Ranked #318

Hetalia Axis Powers

World War I and II are events that will live darkly on in our history books as moments that truly showed the capabilities of man when fighting for what they want or what they believe in.

However, World War I and II are also events that provide much fodder for gags, jokes and satire from the comedy series Hetalia Axis Powers.

If you ever wanted to learn a little about world history and picking up a text seems too daunting a task, then this anime serves as a wonderful solution. With its cheerful atmosphere, sharp dialogue and clever presentation, it gives you a lesson and laugh.

The story covers some of the most pivotal moments in recent history, namely the happenings of the twentieth century. It primarily follows the Axis Powers versus the Allied Powers of the world. Much of it is centred around the World Wars, namely the first. So basically it's the Triple Alliance versus the Triple Entente. It does not detail the more glorified and recognisable aspects of the wars, such as the actual fighting or effects. It looks at the political aspect of the war; the "behind the scenes" parts of it involving each country as an embodiment of its people, government, and culture.

Art for this anime is very bright, with lots of pastel colours. Each country's character design is suitable, and actually shows a little of how we envision their stereotypes to be. Germany is a muscle-bound blond haired, blue eyed man while France has longer hair and a lithe, almost wimpy body in comparison. And Japan has a traditional bowl cut, for example. The designs are appealing but the backgrounds are pretty underwhelming. Considering the time allotment for each episode and the fact that this is an ONA, details in the art and animation are expected to be sparser than in regular TV series or OAVs.

As for the sound, Hetalia Axis Powers has a bold opening piece that sounds a little like the epic opening of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The ED theme song is a hilarious nonsensical song about wine sung by Italy's seiyuu Namikawa Daisuke.

The characters are caricatures of each country. They have characteristics of each nation's diplomatic stance and also their personalities are formed around foreign conceptions of them (including the stereotypes). Germany is rough, antagonistic, militant. Italy is sort of wishy-washy, weak, likes to flirt with girls, is sort of a ditz and loves pasta. America is portrayed as a self-proclaimed glory hog moronic "hero", France as a sort of blubbering, fruity, loser of a character, and Britain is known for his awful cooking skills and strange fanaticism with the occult.

Even their weapons are based on stereotypes and global perceptions: Japan has a sword, China has a wok, England has the Busby Stoop chair, and Italy has a white flag. One of the best aspects of the characters in this anime is seeing their interactions with one another, as they react and act historically as they had in the past. We see Germany frustratedly bailing out and helping Italy, or Britain taking care of a little America only to have him grow up and fight him, and we see Russia's enigmatic and isolated behaviour when with the others.

Hetalia Axis Powers is a truly entertaining anime. There are lots of cultural inside jokes (such as there being a China Town even literally everywhere in the world), and witty, topical, historical humour. There are one-liners that would kill any History geek. Not to mention, it's also pretty cute with its little Chibitalia segments. (The little artistic Italian toddler saying he wished he lived in the Renaissance is enough to plaster a smile on any fan of the era and of cute anime characters.)

This is definitely recommended if you're remotely interested in the history of the world or even if you're a huge history nut. It will definitely get you to crack up, and none of it is offensive unless you are really uptight or militant about the portrayal of a country. All of it is meant in jest, and more importantly, it is rather clever without sinking into the territory of being reprehensible. Mostly you'll just be thinking, "Those crazy countries! What are they up to now?"

Hetalia Axis Powers will undoubtedly put a smile on your face and some knowledge in your head.

Now who ever said history was boring? read more

NOTE: I do read/follow the scanalations so while I do not think there are any spoilers, it will probably make my review a bit biased.

Story: 9
The series is definitely interesting and unique, but there really is not an overlying story or plot. You're not really going to find much in plot development or anything, as it is more about relaying historical events with a heavy basis on character relations.

Art: 7
While cute (especially with the Chibitalia moments), the artwork and animation is not really all that special. Also, the fact that it is only a webcast (thus far) is not really helpful.

Sound: 7
The voice actors generally fit pretty well; some people who have read the manga probably had different expectations for some of the characters, but overall they are still pretty good. The ED is also ridiculously cute and addictive.

