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I've heard people say that The Eminence in Shadow is just another silly series with an overpowered hero, or that the main character is a total psychopath, or that everything is done just for effect and without regard for the consequences. For example, the main character blows up a third of the city, but no one worries about the casualties, it’s presented as if the city was empty. All of that is true. Then again, The Eminence in Shadow gives me almost everything that I loved about the first season of The Misfit of Demon King Academy and that I miss so much in the currently running second season where the creators are trying to tell a complex story while constantly infodumping to keep the story moving forward. Yes, The Eminence in Shadow is a silly affair full of overblown scenes and moments, but it’s all done in such a spectacular way that you cannot but enjoy it. Just like the hero and the writers, you don't really need to think too hard about the consequences. Whenever the protagonist starts speaking English, saying things like "I am Atomic!", you know you're about to see something iconic, unique, and powerful, that you won't be able to get out of your head and that will make other overly powerful heroes and their stories fade in comparison. The story is told with incredible ease, the writers know how to work with atmosphere and provide excellent entertainment. For example, the main character seems all-knowing and all-powerful to everyone, but just like Overlord, you can tell that half of it is based on ridiculous coincidences, or just Cid playing games with everyone. The premise about making up a dangerous cult that is planning to destroy the world which later turns out to be true seems incredibly silly as a plot device, but it grabs your attention, makes you chuckle, and works. The writers keep playing with the story, coming up with new twists that are either brilliant or brilliantly silly. Cid is just enjoying himself and goofing around, which leads to new and unexpected outcomes that have an effect on the main plotline. There are a lot of minor characters that all play a part, and it works so well that it almost makes you wonder if Cid is really omniscient and if it isn’t all just his game. I really liked the main character – he may be a freak but a damn entertaining one at that. He has an incredible harem, which gives the impression that the entry requirements for Shadow Garden are that you have to be a woman with a tragic past affected by an enemy organization. All the women who appear on screen seem to meet these criteria, so it’s clear that none of them will escape Cid. It's a nice surprise that most of these characters are at least partially fleshed out, including the girls who are simply called by the letters of the Greek alphabet. You’ll get to know their interests and what kind of normal life they lead and how it relates to their work. It gives this weird organization a certain depth and the impression of a vast network. The other important female characters outside the organization are portrayed in even greater detail. Both Midgard sisters (Alexia and Iris), Rose Oriana, and even Sherry are given interesting storylines and development, and the series managed to pique my interest in what will happen to them next. Their stories blend nicely with the story of the main character and his peculiar plans. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, it was interesting, entertaining, and full of brilliantly over-the-top moments that are simply awesome, and you don’t have to think about them too hard to enjoy them. 8/10 (28/05/2023) (menos) (mais)