Dragonar Academy [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 12]

Dragonar Academy Season 1: A Fun but Flawed Ride

If you’re into dragons, magic schools, and a dash of harem antics, Dragonar Academy might have been on your radar back in 2014. Produced by C-Station and directed by Shunsuke Tada, this 12-episode anime adaptation of Shiki Mizuchi’s light novel series promised a mix of fantasy, action, and romance. But did it deliver? Well, the fan reactions are… mixed, to say the least.

The Premise: Dragons, Drama, and a Problem Child

The story follows Ash Blake, a first-year student at Ansarivan Dragonar Academy, where students train to become dragon riders (or “breeders”). Unlike his peers, Ash struggles to tame his dragon, Eco, who happens to be a feisty, pink-haired girl with a sharp tongue. From the get-go, the show sets up a classic underdog story—Ash is the “number one problem child,” but he’s determined to prove himself.

The world-building is decent, with a blend of medieval fantasy and school-life tropes. Dragons aren’t just beasts; they’re partners with human-like intelligence, and the bond between rider and dragon is central to the plot. The first few episodes introduce us to the academy’s hierarchy, rivalries, and, of course, the obligatory ecchi moments (more on that later).

The Good: Silvia Saves the Day

One thing fans unanimously agree on? Silvia Lautreamont is the MVP of the series. As a noble dragon rider with a tsundere streak, Silvia’s character arc—especially her relationship with her brother, Julius—stands out. Many viewers felt she carried the emotional weight of the show, with one fan noting:

“Silvia was awesome throughout this series, even with some of her more shy moments.”

Her dynamic with Ash is arguably more compelling than the main romance, which leads us to the show’s biggest criticism…

The Bad: Rushed Ending and Questionable Romance

The finale of Dragonar Academy Season 1 left many fans scratching their heads. The final villain, Mordred (Julius’s dragon-turned-big-bad), is defeated in a rushed climax that feels like it skipped a few steps. Ash’s sudden romantic moment with Eco also came out of nowhere for many viewers:

“The ending was rushed. That kissing scene never happened in the LN. They got interrupted.”

Fans of Ash and Silvia’s chemistry were especially disappointed:

“I was hoping for an Ash x Sylvie ending, so that kind of sucks.”

And then there’s the elephant in the room—the excessive fanservice. Tentacle scenes (yes, you read that right) pop up way too often, leaving some viewers rolling their eyes:

“Tentacles in EVERY FRIGGING EPISODE really didn’t help my perception. Rather tasteless.”

The Verdict: A Middling Fantasy Romp

So, is Dragonar Academy worth your time? If you’re looking for a light, tropey fantasy with dragons and school shenanigans, it’s an entertaining watch. The animation is solid, the dragon designs are cool (though Eco’s final form divided opinions), and Silvia’s character adds depth.

But if you’re expecting a tightly plotted story or satisfying romance, you might walk away frustrated. The pacing stumbles, the ending feels abrupt, and the fanservice can be overbearing. As one fan put it:

“Overall the whole show felt kind of meh. There wasn’t much plot going on in the beginning.”

Still, for a casual binge, it’s a 6/10—flawed but fun. And who knows? Maybe if a second season ever happens, it’ll fix some of these issues.

Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – Decent for fans of fantasy harems, but don’t expect a masterpiece.

What did you think of Dragonar Academy? Loved it? Hated it? Let’s discuss in the comments!