Character: 10
The characters are really the focus of the series: them and their interactions. While some people find find the stereotypes for the series a bit offensive, it is meant in a humorous way, and every country is pretty much subjected to the same mockery/praise. But it is the stereotypes that make the characters great and amusing, because when you see them you really think "Oh, that really is what I can imagine out of some people from ______."

Enjoyment: 10
Despite the fact that each episode is only 5 minutes long, the episodes are extremely amusing. While nothing dramatic has happened yet, the comedy so far has been done pretty well.

However, if I really didn't know much about history, I would not enjoy this series nearly as much as I do. Often it's the small things that make me go "Oh yeaaah, I remember learning that!" that make me smile.

Overall: 9
While the series isn't a masterpiece or perfect so far, I find it still really good. Simply because while it is not heavy on serious drama or anything yet, it is very entertaining and simply adorable.

I would not recommend this series to anyone who is easily offended or does not know much about world history (namely around the WW I to WW II era). read more

This series has very quickly become one of my favourites ever.

I am both an anime nerd and a bit of a history nerd, so when I heard of this new manga that had all the countries of the world getting a representative and telling historical facts through comedy back in October 2008, I just had to check it out.

Hetalia is actually quite educational, although there are times when the history is somewhat innacurate; but forgiveable.

There isn't much of a story, as the characters weave in and out of silly historical situations, but you will be hooked. It's a fix.

The artwork, I think is very pretty. Very bright, it jumps out of the screen at you and while the animation isn't the best I've ever seen in an anime, it's sufficient.

I adore each and every character of this series. Normally in media, there's a character you hate, a character you obsess over, and a character who you like because you can relate with them. Hetalia has all those and a sprinkling of cuteness just to keep your interest. My favourite characters are France, Russia, Poland, Lithuania, America, Canada, England, Austria, North Italy, and Hungary.

When the anime came around, I was so excited and watching the anime fills in my Tuesday evenings/Wednesday afternoons. It's awesome. I was once watching it in the living room and laughing so hard I was crying (this was episode 6 I believe, with the Allies making smores and America screaming that France's camp-fire song sounded like a demon summon), and my dad even asked me what the hell was making me laugh so much. It's such a morale boost before I do my homework.

Overall, I would give this series a 9. This review may be biased because I'm such a huge fan, but I do accept that there are some historical innacuracies. But on the whole, it's fun, educational, sweet... I love it. read more

I realise that this anime is most likely to be turned down simply on the mediocre art and animation. A warning now. NEVER JUDGE AN ANIME LIKE THAT. Unless it effects the character or design, please, do not judge this anime that way.

Finding that Hetalia has been subbed is the highlight of my weeks. I re-watch episodes, laugh, smile and nod my head as each charactesr captures the true element of their country. Stereo types or not, there's a reason people see them like that.
I cannot help but enjoy what seems like basic and repetitive humor, so contriversal that Korea (the real country) stepped into Japan and refused to allow it on t.v, hence it's webcast state.

The animation does not bother me as this is common of short-comedy anime. If you think of it as a spin-off or gag-manga/anime, the somewhat budget animation is common (for example SOS-dan). In a way, it helps you take this anime alot less seriously than you should.

Story. Oh hell, this is one of the most genious ideas since anime began. What better way to teach world history, than make a comedy-anime? It's like when teachers try to be cool, and your school funds those silly comics about sex-ed and fire safty. Only, this time Japan is quite happy to make a mockery of them selves and everyone else. Bless you, Japan.

But more seriously, of you do not understand who is who, I sugest you look up the characters here or wiki it because the one downfall is that the only real character-intro you get lasts about....5 minutes ofcourse.

More on character? 'Hetalia' is a mix of the japanese's word for 'useless' and Italy, because to be honest, they're not a strong country in war, but by far, a most beautiful and fun one. Just like poor, helpless Italy, each country brings to the forefront their experties, fun and their ever poked at stereo-types. America caught with hamburger in hand blabbers his idiotic ideas, charging full force with little care. Japan is quiet, cryptic and some-what submissive. England is loud, taking American for nothing but a fool. I could go on.

