Code:Realize - Guardian of Rebirth

"I am the world-famous gentleman thief and master of disguise, Arsene Lupin, and I have come to steal your heart..." After the first episode, it is pretty apparent that you have stumbled upon your average generic shoujo. It features a load of beautiful boys playing various fictional characters, rescuing one damsel in distress with big sad eyes and a long sad backstory. There is nothing here for the ordinary male audience, because even a young Dracula is portrayed as a blonde shouta, which will destroy any illusions left regarding this show having any other interesting characters. Still, I made it to the end, and now I am sitting here wondering why this was not as irritating as, say, Sengoku Night Blood, which I only managed (with difficulty) to get through the first episode. Perhaps it is because Lupin was immensely likable, although even then I can remember all his insanely clichéd catchphrases and supposedly epic moments, or perhaps not. Perhaps it was the narrative, which seemed interesting and unexpected at times; however, then I remember all the nonsense I had to deal with. So no, I do not believe that was it, either. Cardia, the main female protagonist, was cute; and there were several moments when she brought out my protective instincts and understood why the men's harem was hanging around her. She is simply a probably very well-written damsel in distress. That could be it. Throw in the insane love story, which was incredibly over the top in places (well, that is what shoujo is); however, it still worked for me every now and again. But yeah, it is not great, even though I did finish it. 3.5/10. (12/28/2017)