Arcana Famiglia Episode 1 Thoughts: Is it the next big anime hit or a crappy reverse harem?

Okay it is time to kick the summer anime season off with La storia della Arcana Famiglia or just Arcana Famiglia for short.  Will this be the next hit anime or a crappy reverse harem, only time will tell.  It being the first episode here is a quick synopsis of the anime.    Arcana Famiglia is a self-appointed organization with mysterious powers that has protected a small Mediterranean island from pirates, foreign countries, and other threats. The only daughter of the family’s “Papa,” Felicitá, will be married to the next head of the family in two months and the successor will be decided in a competition that Felicitá herself will take part in. (animenewsnetwork)

I was worried that I had picked the wrong series to review when I heard Arcana Famiglia was about a bunch of dudes fighting over 1 girl but I loved episode 1.  I loved the characters and the designs of everyone most of all.  Everyone was just so cool looking.  Liberta has to be my favorite character so far and I think I am already rooting for him to win it all.  He is clumsy and kind of an idiot but he has good intensions.  I hope he ends up beating Nova, he is kind of a jerk.

The competition is a little ridiculous; I am not a big fan of Felicita’s father.  He has no real right to create a competition that’s winner gets to be her husband.  Let her choose by her own free will.  This is why I hope Liberta wins; he wouldn’t be so selfish as to force Felicita to be his wife.  Also one thing that bothered me was how Felicita’s father looked, he sure doesn’t look 59 years old.  I wonder how the characters got their powers in the first place and why some of them aren’t able to use them.  I have to say that Debito’s power is by far the coolest so far.  He is able to turn invisible.  I also wonder what is up with his eye patch it makes him badass.

J.C. Staff is behind Arcana Famiglia.  J.C. animation of late has been amazing and Arcana doesn’t disappoint.  The backgrounds are very bright while the characters are all brimming with emotions and fun.  The action sequences were very smoothly executed and a joy to watch.

I am very excited to see how this series turns out.  If it doesn’t turn out to be a generic harem this could be one of the best anime of the season.  Tell me what you liked and didn’t like about the first episode!  Thanks for reading!

-Xana