Dekoboko Majo no Oyako Jijou

The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch — yeah, that's quite an irregular family with dysfunctional circumstances.

Mangaka Piroya's only work that is Dekoboko Majo no Oyako Jijou, feels as if the author had some ideas for a simple story and plot, but, however, he/she decided to execute it in a rather...let's just say, questionable way of a gimmicky gag humour comedy that's as idiotic and ham as it can ever be. And before you ham your fists at me, I know the "comedy is subjective" tropey expression all too well.

These kinds of "strangers picking up abandoned children" stories have slowly, like Isekai reincarnation stories, become ... one of anime's mainstay tropes, and it seems even more exaggerated this season (see S-Rank Musume, Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai (via fantasy reincarnation), and Ikenaikyo (via the outcast female MC)), though compared to the offerings as listed above, I would take this show anyday due to its relatively simple nature that anyone (yes, you, the review reader) can watch without any pretext.

Anyways, the 200+-year-old young witch Alyssa, who lives alone in her own treehouse, one day finds the abandoned Viola and raises her for 16 years, becoming a full-fledged young adult woman who grows so much bigger in size as compared to her slow-ageing witch "mother" that people mistake the daughter for being the mother figure in the "family." And by appearances, it's not hard to see why it is that way, and that says so for the rather unusual daily lives of both Alyssa and Viola and the people involved with them.

Let's start with the close contacts: the witch "Obaa-san" (a.k.a Auntie) friends of Alyssa's — Luna and Giriko. They're quite the nonsensical double trouble of older friends who are practical jokers, but they also care for their lone friend quite well, especially in the early years that Alyssa has had to raise Viola in the years since picking her up. The rather cringeworthy "not-so-boyfriend" material of elf Fennel, however, is that he's a walking joker that has interest in her but always gets stopped by Viola because of her unwavering obsession for Alyssa, or the mother complex a.k.a mom-con. This gets even stupider in the context after Viola wants to have a familiar, and this comes in the form of the "thou hast arrived" ostrich-looking Phoenix, which, my god, is the proper definition of a joker character. I have never, ever once failed to crack laughter over this nonsensical bird with its hilarious one-liners, made only worse when it's pulled with Viola to further implicate Fennel to make sure that he does NOT reach Alyssa in any capacity. Sure, there're other characters worth noting in the series, but the "happy family" of Alyssa, Viola, and Phoenix is where matters lie.

Sure, I can gush about both Aoi Koga and Nana Mizuki's VA work here as both female MC leads, but I'd like to highlight veteran VA Takaya Hashi (Naruto: Shippuden's Kakuzu, or more recently as Spy x Family's Desmond Donovan) as Phoenix; his voice just lends perfectly to the bird that, thanks to Piroya's subtle plot-driven dialogue, creates some memorable "stupider than thou" scenes in the show that will fade over time, but what a character.

Also, with this show being produced by literally 3rd-rate people: director Masahiro Takata (of the abominable Winter 2023's Hyouken no Majutsushi ga Sekai wo Suberu a.k.a The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World) and his staff, as well as the studio A-Real itself (which this show is its first full half-hour-run TV series), I'd only say that Piroya's material doesn't really need extensive changes to translate from manga to anime (which has covered almost everything of the source material's 6 volumes out so far), and the execution itself came out decent and fine. Low expectations, but still low-key surprised at times.

I've really never been too fond of Nana Mizuki when it comes to her Anisongs (the last of which was Spring 2022's Tomodachi Game, which is surprisingly good), and her OP "Sugar Doughnuts" is just skippable at best. The same, however, could not be said for angela's "Welcome!" which definitely, IMO, suited the show's ED song perfectly.

The only way to sell this show to you is to purely watch Episode 1 and see if the comedy makes or breaks you. Either way, while the mainstream will not miss out by missing this rather unassuming show, I think it's good if you need just a breather at most.

It's actually pretty good and has lots of funny moments. It really shows how sad and pathetic this place is when a bunch of dudes downvote it because of its silly and lovely humor.

