Zer0 no Tsukaima is an anime series set in an alternate fantasy world where people have magical powers(like Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series). In this magical world, there exists two classes of people: aristocrats who can utilize magical power using their wands, and plebeians, who do not possess any special abilities at all. The story revolves around an aristocrat named Louise, whose trials in magic always ends up in failure (thus granting her the nickname of ‘Zero Louise”). During a ritual where everyone has to summon a familiar companion, Louise summons Saito, a regular boy from Tokyo. The story then goes off on how this unlikely pair that refuses to accept each other help protect their school from different evils.
The artwork across all three series is average. Although a couple of scenes are well drawn, most of the time, backgrounds and unimportant characters are given less attention and detail.
The soundtrack isn’t horrible, but neither is it memorable. It does fit the mood, but there’s nothing special about it.
Zero no Tsukaima had a lot of potential when it came to the plot. However, all three seasons failed to deliver. Over and over again, Saito promises to Louise that he’ll stay with her, and she humbly accepts at the end of each season (except the third). However, as the next season starts, Louise will revert back to the arrogant snotty high-classed brat who doesn’t care about anyone else. This formula, along with an endless amount of Louise trying to beat Saito up with magic, frustrates any viewer who wants plot development.
On my review of Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka, I stated that I would never watch another anime with Rie Kugimiya in the cast. Well, I actually watched Zero no Tsukaima before Akane-iro, so it shouldn’t count, right?