Alternative TitlesEnglish: Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts Synonyms: The Idiot, the Tests, and the Summoned Creatures, Baka to Test to Shokanju, BakaTest Japanese: バカとテストと召喚獣
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 6, 2010 to Mar 31, 2010
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.071 (scored by 40735 users)
Ranked: #3702
Popularity: #100
Members: 65,497
Favorites: 1,261 1 indicates a weighted score
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SynopsisThe story centers around Akihisa Yoshii, the "baka" of the title. His academy rigidly divides up the student body into classes based on the results of tests. The prodigies are in the A class with reclining seats complete with air conditioning, but Akihisa is in F class, the lowest rung of the school ladder which is furnished only with low, decrepit tables and worn-out straw tatami mats. A girl named Mizuki Himeji is actually one of the smartest girls in Akihisa's sophomore year, but she had a fever on test day and was pigeonholed into the F class. Besides Mizuki (who Akihisa secretly adores), the F class also has Yuuji Sakamoto, the class president who has been Akihisa's friend and partner-in-crime since the freshman year.
The school happens to have developed experiments to summon fantasy creatures, and Akihisa decides to rally F class to take on the higher-tiered classes and seize their perks. The F class uses the summoned creatures in an all-out battle for school supremacy. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Spin-off: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Christmas Special, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Sore ga Bokura no Nichijou Side story: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Specials Sequel: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Matsuri
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Llama_Guy
83 of 138 people found this review helpful
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13 of 13 episodes seen
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| Overall |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
There are tons of comedic styles to play on in anime, and Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu takes to it some of the more popular ones - and suceeds with it. Be it Kouta's excited peeping (and failing by nosebleeds), Minami's tomboyish behaviour and acts of violence against Akihisa, Shouko's yandere-esque violent obsession with Yuuji or the sheer over-the-top fighting with the Summoned Beasts. Or the rather subtle and rare allusions to various shows; Baka to Test has it in itself to bring out laughter from everyone and nobody.
Baka to Test is the kind of comedy where the characters themselves, and not necessarily the situation around them, is what makes you laugh. The various character's personalities all have some sort of specific trait which an experienced anime watcher may recognize, to an extent. The totally kawaii moe girl; the tsundere; the yandere; the peeping tom. WHile they're all too apparent, they really do work; in the hands of skilled enough writers, overused character type can be fun to watch over and over again. And it does throw a few interesting turns at you; like the FFF (christ, I'm still laughing over them) - a cult like the KKK; only that they go after those who have girlfriends (or guys who receive obentou from girls, for that sake).
And the two male leads, who are actually refreshingly deep - for comedy male leads, that is. Akihisa is rather wimpy, and a total idiot, and has tons of quirks which one may or may not recognize oneself in (they're all over-the-top, though). All his quirks are a constant fuel for humour; seeing one's own problems made fun out of is something most people can recognize.
The other male lead, Yuuji, is totally hilarious to watch. He is in no way a sidekick character, like Kouta; instead, he takes on more of a 'group leader' role; being class rep and the one in charge of planning for the summoning battles. Truly, when he is at his peak, he is like Kamina (TTGL) in attitude; over-the-top spirited and spouting loads and loads of bull concealed as meaningful and supportive words (who can forget Kamina's "believe in you, who believes in yourself"?). Even those who don't recognize the Kamina-esque personality will probably find his adamant personaltiy hilarious to watch.
As far as settings go, you don't experience anything new. School humour show is school humour show, meaning pool days, theme park trips and that stuff are obligatory. Not to mention the school hallways; which are used as the base for the ESBs. The school does, however, have a few pleasant surprises (like the ESB server room, and the exam paper vault). And of course, the school's roof, where the more serious moments typically take place.
The show doesn't stand out much on its other fields; while above middling quality it's not much more. Backgrounds are tormented by an annoying, dotted style, which I see no apparent reason for having in the show. Character designs are average enough, but the hand-drawn effects which appear at the 'heroic goodbye' talks between Yuuji and are hilarious; likewise is their increased face complexity featured when they are shocked or have any similar reaction.
The soundtrack is standard-fare humour; themes fit the humour setting, the few 'dramatic' moments, and that is about it; there's no memorable theme or likewise to set your mind on. The opening theme is standard upbeat crazy j-pop style, and unfortunately lacks any interesting animation. Same can be said about the ending theme; though it's more j-rock than j-pop.
