The Great Unwashed Anime: September
Paul •
Despite the large number of anime series being released in the UK every month, there are still many shows that are yet to even see a stateside release. “The Great Unwashed Anime” is a chance for our team of anime addicts to give you a taster of some of the series that are currently restricted to Japanese shores; from the latest and greatest anime to the overlooked and forgotten, this unlicensed anime spotlight should whet the appetite of any curious anime fans.
Anime title: Yakitate!! Japan
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Preview by: Andy Glass
What’s the story?
Young Azuma Kazuma has big dreams – to create a national bread for Japan and share it with the world. With a natural talent and rare ‘Solar Hands,’ he must compete with the nation’s top prodigies for a chance to work for Japan’s top bakery, Pantasia.
What makes it worth watching?
Yakitate!! Japan is has all the hallmarks of a shounen show; an enthusiastic young man with lofty goals, over the top secret techniques, and even a tournament battle. If you’ve seen Pokemon, Dragonball or Naruto, the setup should seem familiar enough. Don’t assume you’ve seen it all before though, as Yakitate brings something fresh to the table – it’s about baking bread.
It’s not as boring as it sounds; in fact Yakitate is proof that anime can make anything interesting. The cast is a varied and colourful one that includes an afro-sporting manager, a noodle shop owner who’s also an assassin, and a samurai baker. The main characters play off each other well, their differences providing enough of a contrast to keep things from getting stale. Each of the various artisans has their own approach to making bread, presented in a typically exaggerated fashion. Brilliantly over-the-top reactions to Kazuma’s unorthodox creations can be the highlight of an episode, while examiner Kuroyanagi gets all the best lines.
Yakitate’s biggest weakness is that it’s a bit heavy on Japanese puns that don’t translate too well (the title itself is a play on the Japanese word for bread, pan). There’s also quite a few cultural references that likely would make little sense to the average western viewer. It’s a very Japanese show, and proud of it, which is why we may never see it licensed.
In all though, it’s a bloody funny series that deserves a look from anyone in search of something a bit different, and enjoys a light-hearted show that never takes itself too seriously. It’s a bit like the strange-looking little loaf that’s always left unsold, because no-one knows how good it actually is.
Anime title: Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuru-chan
Genre: Crazy, Romance
Preview by: Martin Butler
What’s the story?
Sakura is an apparently normal high school student, until Dokuru-chan the angel shows up and informs him that he has an unfortunate destiny that she must protect him from. Unfortunately, Dokuru-chan is less than successful in her mission: she inadvertantly and repeatedly beats her new friend to death with an enormous spiked club, only to use her angelic magical powers to bring poor Sakura back to life.
What makes it worth watching?
With a frantic pace and visual style reminiscent of Abenobashi and Excel Saga, Dokuru-chan is a romantic comedy with a difference. The frequent and outrageously violent deaths of the series’ hapless hero do get a bit repetitive (even after the first five episodes that I have seen) but there are enough other comic elements to make it entertaining viewing. Sakura’s budding romance with a classmate (not surprisingly hampered by Dokuru-chan’s frequent fatal attacks inflicted upon him) and the background theme of his dubious destiny both give the viewer something other than the beatings to get their teeth into.
Although it’s not something that many could watch for extended periods, Dokuru-chan is full of enough comedy, fan service and mindless, blood-soaked comic violence to make it hell of a lot of fun. Not to everyone’s taste but worth watching, if only the once.
Anime Title: Keroro Gunso
Genre: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
Preview by: Stuart Bullen
What’s the story?
Sergeant Keroro is one of many froglike beings sent to infiltrate earth and collect intelligence to prime our planet for invasion. Unfortunately his species’ diabolical scheme is foiled after the amphibious cad crash-lands his star ship and is forced to take up residence in the Hinata household. Abandoned by his fellow invaders and with his cover blown by the Hinata siblings Fuyuki and Natsume, Keroro must co-exist with his human captors whilst all the time priming his evil plan to invade the earth.
What makes it worth watching?
Slapstick is a genre that’s hardly underrepresented in the world of anime but every once in a while a title of such mind bending inanity crops up that you can’t help but stop and take notice. Keroro Gunso (or Sergeant Frog as it is more commonly known) is one such curio that manages to bemuse as well as amuse without resorting to the slimy smut and disconcerting innuendo that plagues shows of a similar ilk.
