
Because in this case, it isn't the originality, but rather the execution that makes the series worth watching.First of all, let me state that Shakugan has one of the finest opening episodes of any anime series I have ever seen. And - drum roll - his life is never going to be the same.But it is only in well-worn story elements and tropes that we can define Shakugan no Shana as average. Indeed, moments into the first episode Yuji gets caught in the middle of a battle between demonic creatures called Rinne, and their sworn enemies, Flame Hazes - indeed one Flame Haze in particular, a girl with flaming eyes and hair. So far, so average anime right? And yes, as you might suspect, if this isn't your initiation into anime, his normal life is going to be turned upside down before we're done with him - and by a girl, no less. StorySakai Yuji is just an ordinary high school student living an ordinary life, with a best friend, and a cute girl who finds him interesting.