SUmmarized, Baka to Test is your everyday absurd humour show with a few quirks thrown in to make it refreshing enough to be truly enjoyable, and anyone who's looking for an easy no-brains laugh may find it pleasing. read more
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Yammin
50 of 84 people found this review helpful
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13 of 13 episodes seen
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Comedy is subjective. Some people prefer witty satire and others prefer blunt brainless nonesense. Well, Baka to Test is the latter of the two. Just like its namesake, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu (Idiots and Tests and Summoning Beings) is one hell of an idiotic show. But it serves its purpose of providing nonsensical entertainment, and I'm afraid if you are expecting otherwise then Baka to Test is not for you.
To many, the story is – to put it plainly – outright stupid. Students are split into classes from A-F based on their academic skills; A being full of smartarses and F being crammed with quote/unquote “the mentally retarded”. Incidentally, what class you are in correlates to the facilities they have, much like an academic ‘caste system’.
So we have the idiots and tests out of the way, so what about the Summoning Beings? Evidently, there are ways to acquire these prestigious facilities – the obvious one being to score high on the mid-terms...and the other, Exam Summoning Battles. Such battles consist of the student’s being, which is a chibi version of themselves fighting other student’s beings. Much like video games, they have points (which can be considered as health bars) that are knocked off through physical contact. There is little to no “exam”, or any such academic skills tested in these battles, but what the heck – anything goes in anime, more so in this one. The show is already incoherent enough to be questioned at this point.
Akihisa and the rest of F-class duel in these ESB’s to get the hotel-suite like facilities and prove to everyone that grades aren’t everything! Along with that there are love triangles, moé, traps, incest, lolicons, cross-dressing, yaoi, yuri and every anime cliché under-the-sun.
And I for one love it for that.
Brainless comedy is brainless. Filled to the brim with slapstick humour and overacting such as the infamous anime nosebleed and much, much shouting to the point it is classed as screeching; dirty jokes and overall randomness Baka to Test helps the reviewer just sit back, relax and take it in all the over the top nature of the show.
Not only does it spoof anime traits but it also parodies anime shows, the most recognizable ones being that from Gurren Lagann and Code Geass but they are quite subtly played. Knowledge of these shows aren't required to enjoy the show as they are only for minimal comedy relief.
Another wonderfully played cliché are the stereotypical characters:
Akihisa, the idiotic male lead completely oblivious to all the girls lusting over him;
Himeji, the big breasted intelligent yet timid beauty – and the most obvious love interest;
Yuuji, strong willed and often in a comedic duo with Akihisa;
Minami, tomboyish though is actually quite the girl to heart;
Kouta, the class’ pervert;
And Hideyoshi, the ‘trap’ – often mistaken as a girl due to his appearances.
These walking stereotypes were all so superb at keeping the viewers laughing with their antics and traits. But as most stereotypes are – they are restricted. As progress throughout the show went on there was no doubt, a formula in the comedy. There were many spontaneous comedic moments as well, but most of it was rather repetitive. However, I wouldn’t say it hindered the show greatly as it does not insult the viewer’s sense of humour. It knows that we know this or that punch line or act yet it is delivered in such a way that it still stays fresh and funny. Much like a signature catchphrase, each character is assigned a certain quirk, habit or joke which we all come to know and love.
Silver Link’s animation was impressive for an almost unknown company. The only other anime they have actually produced (Tayutama ~Kiss on my Deity~) is not very well known and since then their animation has improved. Although the art and animation is fairly average and similar to most other shows, it has subtle add-ins that would make it recognizable even amongst a hundred different anime, such as the colourful shadows each character has – all different colours, no less and the “spotty” inking in backgrounds and objects. Baka has no trouble integrating different styles of art for either comedic purposes or otherwise – using blindingly bright colours when needed and eerily dark when called for. Music is, just like the art, average. The OP and ED are very skippable and the background music is forgettable.
Baka to Test does the job of using some very well known seiyuus as well as some not so very well known. All display a charismatic quality in their characters and bring out the character that they are. Akihisa is the loud idiot. Yuuji is the sometimes-calm-sometimes-not idiot. Himeji is naively sweet. Minami is an awkward idiot. Hideyoshi...does not sound like an idiot per se, but comes across as amusingly girly. And Kouta is perverted through and through. Just hearing the voicing alone could tell you this.
The ‘ending’ of the show is much left to be desired for, in other words it was quite a letdown. Fortunately it has the opportunity to redeem itself with the second season announced to be aired soon.
Baka to Test isn’t anything that hasn’t been seen before. And honestly the excuse of a story isn’t even well thought out or developed. But sometimes you will have to sit there, laugh it all off and say “That’s just stupid!” read more
Recommendations
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Similar type of useless main character who shines in the most useless of ways. Semi-harem type. But on top of everything they have the same kind of humor and ways of executing the humor.
Both are light, random and very funny rom-com. While Seto is way more extreme in term of comedy, Baka to Test is light full.