Is the story unique? If it was predictable, did you enjoy it anyway because you like this genre/set-up?
yeah pretty much. You don't see to much magical girls on anime today

Do you think the art style is fitting for the story?
Absolutely

Were the characters well-rounded? Did they have flaws and strengths, or were they unusually strong/smart/stupid?
They are very smart and like each other.
...
Did the characters react to situations and events in a realistic way?
Yeah, because they like each other and they care for each other

Do you think others will enjoy/dislike this series, even if you didn't? Why?
Sad and pathetic idiots will hate it but you know what kind of people visit this place

A new rare comedy wholesome family anime??? I will recommend this to anyone who need some warmth in life right now.

While I can't deny, this show does get dwarf by a lot of other comedy anime, the concept is really nice. First of all, the production quality is average at best, may be even below average for a comedy anime. However, from the sheer premise alone it got me want to stick around for more. While premise can only got you so far, this one does stand out a lot for me, and may be for you too.

Wholesome family love anime is rare, so ... lets cherish it. Normally an anime with family theme will just go outright sexual comedy, but this one not. The feel and mood is really good and will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside while also make you laugh.
The comedy is mediocre at best, it's the generic comedy, so if that's your thing then good for you.

The gold of this anime is is the character dynamic. All character in this anime, mc and side alike, feel alive and very enjoyable. The VA and writing did a great job and is very good.

In conclusion, it definitely doesn't hold up to the high comedy standard. However, the sheer charm, premise, and character dynamic can get you enjoy it. While the production quality is average at best, it does it job well and is enough to enjoy it. A family comedy anime is quite rare and I will recommend this to anyone who need some warmth in life right now.

Dekoboko is an anime that will have mixed reactions due to its over-the-top style of humor. Me personally? I love it! There is a small and concise cast of characters that are unique and stylistically different, which keep the episodes from feeling same-y. Alyssa is the sweet, overly-doting mother to Viola, a human she found abandoned in the woods which she took to raise as her own. Viola can be very... protective of her mom, and constantly gets in people's way if she feels suspicious about them. But even though this show is a comedy, the show does take time to flesh out the relationships ... between the main cast between jokes, so they do feel like real characters unlike some other lower budget comedy animes I've seen.
Not only is the colorful cast not put to waste, neither is the magical setting. Mandrakes, faeries, and even a phoenix (who looks like an oversized chicken), there's plenty of unusual and mystical things that are ripe opportunities for puns, gags, and adult jokes.
If you were looking for a decent comedy, I would recommend this one in a heartbeat. 9/10; might watch again in the future

Gag humor types of animes can really be hit or miss. Depending the quality of contents, and if the jokes will fall flat over time. If your show isn't funny, then it's going to be a chore to get through. But what makes this show stand out a little more than the rest, is it's style and cuteness.

Story and characters: 7
The story mainly revolves around Witches and magic, and one day, a witch by name of Alyssa, finds an abandoned baby, and decides to take it and raise it. Insert usual fun loving gag humor right after these sweet moments, and we're in ... for nothing but randomness from here, toppled with actual serious lore, that may come up in the future, but with the way it's done, it progresses nicely, so you enjoy the characters, and if it slaps you with a serious moment, you'll least care about the outcome.

Alyssa is a very kind soul, while trying her best to be the best mom she can be. While her supposed daughter Viola, is very expressive, and very childish to boot. It's a very sweet relationship. These two are backed up by a colourful cast of characters that are there to enjoy. Such as Alyssa's two witch friends, as one reminds me a bit of Sucy from Little Witch, while the other...Lmao. Once you learn about the other, you'll realize what type of character she is haha. But it's a good line of characters that'll take the show far.

The only issue so far, is overused of certain gags, which in long run, might get a little tiring. It may be funny at first, but being a couple of episodes in, and it still hasn't changed, it may fall flat if said for the dozenth time.

Art and sound: 8
I think there is a lot to appreciate when it comes to it's art direction. Like Alyssa's eyes for example, they look gorgeous, and really make her overall look stand out. But the overall look to the whole show in it's concept looks stunning in it's colours, and animation. Really taking into a care for detail, and it's works. If anything, no matter what, you can't fault that this is a nice looking show, that is well presented in it's art style. Not to mention going super well with it's sound desgin.