In my honest opinion, a perfect watch to balance up those darker, heavier animes and let your mind rest. Un-likely to be every lisenced you are welcome to take your time and endulge in the lovely humor and that catchy OP that comes at the end of the history-lesson for all ages that is Hetalia read more

The story is one of the greatest and the weirdest (of course, in a good way). Every episode last for five minutes that makes you really craving for more. The good thing is, in this five minutes, the story progresses in a good flow. The gags in the story makes it a comedy but there are a lot of information and moral lessons given in the show, therefore it is educational as well.

As for the characters, there are a lot of varieties. Each character somewhat portrays his/her country. Each one is unique that attracts a lot of fans (I'm one!). Though there are girls, the show presents guy-to-guy pairing. Because of this, it became a good material source for shounen-ai/yaoi fans.

The sound effects are good but for music, there is only one ending song entitled "Marukaite Chikyuu". But eventhough there is only one, different versions of it was released soon after. The original is sang by Namikawa Daisuke, Italy's seiyuu. Then, the version of Germany and Japan came after it. Now, America's, England's, France's, China's and Russia's version is available too (others version should come out soon). There are Character CDs as well. The lyrics change at some point but it’s pretty much the same.

The art is simple but great in a way. But of course, if you're looking for a high-definition or something, this isn't the best choice.

My overall grade for this Anime would be an 8 out of 10. I really enjoy watching it especially when the episodes get really comical. read more

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Axis Powers Hetalia is possibly one of the more unique animes I've had the pleasure of watching. Unlike most animes, there is no defined setting, rather the characters are settings themselves. You see, the characters are in fact countries. Yes, countries. The characters are defined through various sterotypes: America loves hamburgers, Japan is a die-hard otaku etc..

Most of the storyline thus far follows the musings of the Axis Powers in WWII (aka Germany, Japan and Italy). It is fiercely entertaining how history is incorporated into the storyline and interactions of various characters. Personally, I was never one who could keep their eyes open during history class, but the way historical events are portrayed in the series has awakened a profound interest in history for me as I am sure it will for most watchers.

Unlike most animes, Hetalia is notoriously short with only five minute episodes which are strangely satisfying in that they don't ramble on incessantly.

If you like comedy and hinted shonen-ai this is an anime you will instantly get addicted too. It's not often I give 10s across the board :] read more

This is perhaps one of the funniest things I've ever seen in anime.
It's a giant history lesson... on CRACK!
I mean, I'm only on episode 2, but just listening to Daisuke Namikawa run around as Italy and go "pasta this" and "pasta that" (not to mention him singing the theme song), is just brilliant!
It's catchy, it's bright, it's fun... and it's kinda educational in some ways...
Though... don't know how educational a Tomato Box Fairy is... but hey, it's fun!
The episodes are only about 4 and a half minutes long, including "Chibitalia" wherein you get a tiny bit more history, but it's still funny and... has CHIBIS!
I highly recommend this show.
I mean, it'll only take 5 minutes of your time, and it's so hilarious!
I can't stop laughing through most of the episode. One thing leads to another and then it just gets funnier and funnier.
And the scary thing is... the stereotypes of the countries... are kinda true in some ways.
So!
I recommend this show. I've recommended it to my friends as well. It's wonderfully done, it's entertaining, engaging, educational, and enlightening (look at all the E words!).
I give Axis Powers Hetalia a 10 on my scale. read more

(Note: The score here and the score on my List are different. I’m putting aside my fangirliness for this review)

I had been looking into this show for quite a while, and now that I’ve finally had a chance to watch what’s been aired so far, I’m overall very pleased. I’ll be saying this quite a bit throughout this review, but this show is super cute. Taking into consideration that I finished up learning about the World Wars in History before watching this, the jokes made more sense to me than it may to others.

Hetalia Axis Powers, as suggested by the title, focuses on the Axis Powers in World War II, as well as the Allies, and satirizes the events. Each nation is made into a pretty boy and given a stereotypical personality based on what their country is known best for. The idea is done very well, and the jokes are very funny (you may want to brush up on your history before watching it, though). Not once did I feel that I had to force myself to laugh at anything. The humor is very out there and over the top, but even if it gets only a giggle out of you, it’s doing what it’s supposed to. Even though each episode is only around 5 minutes, it feels like a whole lot more happened that can actually fit in that time frame.