As you’d expect the gags come thick and fast with nary a pause in-between as each absurd skit crashes headlong into the next, whether it’s a botched invasion, a dizzy matriarch with a rather worrying fixation over our titular xenomorph or a clutch of homicidal frogs hell-bent on world domination Keroro Gunso mines a rich seam of silliness that never fails to elicit a few chuckles.
There’s also plenty of in-jokes for genre fans to look out for, and those of you out there of a certain geeky persuasion will no doubt crack a smile when it’s revealed our amphibian hero has a proclivity for cobbling together Gundam Kits, Nabeshin fans may also want to keep their eyes peeled for what is perhaps the best use of the almighty afro gag since Excel Saga graced our screens all those years ago.
So to summarise, Keroro Gunso is an enjoyably frenzied trawl through the more farcical side of anime that’s zany, imaginative and above all else genuinely funny. If you’re in the market for a solid action comedy, featuring possibly the coolest amphibian anti heroes this side of a certain group of pizza eating ninja turtles, you can’t go far wrong with Keroro Gunso.
Anime Title: Gokujou Seitokai
Genre: Comedy , Slice Of Life
Preview by: Michelle Howarth
What’s the story?
Accompanied by her smart mouthed living hand puppet Puu-chan (yes it’s a living hand puppet), Orphaned Randou Rino finds herself heading to attend Miyagami Girls High School, at the instructions of her mysterious pen friend “Mr Poppit”. Rino soon finds herself lost and alone when the place she is meant to be staying at is burnt down. With no place to stay Rino finds that Miyagami High-School is quite unlike any other because it’s run by the student council and not the teachers with President Kanade Jinguji controlling everything. A series of strange events soon lead to the newly arrived Rino becoming involved with the council, and finding out the rather insane things they get up to. The student councils ultimate goal being to protect their school president Kanade.
What makes it worth watching?
Perhaps the main reason for watching Gokujou Seitokai is the humour. I personally have found this to be one of the most funny and enjoyable shows in a while. The Student Council have vast sums of money with which to spend on rather over the top methods of dealing with simple problems and situations. For example if a member of the student council is late for school they can always use a complex underground system to launch themselves from the dormitory to the school in super quick time. The ridiculous lengths the council go to achieve their goals (frequently with the wrong results) are hilarious. The episodes themselves tend to nod towards other genre too, giving them a slight parody aspect.
The cast themselves are another reason to enjoy the show. Their quirky natures blend in perfectly with the shows rather unusual humour. With a cast of around fifteen important characters its hard to list them all here, but each has their place in the student council the majority of whom either in the assault squad (who protect President Kanade and the school via force) or covert squad (who specialize in ninja like abilities and information gathering skills). The fact the cast are normal schoolgirls with rather unique skills (Rein for example throws playing-cards similar to Gambit from X-men) makes the show different to school comedies such as Azumanga Daioh.
Also avoiding the trap of being too episodic, Gokujou has an overriding plot to the series as well. With the identity of Rino’s mysterious pen friend shrouded in ambiguity and threats to the school and the president apparent, there seems to be more of a plot than often occurs with zany comedies. If you’re looking for something a little different to the other school yard comedy shows out there, look no further than Gokujou Seitokai.
Anime title: Hunter X Hunter
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Preview by: Jo Sarsam
What’s the story?
After learning that his father is not only alive, but also a prestigious Hunter, Gon Freaks becomes determined to follow in his footsteps. At age 12, Gon leaves his home in order to take part in the Hunter Exam, a rigorous assessment of skill and stamina where even making it to the next exam is a test in itself! Together with the friends he makes along the way- hot-headed Leorio, logical Kurapica and youthful assassin Killua- Gon becomes determined to meet all the challenges that come his way, and prove himself capable of becoming a true Hunter.
What makes it worth watching?
At first glance, Hunter X Hunter (pronounced “Hunter Hunter”, in case you’re wondering), looks like typical Shonen Jump fare- and indeed, for the most part the storyline runs along somewhat predictable lines. But even being able to guess how things will pan out doesn’t really spoil the entertainment; Gon and his friends are likeable characters, and their adventures make for entertaining viewing in a setting that is pleasantly reminiscent of classic RPGs. Despite the relatively high episode count, the plot advances at a reasonably fast clip, with filler material and tediously extended fight sequences refreshingly absent. And there is no need to worry about getting bored later on; if anything, it is the earliest episodes that are weakest, but after a mediocre start the storyline acquires a curiously addictive quality that will keep viewers interested even in the later stages of the series.
