the subtleties of characters face and body expressions. Of which I think the showrunner are doing a great job. Elements of Sei's micro expressions in reactions and her enthusiasm for new work toys and the reactions of her work colleagues while still maintaining decorum are great non spoken story telling.

I agree with others that getting more detail in her crafting would be nice. So far most of the crafting feels like Sei holding something and it becoming blessed with her thoughts and thats it. Which leads to the show at times feeling a little too focused on function. It wouldnt hurt to have a little bit of Sei's inner monolog when its appropriate. That could of enhanced the "date" as well, at least when it starting dragging when they where only walking around.

Still I feel like the series is aiming for subtext storytelling. A slower paced relaxed affair. This is no Ascendency of a Bookworm where the struggles of craft and magic and world are the main elements. Instead its focus is on character motivation, change and relationship.


Last edited by Cryten on Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:46 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Gina Szanboti



Joined: 03 Aug 2008
Posts: 11306
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:10 pm Reply with quote
I forgot this was getting weeklies, so I just got finished saying in the series thread that I feel like Sei has gone from being a smart, slightly snarky, adult office lady to being a passive, naive teenager. Al has not been subtle, even factoring in cultural differences, about his romantic interest in her, and calmly, without overstepping her boundaries (yay), pursues her, while she is constantly flustered and blushing like she's never seen a man before. I would like to see her put him on the back foot once in awhile, so that it's more a relationship of equals rather than of him having the calm, assured ambience of an older man courting a young girl.

Even if Sei's work ethic kept her from dating, she's still an adult, and was still exposed to all the unavoidable gossip of the other office ladies. It doesn't seem to me like she's purposely being dense, but rather that she's suddenly been emotionally regressed (a side effect of her potions, like her improved eyesight?).

I also feel like she's become more passive in her dealings with the Magi and Alchemists. It feels less like she's happy or enthusiastic to have something to do when they ask her to do things and more a baffled, "ok, sure?"

Despite these reservations, I'm still very much enjoying this. For some reason, I think I'm getting more receptive to naked power fantasies in my old age than I used to be. Laughing
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SaneSavantElla



Joined: 25 Jan 2013
Posts: 217
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:05 pm Reply with quote
Definitely the surprise of the season for me. This series was not at all in my radar but I was very intrigued when it was mentioned in the preview guide that it has a budding romance plot.

Now I'm not a fan of isekai in general, and pretty much the only ones I genuinely liked are Bookworm and Tanya the Evil. Villainess I probably would have enjoyed up to the end as well if only spoiler[the entire cast did not end up falling in love with the main character.]. It's a huge plus for me that none of the episodes so far feel like they belong to an isekai series, and I agree the lack of the leveling-up schtick is probably helping the show in that regard.

In any case, I'm guessing that despite the relaxed atmosphere so far, things will eventually come to a head. It's evident that Sei's powers are unusual and very useful, so if the other girl is a saint just as powerful as she is, then there is a blossoming conflict there, a potential to inject some politics into the series. And on the other hand if the other girl is just collateral damage of the summoning ritual, then this is a drama waiting to unfold. Either way I'm looking forward to it!
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zztop



Joined: 28 Aug 2014
Posts: 642
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:15 pm Reply with quote
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What that will mean for...Aira (of whom we've seen neither hide nor hair since episode one...) remains to be seen.


Re. Aira in the source novels, she'll come back into play later on. But ultimately Sei gets more focus over her in the novels.

However, there is an ongoing manga-original spinoff, Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent - Another Saint, that focuses on Aira's exploits and what she's been up to.
https://comic-walker.com/contents/detail/KDCW_FL00201873010000_68/

SaneSavantElla wrote:

In any case, I'm guessing that despite the relaxed atmosphere so far, things will eventually come to a head. It's evident that Sei's powers are unusual and very useful, so if the other girl is a saint just as powerful as she is, then there is a blossoming conflict there, a potential to inject some politics into the series. And on the other hand if the other girl is just collateral damage of the summoning ritual, then this is a drama waiting to unfold. Either way I'm looking forward to it!


spoiler[There's a bit of drama in the 2nd novel's later half, esp. since its focus is on resolving who the actual saint is once and for all(despite the stupid prince's assertions). But Saint's Magic Power overall has very little to no politics, conflicts nor conspiracies like what you'd normally find in other similar genre novels (ex. Marielle Clarac, Bibliophile Princess, etc.)
It's mainly a slow-paced, peaceful, relaxed, slice of life josei fantasy focusing on Sei doing her things and making herself (and those around her) happy. And also her slowly growing romance with Albert.
]
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Covnam



Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 3629
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:39 am Reply with quote
Caught up tonight and enjoyed it. The episodes did feel like they were longer then they were though.
Some thoughts:

It's interesting that she just introduces herself as Sei and never her full name.

