This is a good, dare I say great, example of animation. Yes, it has some flaws and they are similar to the flaws that Neon Genesis Evangelion suffered--primarily, a bit of repetitiveness and an ending to the series that leaves a lot of loose ends untied.
Surprisingly, I didn't really mind that the end didn't wrap up the story lines, but I can see how it might annoy most viewers. It introduces a cyclical overtheme to the series (and I guess it makes you want to read the comic books to get the rest of the story).
I didn't like the repetitiveness. The series is bogged down with three episodes that are (for the most part) recaps of the series up until that point. That's three out of twenty-six. Furthermore, most shows open up with a recap eliminating the need for the larger recaps, as the opening recap sums up the series pretty well (and much more quickly than the show-long recaps). Also, there are multiple (three, I think) times where a monologue about the state of Japan in the 1990's appears, followed by a recap. It was fine the first time, but the following two times--at full length--was a little too much.
Other than that, the show is excellent. The characters are well drawn out and complex and the plot lines are believable. The art is fantastic and often changes genres and modes but still maintains a consistency. When the show is funny, it's hilarious and when it's serious, it's often moving. The introspective nature of the characters are a plus too. Although normally it's not that good to listen to the inner monologues of the characters, sometimes, such as in The Wonder Years and also in this show and Evangelion, it really adds to the depth of the characters.
This is a series that really affected me and in a good way. It almost always left a smile on my face (the exceptions being those aforementioned recap episodes). This show and Cowboy Bebop are now my favorite anime series. Highly recommended. 10/10.
