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This anime might be an ordinary, slice, of life anime, but don't judge the book by it's cover, as this is Asobi Asobase.

To simply define who are the MCs of Asobi Asobase is. Imagine Kyoto Animation's Nichijou characters. Nichijou is composed of 3 main characters — Yuuko, the brown hair, Mio, blue hair and Mai, black hair with glasses — and they had somewhat simpler yet bizarre life surrounding them. But here on Asobi Asobase, they also has three MCs, except that Yuuko's hair is black and her personality is much more wilder than the former. While Mio is a fake-american foreign student which is ... her hair is blonde and has apocrine sweat glands. And Mai, who retains her black hair and glasses, and she has a pair of busty-sized breasts, and much more sadistic. And their life can be simpler at first, except that life sniffed two-pounds of coke on the following episodes and punch the ever-living s*** out of forth-wall, pour gasoline on it's corpse, pee on it, c**p on it and burn it.

That's Asobi Asobase, a very surreal comedy-anime that is so trashy and surreal, yet in a very great way.

Story:
The story here is almost non-existent as they focuses more on the slapstick humor on their daily high school routine and filled with tons and tons of real-life references around the pop-culture media. Also, the forth-wall in this anime has beaten to a pulp that you didn't even thought that you are also sometimes involved in this one. Like, of course, they are entertaining you as the audience, but the MCs felt that it's kinda bad that you're left out of their fun so they want you to join their epic craziness and misadventures. And, to be honest, I'm truly flattered and laughing at the same time watching this anime as it felt like you're in the same room as them. This anime truly is a one-of-a-kind anime that let us interact them, while you are enjoying the anime at the same time. Good job to the writers and the director to this one. I haven't laugh so hard in years until I met this anime!

Art:
But what is truly the most stand-out point in Asobi Asobase is how they animate it. The art is somewhat fair if this is just an ordinary slice-of-life anime. But what truly makes me laugh at the edge of my seat is the unexpected and exaggerated facial expressions shown by the characters. Like, they might be innocent or calm at first, but when something's happened during that scene, a funny facial expression suddenly pops-up from the screen, realizing how they will either solve their current situation, how they react to what the other said to them, etc.. It is comedic-art at it's finest and I'm happy that they make used their art quite absolutely well for sake of comedy.

Sound:
Ho ho... Where should I start from this one. Okay, at the very first episode of watching this. I already knew this was coming when they introduce the opening theme for this one — a calm and melancholic opening as the three main characters sing in full-bloom during a summer breeze set mostly in a garden and ends lying behing the wall, smiling with their eyes closed. Nothing's bad is going to happen, right? HAHAHA... Ohh, you'll see. Then, the anime pops up and, BAM! When the comedy strikes, the US National anthem can be heard behind, another US Anthem, but in a flute rendition, and when serious s*** is about to happen, a heavy-metal song encapsulates the whole situation within them. These and a lot more on the OST of Asobi Asobase. The sound score performed here is truly remarkable as well. Also, the seryuus performing their role as the characters here are very engaging too. But what's interesting is the minor character, Fujiwara, who is Hanako, Olivia and Kazumi's classmate who is LEGIT fluent in English... I mean, it is performed by a Japanese VA, but a whole lot better. Yeah, she can speak both english and japanese, but mixed-together. She's very funny too. But what is also the funniest one is the seryuu for Hanako, one of the MCs of this anime series, as she changes from her normal tone, to cute tone for some of the situations, and mostly, a deeper tone for most of the episodes. Also, did I ever mention you that the Ending song is truly an unexpected one? Like holy sh** it's a freaking banger! Just listen to the ED song if you haven't watch it. Babymetal or even K-On! is shookt on Asobi Asobase's Inkya Impulse.

Characters:
Now, the character development here is non-existent. And is even that a matter? I mean, at least the comedy is given a lot of dedication on this one. So let this be passed. But the characters performed here is seriously well-done and well-written. The roles are fantastic, I should say and that is all there is too it.

Overall:
Man, I LOVE Asobi Asobase. From the misleading Opening title to the Hellish rise of the Ending theme. I can't say how grateful that I've witness this one-of-a-kind anime. It may not given the 100 rank here on MAL for their comedic performances, but I'll give it a higher score for making me burst my laughter in all of it's episodes while almost getting my stomach hurt. It's a super-surreal anime filled with tons of references from Detective Conan to even Harry FRICKIN' Potter! And the 4th-wall beating extraveganza is hilarious.

If you haven't watch it, then what are you waiting for?! Go and watch it! Hell, if Muse Asia's YouTube Channel is available in your country — as they are the only legal site for watching animes for free, then go! Or watch it in other anime sites. You don't want to miss the silliness, and wackiness of this series.

And hell, when they teased the Season 2 of this anime (without confirming it) with a Star Wars poster. That was truly a tongue-and-cheek move there, but, I'll be looking forward to have it and watch it.

My final verdict for this anime is a solid and deserving, 10/10! A comedic platinum!

(SPOILER WARNING)

Too make this review short, there's nothing really happened to this Episode 11.5 and it is not carried over what happened after the Film Project. But, there are some important details on this OVA... besides the obvious fan service of the characters depicted in this one.

