Story
What can you really say about Bamboo Blade? Well, it's a story of 5 girls who are members of their high school kendo club. Their instructor (or sensei.. whatever) makes a bet with an old friend (who is also a rival kendo instructor) that his girls can beat the others at a kendo practice match - the prize? A years worth of free sushi. Not the best sounding prize - but a prize none the less. That aside, there are other "mini stories" that take place during the episodes as well. Incidentally, at the very beginning there's only 1 member in the kendo club - so, the first two episodes is taken up with the hilarious undertaking of recruiting new club members. They even end up with 2 male members (despite sensei's pleas to only have female members... the dirty old lech >__>) What goes on beyond episode 10 is unknown to me... so, I suppose that this is all I can say about the story - and it's probably why it only got an 8. Once I've seen more episodes - this will probably be reviewed also. And also, the 5th member of the kendo team has yet to be recruited. So, at the moment there are only 4 female members of the squad.
Characters
This anime is pretty creative when it comes to the characters - it almost always remains refreshing. And it basically keeps the viewer watching. From the cute little Tamaki-chan who absolutely adores anime (almost reminds me of Konata from Lucky ☆ Star), but lacks some social skills - to the rather psychotic, but beautiful Miya-Miya who shows her "black" side. Then there's Saya - who can be over dramatic at times, but it all adds to he charm. Team captain Kirino appears to be the sensible one - often taking over from the instructor during training. However, both Kirino and Saya make a rather decent comedy duo in some episodes.
Sound
I can't help it! Bamboo Blade has a very catchy opening theme song (which is actually performed by some members of the cast) - as well as a pretty sweet closing theme too (which is also sung by the cast). This is one of very few anime where I don't immediately click on "mute" when it comes to the openers and the closers... so, for me it's a win win soundtrack. Ok, so I have the songs on my iPod... there are you happy now?! >__< No, seriously - I really do like the themes. The only other theme that I openly like are the openers for Gunslinger Girl and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.
Considering that I've only watched 10 episodes so far - I can quite happily say that I am immensely enjoy watching Bamboo Blade. It's definitely one of the best that I have watched (in the comedy genre) and am quite proud to place it on my favourite anime list.
