Jul 5, 2015
Let me start off by saying that the only reason I started watching Punch Line in the first place is because the concept seemed ridiculous enough to provide some laughs. I mean, based on everything I had seen, it looked like any common ecchi. Like many reviewers have already stated, that's how it started out. It interested me at first and I was excited to watch it but eventually it became more like a chore as the attention grabbing features became muted and the less than subtle panty shots took over. However, by the time it got to the fifth episode (I think that's what
...
it was but don't hold me on it), everything changed.
Story (7/10)
Punch Line began without a strong story or any real sense of direction. The opening act of the show appeared to be merely a series of disconnected gags with no purpose. Even for myself, someone who finds great enjoyment in cheap comedy and slice of life, found the show to be a bore. Let me tell you though, it was so worth it to stick with the show. All the things that seemed dumb began to make sense. All the random threads were being connected. All the characters I didn't care for became important to me. The show just began to work. I don't want to spoil anything here so I won't be specific about anything so I'll just say this: the show stops being a show about panties and becomes a dynamic adventure with elements, plot threads, and emotions you'd never think could come from a show with a main character who seems to have more blood in his general nose area than a normal person has in their whole body. The only reason I gave the story a 7 is because that slow part does really put a dent in it. If they had found a way to make that more entertaining that would be a different case.
Art (8/10)
I don't think this section needs to be as long winded as the story section (yeah sorry about that) so I'll just get right to it. Is the art great? No, not particularly. But is it bad? Certainly not. The art style does however fit the overall tone of the story very well. It's not too detailed and it shouldnt be. It's not generic either. It has enough imagination and individuality to make it stand out, even if just a little.
Sound (7/10)
I usually don't pay attention to soundtracks unless they are particularly good. Meaning if they are just average I tend not to notice them. That is Punch Line. I don't mean to say the soundtrack is bad, it's just kind of there. It normally did its job (although the score underperformed in some scenes) and generally blended in quite well. But if I can't remember a single tune after watching the show, it didn't have much of an impact. However, I did like the opening and ending themes a lot. The opening in particular was very catchy and lighthearted, much like the show itself.
Character (9/10)
Punch Line did an excellent job in portraying it's characters. The show made me feel a connection to the cast and not all shows can do that. Everyone is unique and has his or her own demons and/or motives. It was fun to go on the ride with them. Sure there we some cliches, but they weren't so glaringly obvious that they couldn't be looked past. Plus the protagonist, Yuta, was very likable for me and if the protagonist sucks than...oh well.
Enjoyment (9/10)
I freaking loved this show. Sure it had its down time, but all the rest more than made up for it. I was so surprised by this show that I expected nothing out of. Out of nowhere it became one of my favorite shows of the season, maybe even my favorite. I was just so pleasently surprised I just couldn't help but enjoy it immensely. And just in case you're worried, yes it was funny. I made it seem like it wasn't but it really was.
Overall (9/10)
Hats off to Punch Line here. If you are able to stick with it through the first 4 or 5 episodes I believe you will find it is worth it. Everything comes together in only the way Punch Line can do it (and the only way that makes sense). Your efforts will be rewarded and then some.
This is my first review so go easy on me here. I'm not quite sure what exactly I should be saying yet. I'll do better next time!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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