Dekoboko is a sweet show that is more than welcomed in this anime season. It won't knock you away, but it doesn't need to. Sometimes you need that kind of sweet fun show, to go along with your deep and intense kind of shows. A watch for sure.

this one... definitely FUNNY! i got a hard belly laugh at least ONCE in each episode! most of the 'jokes' got a definitive snort or a genuine chuckle out of me!

for a four-panel-manga, this show had a peculiar but entertaining overall storyline. it isn't truly a story told in classical sequences: a beginning, a middle, and an end... more like... a hop here, a skip there, a jump over yonder. but the stories/vignettes in each episode don't just seem to be random snapshots of these characters' lives. there are backstories told, memories shared, and new experiences on-screen.

as to the acting? Mr. Hashi... nailed ... Pheonix. the man performed again and again with gravitas and depth without being pompous or overbearing or wielding the eras of Pheonix's lifespan as a blunt weapon. Ms. Koga and Ms. Mizuki as the mother Alyssa and daughter Viola just seemed to mesh so perfectly in every conversation. Mr. Suwabe as the granpa/dad/uncle... Auri... so SO far outside his normal casting... well, except for Captain Sukehiro ;) but i wonder if he found it fun to (once more) play that 'older guy who acts just a bit too irresponsible'? Mr. S did a stupendous job! Auri was quite the entertainer!

the only thing that kept me from overall giving this a 10... the art style. Viola, knockout gorgeous. the 'aunties' wow, just hot. otherwise... it was just too... cute... for my tastes. the number of times i mistook Auri's pectoral muscles for breasts was unsettling... a tiny bit more anatomical accuracy there would have been appreciated by myself. Pheonix's design made me think of a 5-10 year old trying to draw a bird without doing the 'Thanksgiving Turkey Hand Outline' technique. he was an entertaining character, but he just looked... inexpertly drawn. if the show had been done with maybe... one SINGLE teaspoon of sugar sweetness LESS in the overall art style... i'd give it a 10. this show was just that fun, but the art was just that tiny bit TOO cute.

this show isn't deep, it isn't insightful, it isn't... serious... for 99% of the content. here and there it does show inspiring or uplifting or in-depth stories with serious characterizations that go beyond, 'funny thing happen to funny people. ha hah.' so if you think this show is ALL FLUFF and nothing serious? you're mistaken.

The show is very flat emotionally. There is no drama, no disastrous misunderstanding, no heart-squeezing shows of affection.
The relations betweeen each character remain what they were at their introduction throughout the whole story.
The world in general is very static, so slice of life fits this show to a T.

Comedy is very rudimentary as well, with obvious set-ups and punchlines.

All this doesn't make the show lacking though, it just aims to fit the niche of easily watched and forgettable shows. It doesn't feel wrong to drop it at whatever episode, or pick it up.
It's fine for watching when you've had enough of everything. I'm reluctant ... to call it good at anything, but it's a fitting show to watch when you just want some time-out from all sorts of emotions when watching anime.

This show is stupid, let's get that out of the way. It's not terrible, and I can definitely see an audience for this genre.


plot:
A Witch with a child like appearance (Alyssa) finds an abandoned baby in the woods (Viola), who after 16 years, grows up to be incredibly mature looking for her age and people (except friends) mistake Viola as Alyssa's mom instead of the other way around.


Each episode is different, this type of show is what I like to call "random and wacky stuff happens with no real plot" Honestly, I like the side characters way more than the mother and daughter, I even ... have more enjoyment watching the BDSM witch and the perverted elf dude than with Alyssa and Viola. The humor itself is hit or miss, sometimes it's fun quick paced humor that can be funny, other times it's low brow humor (the episode with the butt fairies and the poop cookies)


Overall, it's a meh show, not great, not bad. I can see a few people who would enjoy this type of show.

This is a fantasy with lots of sappy slice of life moments and comedy gags.

Plot
An elf witch (Alyssa) finds a human baby (Viola) in the forest and decides to raise it. 16 years later, Viola is now a hot big tits brown human witch, who loves her mother a little too much and is very possessive. She is also really really powerful and is always experimenting with magic summons. One of her summons (Pheonix, the immortal chicken) becomes a familiar and starts living with them. The story is mostly about their peaceful life and weird shenanigans in the village.