Both animes have similar "stupid and random" humor; a love triangle between the comedic male protagonist, a tsundere, and the cutesy nice girl; a little fantasy (Baka Test has summoned beings while SetoHana has mermaids); and even homo-erotic jokes thrown in to make you laugh, feel awkward, and/or fangirl.
If you were entertained while watching Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, you'll definitely find Seto no Hanayome just as enjoyable and vice versa.
Lots of comedy, each character is unique and main char usually finds himself in "life threatning" situations
Both are really random and posses an extreme level of comedy
Seto much funnier but baka more "gentle"
Same kind of romance-comedy, slapstick jokes and random storyline.
Hilarity guaranteed.
basically very similar characters very similar kind of comedy. both are just as funny (voice actors atleast for english are same)
Exactly the same kind of humor, highly recommended!
Both are Comic animes but have romance as well.
Both will make you laugh a lot in some cases.
Same Slapstick random yet very funny animation style, both a fair amount of action. But if you just want a show you can enjoy you cant go wrong with this.
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If you like Baka to Test, I'm sure you are going to like this one too, as both are comedy/romance at school.
Filled to the brim with stupidity, over the top antics and plenty of randomness; School Rumble and Baka to Test has much to offer, especially in the comedy department.
Baka to Test is for those who like parodies, and the clichés of anime all thrown into one bag and mocked out of.
School Rumble consists of many "short episodes" of gags, as to not bore the viewer whereas Baka to Test has a certain theme or direction of an episode e.g. the classic "Pool Day"
Either way, if you like brainless laughs and just want something over-the-top and insane to watch then try Baka to Test or School Rumble.
"what an idiot." if you find yourself watching shows that make this sentence your mantra, i know you'll enjoy school rumble. and at the apex of all idiocy stand harima kenji and tsukamoto tenma. surely, their idiocy will inspire generations far after we are gone.
sure, these two anime have their fair share of touching moments and true love gone sour. but don't let that mislead you into thinking that that's where their charm lies. oh, no. for surely, idiocy is the heart of all humor.
Comedy where didiots are involved..actually school rumble has proper idiots and its as funs as baka to test
They both are school comedy type despite not really similar to School Rumble, and School Rumble is way funnier than Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu (in my opinion) they both share the same genre
The main characters are dumb and they are both in school. Good Laughs.
similar humor and both my favorite
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Opening Theme"Perfect-area complete!" by Asou Natsuko
Ending Theme#01: "Baka Go Home" by milktub (eps 1-6, 10-13) #02: "Hare Tokidoki Egao" by Hitomi Harada, Kaori Mizuhashi, Emiri Katou and Tomomi Isomura (eps 7-9)
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Related ClubsAnimanga Lovers, Sentai Otaku sQuad , Baka is Chibitalia, Love|Hate Anime Character, ♥ Baka Nation ♥, Anime Yokai, Shiroku✰Highschool, MAL anonymous, Anime Night, Shouko Kirishima Club, Yoshii Akihisa FC, Aiko Kudo FC, !~~tsubasalover's Friendships~~!, I wanna marry Shouko Kirishima, *Twins*, Himeji Mizuki FC, Ichi-chan Fan Club, Rights for Men Alliance, Manga Anime League (MAL), ryu`z WerldFunny Pics, uOttawa Anime Club, Tsuchiya Kouta FC, Anime Experience, Class F Comrades, Shimada Minami FC, Romance Anime and Manga, ~Math Haters Club~, ryuLzei`s world :), Anime Recommendation and Help Center, Missile Punch, Shimono Hiro FC, Anime boys who are looking like girls, Dark Legends fan club!, ♥ Hideyoshi Fan Club ♥, Yuuji x Shouko, The Twin Factor, School Anime Club, Baka Go Home - BL, ☆★ FABULOUS ★☆, Anime & Manga Recommendation, Claim, Claim and Claims!, The Sibling Spectrum, Yuuji Sakamoto Fanclub, Ayana Taketatsu Fanclub, Absolute Claim Temple, not a club, BL Addicts!, Anime Dimenzija, Pony tail/Pig tails Tournament, Youthful Days - Young bl & friendships , Polski FC Oceny Niedostatecznej , Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Fanclub, Shimada*Mizuki FC, Kiyo's Fan Club, ~ WATER BOTTLE CLUB ~, Hideyoshi's Club!, Inoue Kikuko Fanclub, Traps & Reverse Traps, Ojou-sama Fanclub, HURRAY BOOBIES!!, Otagi Bank, Claim a tsundere!, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, Trapped!, ✰ Kawaii Otaku Clan ✰, Shouko Kirishima Fanclub, FFF Inquisition see all
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