Visually, the show is a little rough around the edges at times, but this never detracts from the enjoyment; whilst a surprisingly catchy soundtrack only adds to the classic RPG feel. Overall, Hunter X Hunter is a fun series that’s easy on the brain, and worth a look even if you’ve become disillusioned with other entries in the genre.
Anime title: Tenshi Na Konamaiki
Genre: Action, Comedy
Preview by: Caireen Leach
What’s the story?
15 year old Megumi, is the epitome of womanhood, so beautiful she’s called an “Angel”, but she isn’t happy, because until she was 9 years old, she was a boy!
After saving an old man from a gang of thugs, he is given a strange book that he’s told will grant him any one wish. On opening the book, a creepy clown appears and grants his wish to become “The manliest man”, the only problem is, this clown likes to play tricks and the wish is reversed, making Megumi “The womanliest woman”!
Even after 6 years as a girl, Megumi’s only wish is to have the clown turn her back into a guy and with the help of her best friend Miki, who is the only one who remembers the truth, she starts life as a high schooler and the continuing search for the book.
Attracting the attention of every guy in school, she beats them off with her own special blend of martial arts, but there’s one guy, called Genzo, who just won’t give up. He’s the local thug, who has fallen head-over-heels for Megumi.
What makes it worth watching?
With it’s wonderful blend of humour, action and even a little romance, Tenshi na Konamaiki is an thoroughly enjoyable show, that is filled to overflowing with some of the most enigmatic characters you’ll find in anime.
While the premise might not appeal to everyone, don’t let the fact Megumi was once a guy put you off, as you don’t think of her as anything but a girl. There’s plenty of humour and you can’t help but fall for Genzo’s crazy antics or Megumi’s charm (even when she’s kicking the stuffing out of the many thugs in the show!).
For the most part, you will find yourself laughing at all the crazy scenarios this show throws at you, but there is also a more serious undertone to the storyline, which adds a little something to get your teeth into.
The pace of the show may seem a little monotonous to begin with; Genzo likes Megumi, Megumi beats him up! But it’s done with such humour you honestly never grow tired of it; in fact you just want Megumi to fall for him! It soon picks up though and with the arrival of characters like Kobayashi, who’s from a family of samurai, the flow of the story changes direction completely and gives an insight into the politics of influential families and how different they really are from the average.
The whole thing is brought to a very satisfying conclusion, that’s action packed but also quite emotional and will most likely bring a tear to your eye!
The only negative aspect of this show is the animation quality which is something that definitely lets this series down, as at times the character design is very crude and bordering on ugly, while at other times everything looks stunning and beautiful. To be honest though, you can overlook these faults, as what this anime has to offer storyline and character-wise, far outweigh the poor animation.
Anime title: Honey & Clover
Genre: Slice of Life, Romance, Comedy
Preview by: Paul Bates
What’s the story?
Takemoto, Mayama and Morita are three uncouth, messy blokes who live together and study at the same art college. They are poor and seem to lack direction in their lives, but still have a good time- so pretty much like many other college students then!
We follow them through the ups and downs of their busy lives, chuckle and tear-up as they struggle through bitter romance and search for a meaningful, worthwhile existence.
What makes it worth watching?
Despite having never been particularly drawn to the slice of life genre, I still find myself snugly wrapped inside the warm dramatics of Honey & Clover. I sympathise with these characters; young men and women caught between late adolescence and adult maturity, they are “adult-kids” at the tender age of leaving college and searching for meaning in their lives. Of course, this should be a glorious time for all, a short period of your life when almost anything is possible, and yet many are suffocated by feelings of doubt and despair.
That is Honey & Clover; an introspective series about growing up and coming to terms with yourself; warts and all. It may be sounding cliché, but combined with a quirky sense of humour and a unique, even sophisticated (no fan-service here) visual presentation, this sentimental series stands head and shoulders above the chasing pack of corny dramas and screams “watch me”. For once, we have a slice of life series brimming with living and breathing characters, interacting and developing in realistic, and dare I say, familiar ways. Put simply, Honey & Clover is outstanding.
