Sugar Apple Fairy Tale

“Season One”

Romance animes—the lovey-dovey rollercoaster that has us swooning one moment and reaching for tissues the next. Yes, we are about to unravel the charm, quirks, and "will they, will not they" suspense of our latest obsession in the fantasy romance anime universe of Sugar Apple Fairy Tale's first season.

"Sugar Apple Fairy Tale," where sugar and confectionery swirl. Follow Anne Halford, a talented candy maker seeking Silver Sugar Master status. In a magical world, humans and fairies balance hostility, love, betrayal, and slavery. Amid twirling wings, falling in love, and fantastical adventures, the lines between reality and fantasy blur, revealing a web of friendship, enthusiasm, and humor. Ready for a magical adventure? Swing your wand.

In the fantastical world of Highland, betrayal has ruined the once peaceful coexistence of fairies and humans. Humans, discovering that possessing a fairy's wing grants them control over the fairy's life, have enslaved these ethereal beings. Amidst this injustice, 15-year-old Ann Halford, an aspiring confectioner, dreams of a world where fairies and humans live as equals.

Ann's goal is to attain the prestigious title of Silver Sugar Master, which royalty bestows upon exceptional candy makers like her late mother. To pursue this dream, she embarks on a journey to the capital, Lewiston, to compete in the Royal Candy Fair. She would obtain the desired title by winning a royal medal for her silver sugar creation at the fair.

For protection on this perilous quest, Ann hires Challe Fen Challe, a warrior fairy with a caustic wit, whom she rescues from a cruel fairy trader. In a surprising twist, Ann pledges to return Challe's wing once they reach Lewiston, a promise that perplexes him. As they venture together, their bond deepens, and they discover more about each other's deepest aspirations.

"Sugar Apple Fairy Tale," a Japanese fantasy light novel series penned by Miri Mikawa and adorned with illustrations by aki, has been published by Kadokawa Shoten since March 2010. The series has inspired multiple manga adaptations and an anime television series by J.C.Staff, which aired from January to September 2023. Crunchyroll has a license for the 24-episode anime that Youhei Suzuki directed and Seishi Minakami composed. The light novel and its second manga adaptation are available in North America through Yen Press.

Allow me to introduce you to Challe, a beautiful fairy whose only rival for allure is his love of colorful language. Anne appoints Challe as her bodyguard, adding a touch of magic to her journey, and she is resolute in her determination to befriend her unconventional companion. However, their bond is anything but ordinary in a world where fairies are reduced to mere possessions after losing a wing.

The anime starts with a flashback, showcasing Anne’s mother crafting a figurine from Apple Sugar. Young Anne is captivated by her mother's creation and, curious about the Sugar Apple's origins, is regaled with tales dating back 500 years. These tales recount the tumultuous history between fairies and humans, where betrayal led to humans subjugating fairies as their servants. Fast forward to the present, and we find Anne standing at her mother’s grave, vowing to achieve the coveted title of Silver Sugar Master.

Initially lured in by the cozy confectionery and the wholesome dreams of a 15-year-old girl, the episode takes a swift tonal shift. A Fairy Hunter brutalizes his worker fairy for attempting to reclaim its wings, revealing the vulnerability of fairies to wing-related injuries. Though bystanders acknowledge the cruelty, none intervene. Our compassionate protagonist, Anne, rescues the mistreated fairy by returning the wings.

Applauded for her courage, Anne is hailed as kind by the crowd. However, her inner monologue exposes her reluctance to accept such praise, as her true intention is to purchase a fairy for herself. Exploring the fairy market gives viewers a stark perspective on how fairies are treated in this world, as witnessed through Anne’s eyes. Fairies are confined in jars, their wings cruelly removed, and showcased to entice customers into making a purchase.

She encounters a tent housing a warrior fairy, adept at pushing human buttons. Anne acquires him under pressure from the owner, expressing her belief that fairies and humans can be friends. Yet, Challe remains skeptical, embodying the cynicism of a warrior fairy who has witnessed the darker side of humanity. And so, the intricate dance between a determined young girl and a reluctant fairy sets the stage for a tale that promises enchantment and complexity.

Improving the Main Characters: Up to this point, every one of the main characters has been fantastic in their roles. The portrayal of Challe's emotions and background is exquisitely done, and it breaks my heart. The way Mythrill responds to Anne's clearly privileged but kind intentions is expertly done, and they manage to strike a balance between being comical and showing despair. It is always entertaining to see how the story softens the stereotype of the "black hair, stoic, and stone-cold" character, which Challe fits.