Review
The main focus of the ... series is Viola's obsession with her mother. If you are not into that, just skip this series.
There's also sort of a plot, which revolves around the mystery behind Viola's birth parents. But they story will probably take its time to unravel that.
There's plenty of quirky side characters, and as with most SoL series, most of them are good people.
Although a lot of comedy is gags, the animation and voice acting really elevate the scenes for me. Viola's baby speak is hilarious and her summons are always goofy. She even summons a golem and call its papa haha.

Now, there's no point in trying to describe comedy. So, watch the first episode of the show. The story finishes setup within a few minutes and immediately jumps into the SoL comedy stuff. It should give you a very good idea of the comedy to come in the future episodes. SoL or comedy is very subjective, so just skip it if you are not into it.

I really enjoyed this anime, but I'd say it's really one of those 6.5/10 anime where there are a lot of laughs but also some things that just don't land or feel too repetitive. The main cast were likable and easy to root for. Some of the secondary cast kind of could veer into creep territory but the narrative always pulled back before things could get too creepy to watch. I would definitely watch a season 2, but I labeled this mixed-feelings because I know some people I wouldn't feel confident recommending this to.

That said, if you're looking for something kind of silly and ... at times absurd, then you might enjoy this anime. If questionable humor and the occasional incest joke would ruin an anime for you, then this is one to skip. Why did I keep watching if sometimes the anime had questionable humor and the occasional incest joke? By the time we got to the incest jokes, I was already invested in the characters and since things didn't take a nose dive off a cliff with it, I figured I'd finish the cour. That said, if a season 2 took it too far, I'd probably bail even though I do enjoy Alyssa and Viola so much and those jokes connect back to a recurring secondary character.

If I had to choose between watching this show again or having to survive 10 years alone in Antarctica without food, shelter and clothes, I would not hesitate to choose the latter.

Despite this being a comedy I failed to laugh ONCE and you will too. I really question the morality of this show too because one of the main characters is a 223 year old witch who looks no older than 12 while her daughter is 16 and acts like she's 12, while serving no real purpose besides providing fan service.
I can let that slide but it's the fact that they keep putting them in ... sexual situations which is just really weird.

The animation is fine and the voice actors are good but it doesn't even matter because it's a comedy that can not make you laugh.
You would need to have severe brain damage to find any part of this show funny. Most of the jokes are "lmao this is so random"
or "we scream so laugh". this show just fall flat and is very predictable if you have 46 chromosomes.

Phoenix is the only good character that's just interesting, mostly because of the voice actor. (Pio Pio)
I'm like a parent that's not mad just disappointed tbh.

Despite the director having over 13 years of experience, this anime just fell flat
Hopefully A-Real's next work is better.

Do NOT watch this show tho, you'll be bored.

This is a singularly unfunny anime. You have the world's most unlikable main character, teamed up with a punching bag, her mother, and a summoned creature. The mother does have two witch friends, but they offer nothing in story building.
The art style is not bad but nothing special.
The plot is always "airheaded girl attacks anything that likes her mother."
It is not even a good "slice of life" anime as they don't progress from the single joke.
If watching characters get hurt, killed, eaten and abused, you have found the anime for you.
All that said, if you liked Dropkick on my Devil or The ... Great Jahy, this might work for you.
If you are looking for artistic beauty, plot development, or an uplifting message, find another anime.

Your milage may vary.

The concept of this show suggested some nice fantasy slice of life comedic potential. Instead we have an airheaded teenage witch that is irresponsible with dangerous magic and has a tendency to be maliciously abusive to anything she decides she doesn't like. Her torment of the guy that genuinely likes her mom is not funny at all. The fact that she appears to get away with it with no consequences either makes it even worse. The mom is a sweetheart. The daughter is a monster yet fawned over. Extremely unlikable character. Also the Auntie with the BDSM simp "familiars" is also totally unnecessary and unfunny. ... What a waste of potential. Not recommended at all.