Ranked #459

Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?

Have you ever had one of those moments where after you finished watching an anime series, you got a feeling of “damn, I wish I had finished this sooner?” Or maybe, after you finished watching it, you thought, “this NEEDS a season 2”. Well, I'm sure most people who have one of those moments sometimes in their lives after finishing watching a certain series. It can be something based out of enjoyment, something fresh or unique that you never originally thought you'd encounter, or maybe just something that was just hell out of a right whether subjectively or objectively. Regardless though, this series known as Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They sure hit one of those marks because I got one of those moments.

Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? (also just known as Mondaji for short) is an anime series adapted from the light novel of the same name. The series takes place in a fantasy world featuring four prominent characters. I have not read the LN version of this anime so I came into this with a fresh start. But from what I got was more than just a fresh start but rather a pleasurable experience.

To reiterate things, the majority of the series takes place in a fantasy world. More specifically though, it focuses on the “No Name” community, a place where there is trouble loose. It's up to our protagonists to help save their world after being invited by a flamboyant rabbit. Sounds strange right? This is obviously supported by the fact that the protagonists themselves are troublemakers. Take for example, Sakamaki Izayoi. He is portrayed as the badass and arrogant young boy. He does what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. In general, he is a 'problem child'. His love for violence can be seen earlier on even from the pilot episode when he gets involved with some other kids. Yet behind that outer ulterior, we can see that Izayoi is a boy of intellect through his strategic thinking and ways of dealing with problems himself. At even one point, one of the main characters admits that “you really are smart” directly. Despite his arrogance though, Izayoi does seem to care about his comrades and dangerous events as he puts himself at risk. The way he expresses it though...not so much being the 'nice guy'.

That of course only makes up one third of the trouble making trio.

Among the group are also two young girls named Kudo Asuka and Kasukabe Yo. They seem to exist in opposite of personalities as Asuka seems to be play the role of a girl who has a more open personality while Kasukabe Yo maintains a more quiet posture. This is even evident through Asuka's ability where she is able to command others through speech. And of course, they join in the fun after the faithful day when they are asked to help with problems in the 'No Name' community. In fact, all three of these characters seems to be bored of their normal day lives and seek a bit of joy. There's no better place to do that in the 'No Name' community.

Speaking of which now, I almost forgot to introduce that certain bunny-eared girl. With fluffy ears, a shy personality, but a heart of determination, she invites the trouble makers to stop the trouble. So without further ado....let's introduce that Bunny Girl...Kurosagi! Literally translated as “Black Rabbit”, she is the girl who sets the plot and gives the problem children a little joy to their boring lives. Although portrayed as being 200+ years old (is this even true??), she has the personality of a normal girl and that is being easily embarrassed at certain situations and sometimes insecure about the events going around her. However, there is one thing that is for sure. She wants to overthrow the Demon Lords from her world who have been causing nothing more than trouble.

The series adapts many supernatural and fantasy themes through its setting. In fact, the world that the problem children ventures into is nothing like the world they once knew. There are mystical creatures like dragons, jack-o-lanterns, vampires, and everything we don't see in our modern day world. Despite the dangers some of the creatures pose, the problem children deals with them like another day in the park. In fact, I can safely say that their abilities are far too overpowered with some of them literally getting back up after being battered, shattered, and broken. Izayoi's “Code: Unknown” along with his psychic powers makes him one of the strongest characters in the series. Because of his confidence and strength being nearly unrivaled, no wonder he is often so bored with his life. Asuka's power to control others through words is also seen as a very dangerous and useful ability that extents to animals, humans, and even other gifts. Last, we have the shy girl Kasukabe who rules over the animal kingdom with her skill to communicate and gain their abilities. If you put the three together, it seems to almost like a dream team. However, this is not always the case as the group seems to have problems and ideologies between themselves.

On the other hand, there are many adversaries in the series ranging from vampire lords to aristocratic individuals who claims themselves as Gods. They set the premise of this series as being the ones causing the trouble and it's up to the problem children to stop them. Yet, there are many instances in which the show takes the wrong turn and make their encounter seem too eccentric. However at other cases, I find the politics and rivalries to be entertaining; more often times with Izayoi because of his personality and speeches.

While the series seems original, it does have a few issues. Personally, I found some of the jokes to be a bit too repetitive. This is especially true to our beloved little bunny-eared girl where she becomes the center of attention to lewd jokes. Although amusing to watch at occasions, it becomes old and repetitive. Additionally, the theme of traveling to another world to fight in competitions is not new. Series like Dog Days and Ixion Saga DT have taken such themes before and also performed similar stances. It's been done. The series' pilot episode also seems to be quite rushed with a lot of information thrown in at once rather than expanding them further. I guess this can be related to the issue with the length of the series. It's only 10 episodes so pushing it throughout each episode might of just been too much. Regardless these flaws though, it still makes its exciting point across.

