I ask this because you might need to get some if you're heading into the 4th season of Hidamari Sketch.
To my extent of knowledge, Hidamari is one of those "under the radar" Slice of Life shows, which is a shame because it really is a great show. The show continues on with the girls' everyday lives at Hidamari Apartments and Yamabuki High School. Chatting, spending time with each other, going to school. This is pretty much what happens throughout the series. You might think, "Wow, that's boring," but it's the characters personalities that make each episode fun to watch. But with a 4th season of a SoL show, you would think there's at least some kind of plot to Hidamari Sketch, right? Nope. But as far as plot goes, if you've been fervently watching the series, the two oldest dormmates, Sae and Hiro, are in their last year at Yamabuki High, and the show kicks off with them preparing for their senior class trip, leaving Yuno and the others to take care of themselves. It's actually the first episode alone that inadvertently propels the girls to become more mature, as you'll eventually see later in the show.
Seeing how it's a SHAFT anime, and it's Hidamari, you'll see some quick cuts, polka dots, the signature head tilt, and the notorious WIIIDE FACE. Some people are thrown off by that when they first watch the series, and thus, they tend to stay away from it, but personally, that's the essence of the show and it's what makes it enjoyable. Not only that, but the show is much more vivid and vibrant with its colors, thus making it a very pleasurable viewing experience. Must be because of all that Madoka money...
The openings of Hidamari Sketch have always been a treat to listen to and this one fits the bill. When I first saw the PV of Honeycomb, I immediately got into it and watched it maybe 10 times a week before it aired because the opening was really catchy and upbeat. It really preps you for the episode leaving you with a good feeling inside. The ending, much like the previous ones, is real mellow (minus Hoshimittsu's, which I personally didn't like) and leaves you feeling relaxed after finishing the show with a smile. Lastly, the seiyuus. One reason I watch anime is for the seiyuus because I really enjoy their voices, and Hidamari Sketch's are a flatout eargasm to me. Just hearing Yuno (Asumi Kana), especially, leaves me feeling fuzzy inside and lately, Nazuna (Omigawa Chiaki) is growing on me as well. All of them do a great job.
The characters are a blast to watch and make the SoL genre entertaining than how it usually is. Yuno being the cute hard worker, Miyako being the boisterous glutton, the mature, but easily-flustered Sae, the motherly "always-watching-her-weight" Hiro, the timid Nazuna, and the level-headed Nori make up the Hidamari Apartments and are real fun when you see them interact with each other. We also have the infamous Yoshinoya and the badass Principal as the well-known side characters continuing their antics. Chika, the Landlady, Arisawa, and the poor, lonely Natsume are back as well. As I said earlier, you really do see the group mature, which is a good thing, but you can't help but feel kind of sad also because eventually, Sae and Hiro are going to graduate and will have to leave Hidamari Apartments, leaving just Yuno, Miyako, Nazuna, and Nori.
Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb has met and exceeded my expectations. From Season 1 all the way to Honeycomb, the series has delivered smiles and laughs each episode, and to be honest, I can't choose which season is better because all of them are just as good as the other. As much as it pains me knowing that the series will probably end soon when Sae and Hiro graduate, seeing the cast grow together throughout four seasons has been (sk)etched into my mind and heart, as sappy as that sounds. But really, the series is just pure fun and relaxation, and if you're looking for a SoL anime that fits that bill, consider watching Hidamari Sketch, starting with the first season. I absolutely loved it and I hope you'll enjoy the wide too.
Has my nutbladder exploded? Yes. Did I have insruance? No. Don't be like me and get some nutbladder insurance before watching Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb because your nutbladder WILL explode.
Scores-
Story: 7
Art: 10
Sound: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 10
