Strike Witches: 501 Butai Hasshin Shimasu!

Wow, what it lacks in art it makes up in funny and brilliant writing. So far four episodes in and I can't stop thinking about how much fun each of the episodes have been. I want to go back each time and re-watch them to catch all the stuff I missed. Really a brilliant surprise to find this little gem of a series. All the English voice cast are back and I can tell had a lot of fun making these. As a fan of the original works this is a wonderful little topping on the 501st Strike Witch cake. Can't wait for next week's ... episode.

Obviously before even considering watching this anime, you should, in my opinion, at least watch the first 2 season of Strike Witches.

Despite having a pretty low score, this anime surprised me a lot and I'll explain why. Strike Witches 501 Butai Hasshin Shimasu is one of these comedy spin-off, a parody of Strike Witches. The force of this type of comedy is that the viewers already are used to the original characters and know their traits.
The anime use what we expect in order to make fun of every character in a certain way by exaggerating each ... characters and their interactions, and creating absurd situation.

But sometime this sort of comedy can suffer from multiple problems that this anime avoid very successfully:
- The jokes can be overused very quickly and thus become boring. Fortunately, Strike Witches' universe has a lot of variety and the characters are deep enough, the show doesn't lack in content for its length.
- It shouldn't be the only comedy used because it can become very predictable, and in this regard, this anime found an unexpected way to make me and my friend laugh: The art style is far from being a flaw and rather a very efficient comic thrust. I couldn't think of a better art style for this anime and I'm very proud of this choice, it is very refreshing.

Strike Witches 501 Butai Hassin Shimasu is for me, a perfect example of a parody done right, and I'd watch more anytime soon. As a fan of Strike Witches, I did have a great time and I recommend it to anyone who like the original.

(On a last note, I'm not used to rate each aspect of an anime separately so I'll rate a default 8 on every aspect)

Being an avid Strike Witches fan, I couldn't help but be excited to see a new installment to the anime series, only for me to realize it was a half-ass spin-off that didn't serve as a sequel at all in some way shape or form. However, although that does sound like its a problem, it is not. In terms of story, you won't be getting one, but that's okay, because honestly, this anime, despite of what it lacks, it's worth it.

Clocking in at a total of 12 episodes, each with a length of about 12 to 13 minutes, each episode has something fun to ... see. There really is nothing about this anime that I can spoil to you, as really this is just the whole idea of "cute girls doing cute things". You get the main cast, same one from the original anime back in 2008, and the same location, aka their "base of operations", aka home. Each episode has something fun and engaging, watching your most favorite characters getting hurt, doing stupid stuff, getting in trouble, you name it!

The artwork is something special. Seeing the artwork, you know, straight up, its low budget, but for some reason, and somehow, the low budget makes it better. The lack of movements and facial expressions are simply replaced with static images of themselves, and walking animations are just simply the entire character sprite moving up and down in a way fashion. Even though there seems to be a sort of laziness to it, they add that anyways, because somehow, it makes you smile or even laugh.

The characters don't really need much of a description here, as it is the same cast as of the 2008 series. If you have never seen any Strike Witches media, excluding Brave Witches, you can still watch this and it could still make you smile, but there really isn't much in terms of development. This was made for returning fans of the franchise, and for that, they don't really need to delve deep into the lore. Trust me, watch the other anime first, then hop into this. I know this is a spin-off, but it won't feel right if you just hop in with no knowledge of the World Witches Series.

I enjoyed this well enough to the point of completing. Each episode is fun and engaging, and it's really great to see some of your most favorite characters pop in out of nowhere, do something stupid, only to get beat up off-screen by Barkhorn, and have a Warner Bros.-esque bump on the head, only to have them talk about the main lead in the background, with only text instead of speaking/dialogue.

Overall, give this a watch if you are a good fan of the series. If you want a story, this isn't for you. There are some ecchi bits here and there, but unlike the original series, there's no nudity or constant panty shots.

Enjoy!

Strike Witches: 501 Butai Hasshin Shimasu! (2019)

Well, what this lacks in animation quality it makes up for in comedy.

This seems to be a recover of season 2 but all the downtime with no attacks which made it refreshing and enjoyable as a comedy stand alone. It does redo somethings differently but ultimately it is the same more or less.

The art is odd here since the OP uses a really over the top exaggerated style of art last seen in shows like Nichijou or the comic book store in Lucky Star. It is really good but also crazy to look at which is probably ... best that the show went for a more comedic simplicity for the most part of it.

Sound is funny and the same as ever.

Characters develop in as much as you see the crazier side of peoples lifestyles. It is pretty funny the interactions. The inclusion of the super cute personality of Michiko at the end of each episode was really nice too.

What this one lacks in art it makes up for in comedy and it really doesn't matter as it is so funny.

I don't like the original ecchi action Strike Witches, it's a product for young puberty.

But the comedy spin-off of Strike Witches is worth watching even if you don't like the original

Strike Witches: 501 Butai Hasshin Shimasu! just charming and really funny.

Simple and interesting characters in the original setting and the comedy of everyday life, everyday life in the fantasy setting of the Second World War is cool, non-annoying and funny.

Animation and drawing are a bit simple, but I don't think that's a problem. it's as simple as it needs to be for such a simple and unobtrusive comedy title.

If you love comedic moments of life ... and fantasy setting, and the setting is the most important thing that was taken from the original story and the setting there is really good, then be sure to check out this title