The animation is alright. There’s nothing so special about, but bear in mind it’s an ONA, so you’re not going to get top-notch quality animation. In fact, the animation itself actually adds to the humor of the show. The character designs are pretty well done, and the animation is super cute and colorful.

The music in this show is very fitting. It gives off a very light and pleasant feel, which this show really is. The ending is a nice, little march sung by Daisuke Namikawa (who voices both North and South Italy) and is paired up with a super cute ending animation. I have no complaints in the music department.

I always have a bit of a problem when stereotypical personalities are given to characters, but because of the shows satirical nature, the stereotypes are needed and only add to the comedy. The characters are so ridiculous, and are so super stereotypical but you still learn to love them anyway. I don’t think there’s a character in Hetalia I don’t like, honestly, and you learn to even laugh at yourself a little when you notice you fall under a certain aspect of your country’s stereotype.

Hetalia Axis Powers is super cute (total count: 4 times), short ONA to watch. It’s light and fun, and so out there, that you easily fall in love with it. At 5 minutes an episode, it’s something you can watch a few episodes of if you have some free time. Despites it’s short length, you’ll love every minute of it.

The breakdown:
Animation: 7
Sound: 8
Character: 8
Plot/Story: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 9

Hetalia Axis Powers is fun. Go into it expecting to have fun and to even learn a little history while you’re at it.
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Story:
Hetalia makes something very srs like WWII into some cutesy bullshit, with each character having a random personality that hardly reflects their own country. They should replace the current germany with this good looking guy: [link removed]
Because Germany is not cute. The story line is repeatative with the running joke of Italy eating some pasta or some shit. Hence the nickname repeatallia.
But it is rather brilliant of how the creator of this series metaphorically connects each country to something. Even the names of the characters are clever.

Art:
Childish, made to appeal to children and girls alike. Nothing special really. The worse thing about the art is the character design. Each country is so feminesque that they are just begging to be drawn into yaoi. You haven't lived till you see your home country being fucked by mexico.
The colors of Hetalia reflect the childish nature of something so graphic as WWII.

Sound:
The songs are annoying. The voice acting is mediocre. Nothing much else to say/

Character:
i think they portray Japan in a more favorable light then other countries. I can't wait till they show Hiroshima and Nagasaki, lets blow dat nigga up. This bias subtracts from the other characters.

Enjoyment:
Well.... I could watch this. Or I could do nothing, same enjoyment really.

Overall:
Not my cup of tea. A show about WWII should be as bloody as a menstruating vagina.
Maybe I'm being a bit bias because my grandfather died in WWII leaving my pops to fend for himself from age 17, and then he became a hateful bastard and chronic alcoholic and left home one day.
Or maybe it's because mexico just shot it's load into the mouth of my home. Yes that's probably it.
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As a follower of the strips, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the anime. After all, the strips are mostly short sketches with little continuity. But upon watching the anime, I found that it was adorable, it made me laugh, and it adapted well to the style of the manga.
The first thing I noticed about the art and animation was that there wasn't really much of it. There are a lot of repeated movements and people who float without moving their legs, but it doesn't look cheap or badly done. It fits well with the comedy in the show, because it's pretty silly. Also, the character designs are good. They're all similar to the originals in the manga, and they're very cute.
As for sound, I liked all of the voice acting. The voices fit the characters well, except I wasn't impressed with America's voice. I did really like that the anime kept most of the original dialogue, and that there is no filler. The soundtrack is pretty simple, and it adds to the non-serious mood of the show.
When watching this show, I find it's easy to follow and very funny. I often laugh out loud while watching it (which I don't usually do when watching anime). Also, the parts about America's storage cleaning were beautifully done. I would like to see England appear more in the anime though.
Overall, Hetalia is wonderful. It's quite possibly one of my all-time favorite animes, and I look forward to seeing the rest of it after it is subbed. read more