Challe exudes a formidable persona characterized by a rude disposition, an abhorrent stance, and an unwavering pessimistic perspective. However, this façade serves to conceal his pain and underlying kindness. Contrarily, Anne is a charming person focused on what she wants from life and works hard to achieve it despite her innocence. Their chemistry is fascinating, and the two characters are a perfect match for one another. In time, Challe's exterior demeanor softens, exposing his gentler and more compassionate inner self, thanks to Anne's consistent resolve and natural generosity.

All at once, Challe makes Anne doubt her emotions while testing her naivete. When they are together, they help each other achieve some kind of equilibrium. As their relationship develops, there are some exciting exchanges and scenes, but the pacing is sometimes uneven.

At times, we did see Anne's hypocrisy. But we have to keep in mind that she was born in a world where fairy slavery has been normalized and that Anne is trying to bridge the gap between her and Challe. Her compassion sometimes seems superficial due to the anime's dark themes. But it is indeed important to remember that she is just a 15-year-old kid trying to achieve something to honor her mother in the afterlife.

I must say, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale’s animation left a lasting impression on me. Upon digging into the details, I discovered that J.C.Staff Studio was behind the stunning visuals. You know, the same studio that worked on renowned anime series like Bakuman, One Punch Man Season 2, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, Food Wars, and many others. However, J.C. Staff truly surpassed themselves in this anime.

I noticed that they went the extra mile, especially in animating the characters’ eyes, which are mesmerizing—blue and sparkling, reminiscent of the night sky adorned with stars. They genuinely draw you in. The attention to detail on his wings was also remarkable, and they showcased them at unexpected moments.

Still, a couple of things about the anime annoy me. Even though the animation flows effortlessly, the fight scenes left me somewhat underwhelmed. It appeared as if the entire budget was devoted to the intricate detailing of Challe's eyes. Is there anyone out there who is a fan of Gojo? Whatever the case, I hoped for more action and felt like they skirted the fight scenes.

The use of background music at crucial points in the episodes upped the ante. The anime's background music was great; it set the perfect tone. The art was aesthetically pleasing, offering a soothing experience for the eyes. The animation effectively transported the viewers into a whimsical fantasy world. A number of theme songs are used in the anime. "Musical" by Minori Suzuki opens the first part, while "Kanaeru" by Sumire Morohoshi ends episodes 2, 3, and 5–11. To start the second part of the series, "Surprise" by Rei Nakashima plays, and "Door" by Nao Tōyama plays to end it.

In a nutshell, I enjoyed the anime. However, despite being categorized as romance and slice of life, it delves into some rather disturbing themes. This anime might only resonate with some, especially if you expect a pure romance narrative. The creators chose to explore a broader range of themes, which adds a refreshing element to the typical Shojo anime. Some fans have raised concerns about exploring slavery themes, but personally, I found it to be a compelling aspect of the story.

I also like how Challe was not the sole love interest in the series. Enter Jonas, who grew up with Anne and arrives shortly after she acquires Challe. Jonas claims to be there to protect her on her journey, frequently professing his love and proposing marriage multiple times. Honestly, he was an annoying character. Other than the betrayal arc, I did not see the purpose of his character. He was a very superficial villain with no concrete motive.

As for the ending, it’s bittersweet, so here’s a spoiler warning. Mythril informs Challe about Anne’s silver sugar supply being replaced with mass-produced material from the workshop. Challe returns to the workshop, searching for evidence to support Anne’s case. He approaches Bridget, who witnesses everything but refuses to cooperate, even under Challe’s threats. At the Royal Candy Fait the next day, Hugh leans about the mass-produced silver sugar and has Radcliffe inspect the barrels in Anne’s wagon to confirm suspicions. Meanwhile, Challe strikes a deal with Bridget, offering his wing in exchange for her testimony.

Bridget eventually arrives to reveal that Sammy switched out the barrels, a revelation confirmed by Clifford. Angered at Sammy’s actions, Radcliffe removes him as his apprentice and disqualifies him. Anne is rewarded with the Royal Medal. Afterward, Challe bids farewell to save Anne, as he is now Bridget’s servant, a price he paid for Anne’s happiness. Witnessing Challe sacrifice his freedom to save Anne is a significant, albeit sad, development.

Would I recommend it? Yes, get ready for a heartwarming tale where love, laughter, and sugary delights collide. Join me as we explore the captivating romance of “Sugar Apple Fairy Tale," a confectionary-filled love story that promises to be as sweet as it is enchanting.