As I watched the first episode of Chuunibyou, I remember saying to myself "great...another Haruhi Suzumiya clone" and while there are distinct similarities between the two animes, I'm thrilled that I kept watching and gave Chuunibyou the chance it deserved.
There isnt much of a story or plot for much of the show, episodes usually introduce new characters or develop existing ones by way of crazy slice of life situations. That is untill the second half of the series, when much of the shows stellar humor is traded for an impressive romance, and all star character development. While I found myself missing the side splitting humor that got me hooked in the first place, I couldn't complain because of the touching, and impressive story that was woven in the later half of the show.
The art for most of the show is above average, but in several situations the creators must have milked the budget to create some truely epic scenes I never wouldve expected from a slice of life anime.
Sound was also above average, no glaring issues or complaints to speak of
As I mentioned, I groaned when I caught my first glances of the characters in Chuunbyou. At first glance the female lead seems like a shamless Haruhi clone, and the male lead a bland John Doe. Side characters were familiar archtypes, the airhead, the popular girl, etc. While nearly all the characters were hilarious, none were particularly original or different. At first. As the show progresses Rikka, the female lead begins to distinguish herself as a relatively unique character, and as the story progresses even further shes fleshed out as a complete human being in an extemely touching and effective way. While the male lead isnt fleshed out quite as much, he quickly develops some unique characteristics, and his relationships develop at a believable and satisfying pace. Side characters remain, well, side characters, with some, but not much developments. Overall the relationships and personalities really shine in the second half of the show, which is where they earn their 9/10.
Enjoyment of the show was a perfect 10. This may well be the funniest anime I've seen since Gintama. The countless anime refrences include parodies of yu yu hakusho, code geass, death note, and countless more I missed or cant recall. The character interactions and truely unique situations that arise are simply hilarious, but where the shows humor really shines is its shameless exaggeration of everyday events. In the mind of the female lead even sneaking out and being caught by her sister becomes an epic battle of good and evil, and everything from unlocking a door to getting on a train ends up as a hilarious, over-the-top joke, reference, or parody. In short, the shows humor is all-star, oscar worthy, and downright side splitting.
Overall, thanks to a hilarious, if at times cliche cast, touching romance, character development, and over the top hilarious humor, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! earns a solid 9/10 as well as my eager reccomendation.