So did she learn the written language, or does she have one of those isekai auto translation abilities that are so common (not to mention spoken language that's never an issue)? We saw the language on the book spines change, but I don't know if that was supposed to be her perception (though it seemed implied to be) or if it was just done for the audience.

It's inappropriate to show your bare feet, but holding hands with someone you're not yet involved with is alright? Perhaps it was ok because he was escorting her?

Enchanting sure seems easy if you can just create anything you want as long as you have the power to do so. You'd think there'd be something more required, like a spell or ingredient

Speaking of, you'd think Sei would have asked to learn how to cast spells by now...
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Cryten



Joined: 19 Jan 2019
Posts: 979
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:48 am Reply with quote
If we are talking medieval time period or even renaissance then holding hands is generally acceptable. You wouldnt normally have someone dragging like he did but instead should to shoulder as escort. But as a date its quite fine. Ankles on the other hand where a sign of looseness in most cultures of the time.

I read in a reddit thread that the summoning ritual indeed provides for translation automatically. Note that the lady she talks to said the book she was reading was an ancient dialect that not many knew, ie not something Sei would be taught.


Last edited by Cryten on Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:51 am; edited 1 time in total
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The Scream Man



Joined: 01 Mar 2020
Posts: 148
Location: Sydney, Australia
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:49 am Reply with quote
Im enjoying the show, in a relaxed lethargic kind of way.

I do find it odd no one EVER asks about her world, not even Albert. I mean she ahs a whole HISTORY from another world, and no one mentions it at all? Not even the guy "In love" with her?

Anyway thats just a nitpick. Im having fun
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Agent355



Joined: 12 Dec 2008
Posts: 5113
Location: Crackberry in hand, thumbs at the ready...
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:52 am Reply with quote
Ultimate Isekai Fantasy: Hot Blond Knight from Another World is into You!
And you’re effortlessly competent at your job and all your colleagues appreciate and respect you! Whoa, how fantastical can escapism get?! Laughing

My favorite aspect of this series so far is that there is only one love interest and no jealous rivalries, triangles, or harem antics. In fact, Liz and Johann are fully supportive of Albert and Sei, with Johann practically acting as a matchmaker. That’s so incredibly refreshing! I’m disappointed to learn that the romance might take a back seat. Sei should just marry him already! He’s gorgeous! He’s upper class and has a cool career! He’s a human ice maker in a world without air conditioning! What’s not to love?!

The world building has been a bit dull. I think my favorite detail is that since herbs have actual magic properties in this world, using them in cooking is complicated and the traditional cooking is bland. My least favorite detail is the latent societal sexism. It’s not stated straight out, but Sei is generally the only woman in the room in professional and higher educational settings. That really bums me out. This is an escapist fantasy magic world by a female author for a female audience, why not imagine it without any gender discrimination? Even though Sei is treated without derision, sexism, etc, it still really bothers me that she’s the only woman in the room.

I’m glad she at least has a female friend without rivalry, albeit a teenage girl. Are all the women in this world housewives or maids? I’m also really concerned about Aira, and don’t trust Asshole Prince at all. Did they mention at the end of the first episode that Aira isn’t allowed to leave her room?

The actual magic aspects and Sei’s perfect, effortless ability to use magic has been the most boring aspect of the series (besides for the cooking discovery). I hope they spice that up soon.
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Cryten



Joined: 19 Jan 2019
Posts: 979
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:17 am Reply with quote
Agent355 wrote:
I’m also really concerned about Aira, and don’t trust Asshole Prince at all. Did they mention at the end of the first episode that Aira isn’t allowed to leave her room?


All we have in the anime to go off is a soldier saying the prince did not want the young saint to see such ugly wounds. It implies he's being super protective of her, maliciously or not. But it does not imply she is confined to her room. At the very least she has received tutelage in magic.
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