In terms of visuals, the series sets itself with the fantasy themes. The Little Garden, the way Kurosaki is dressed, and the mystical creatures are all proof of this. Additionally, the various games themselves revolves around events that are magical. However, I do admit that the characters' designs are a bit too generic. For example, Kurosaki fits into the role of the typical bunny girl with her outfit. The rest of the world where most of the events take place have that fantasy feeling.

Regarding the soundtrack, the series makes excellent use of its scores. The soundtrack works well in general and often or not, it's fun to hear it balance out between exciting moments (the game competitions) and some of the more lighthearted times. The OP song, "Black † White" by Iori Nomizu, is very catchy with the way it presents itself with words like “bam!”, “1, 2, 3”, “black, white”, and other fun words being used. The ED song “To Be Continued?" by Kaori Sadohara gives the main characters a super flat deformed version of themselves and presents into in a fun way. (I'm looking at you Izayoi). It's pure fun to watch it to be honest. Do not skip that ED song.

Overall, this series is the golden egg for me in 2013 so far. Well, at least it's amusing and strange enough with its small cast of badass characters. Oh sure there is some fan service and dirty jokes here and there, but it overall maintains its themes well with the initial premise. In fact, most of the episodes sets with its intense atmosphere related to the games with the main characters each getting his or her own spotlights. And oh, how can we forget that badass Izayoi? The guy has both brains and the brawn that exists entirely opposite of the typical, wimpy, and indecisive male of a harem. So yes, this series was a surprise watch for me. It's only 10 episodes so why not give it a try? read more

For the first time when I saw the poster of this anime, I thought that this was gonna be just another stupid stupid harem show, so I pass it immediately. How wrong was I back then. Today, after watching 10 whole episode consecutively, I must say, this is one of the most entertaining animes I have watched recently.

First, the art. Recent animes have always been giving us high quality artwork and animation. Mondaiji Tachi is no exception, the art was very good, but not really exceptional. We can see this type of art in a lot of other animes. Characters design was good, but too generic, as some characters look just like some other animes' characters that I have seen before. Action scenes is realy well executed, smooth and solid.

Next, the sound. I must say I'm really impressed with this show's music. I am someone who almost always skip OP and ED song, but this show's OP and ED keep making me want to listen to it. The OP song is quite catching, while the ED is just freaking adorable ( the song sounds so cute with our 4 main characters in chibi mode dancing :">). Voice acting was excellent, as it clearly shows us the personality of the characters, especially our main protagonist-Izayoi

The plot and setting of this anime is nothing new: our heroes get invited into a wonderland and join a good but pathetic group and fight other stronger groups to go up in the world. A typical plot we have already seen a lot, but what truly makes this story shines is probably its characters. Each character is unique in there own way. First, we have Asuka, a rich girl from a powerful family, born with the power to make anyone obey her orders (seems like Lelouch's Geass, but a lot more powerful), bored from the life that no one can disobey her. Next, the shy girl You, given the power to communicate and control animal power by her father; bored of her lonely life where she has no friends except for her calico cat. And our main protagonist, Izayoi-kun (his name is a lot like Izaya from Durarara, and seriously, so does his personality). Remember those hero protagonists, that are not so bright, but got stronger thanks to a lot of training but still stay humble. Well, our hero got none of that. He's overpower from the beginning of the series. Seriously, he almost own every single characters in the show, as his power is just godlike. Also, this guy is smart, he can come up with some really good strategy as well as having a rather wide knowledge. And to boost all of that, this guy doesn't know what modesty is. And last but not least, the mascot of the show, our Black Rabbit: Kuro Usagi. Well, she's cute :">.
For 10 episode, we cannot expect much of characters development. However, our characters have clearly show us their unique personality as well as their back stories throughout the whole show.
This show does look like a harem anime, but it is not. If you expect some kind of romance, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Although our Izayoi is sexually attracted by the girls, especially Black Rabbit (I forgot to mention that he's a pervert), and Asuka has show some hint of interest in him, there's nothing beyond that line.
Overall, Mondaiji tachi is not what I would call a masterpiece, but it really is indeed an entertaining show. If you have time, why not give it a try, it only has 10 episodes. I'm sure that it won't disappoint you.
I really hope that this show would have a 2nd season. read more