First of, Houtarou has gotten into a side-job as a lifeguard in a local pool, for 5000 yen (US$5), thanks to his older sister's offer. Which is the first time we'll see Houtarou busts his ass for a while after shutting himself inside his house doing almost nothing. So he had to do it. Besides, it's just a one-time ... job and he can actually get paid by sitting only at the umpire chair. So, as Houtarou finally accepted this offer, the rest of the club wanted to see the surprise turn of events as Houtarou finally works in the sidelines.

Second, Houtarou's older sister, Tomoe, finally got home after her trip from India. And recommends her younger brother to do sidelines for a while. We also see how close the two siblings were in this episode like the other main episodes that was shown on the series.

Third, there are some hinted relationship development for Mayaka and Ibara. Yes, they were already been revealed and developed on the other episodes as well. And, chronologically, here on this OVA, a little tease of what to come for them as Houtarou wants Mayaka to be carried by Ibara for the sake of the investigation.

Speaking of the investigation, in this OVA, they just investigate the "lost" earrings of a woman that could be around the public pool. If they haven't found it, there might be an accident waiting for them to happen. Which is a predictable investigation to me as it was already hinted earlier in this episode that the kid once "Ice Cream" and Chitanda noticed that the woman's white "earrings" got missing overtime. Hinted that she carried her child with an ice cream on his hands and did not intend to put a hit of an ice cream to his mother's right earlobe.

Overall, yes, as expected on other OVAs, Chitanda's silky-white... err... swimsuit is DEFINITELY you shouldn't want to miss!!! Forget Mayaka... If I wish I would have a chance to get crushed by Chitanda's white thighs, I'm surely going to be in the heavens. But besides that, the story is... ehh, it's alright. There's little to no character development here and it's just a simple fan-service episode.

Is it worth while to watch? Not Really, there's nothing really much happening on this episode... But still watchable though.

Over the course of this modern era of anime. Kyoto Animation has a lot of great Slice of Life titles they have provided us over the course of 10 years. From the like of Haruhi Suzumiya, Nichijou, Miss Kobayashi's Maid Dragon, among others. The art direction is smooth, and not to mention, the storylines were overall great, if not, fantastic yet lacking of supporting plot to cover the missing links like Koe no Katachi.

However, in Non Non Biyori, we're not talking about Kyoto Animation, yes they have the same exact similarities. The environment, the OSTs, comedy similar to Nichijou... But, this is not KyoAni's work. ... And to my surprise, it's actually one of the studios that I rarely encountered of since I've first seen "Tanaka-kun is always listless".

And this is, Silver Link.

First of all, Non Non Biyori's artstyle is purely artistic at it's finest. The country of Asahigaoka is purely spectacular that would really sink you down to it's pure and relaxing environment unaware to the watchers. Then, fit it with the OSTs featured here will really put you off guard. Also, I do love the OP song that will set you to the melancholic life about the resident resides on a small country and really makes you feel like you're truly at home watching this anime.

Character-wise, the main casts of the anime performed here are just pure innocence and nothing else. Four students plus one minor character who are studying in the same school in the same room with a different vocational education is somewhat weird at first. However it makes sense when Koma and Natsumi, two of the main characters, explained that the reason behind this system is due to how few are the students enlisted in their branch school with only one teacher. Which is very unique concept to me.

Comedy-wise, it is performed very well in this anime's story. But there is one episode that really stands out to me the most. Which I don't want to spoil anymore for those who haven't watch it yet and reads this review for those who were having doubts with this anime. But to give a short hint, it focused only on Renge-chan and a girl who visits Asahigaoka. Truly a massive character development for Renge-san as well that was shown in this anime.

In conclusion, my enjoyment in Non Non Biyori is truly satisfying, the characters portrayed in this anime are fine at it's best, with Renge-san stood on the development, the pure innocence of the storyline, and the OSTs are truly soothing. Non Non Biyori is a pure piece of art and the sense of humor is truly great as well. A great Slice-of-life anime that Kyoto Animation never make it. And, one of the top 10 best anime Silver Link. produced based on MAL's scores.

With that, I gave this anime an overall 9 out of 10. A very sweet anime that really cures stress and depression that everyone should recommend.

Have a great day, everyone. And remember... NYANPASU!!!

I know what you feel the first time you watched "Chihayafuru", sofor those who are looking forward to watch this, allow me explain it a little for those who are reading this review. Don't worry, this is a non-spoiler territory as it only explains the rules of Karuta depicted on this anime (for a review, you can skip ahead):

Competitive Karuta or simply Karuta is a game from Japan that are compose of two opponents in one tatami mat. Each should comply under the rules set by the All Japan Karuta Association. There, players must put 25 cards out of 50 in the mat that ... were randomly selected from s total of 100 cards. Then, players must place it face-up wharever they want in a 87 cm wide and separated from their opponent's cards by 3 cm. Afterwards, players had a chance to memorize the cards or practice their strikes in 15 minutes.

Then, the reader starts the game by reciting an introductory poem, that given poem is not part of the game itself, it's more like a "Ready, Set..." phase of a match. Here's the transcript of the "Ready, set..." phase of Karuta:

"Naniwa Bay, now the flower blooms, but for winter. Here comes spring, now the flower blooms."

After the reader reading it aloud, the reader now reads the first part of the poem, which is now the "...GO!" phase or the start of the game itself. The game of Karuta is unique as it uses your auditory senses and mental memorization with a mix of speed and agility to win this game. So, for example, if you hear "Roses are Red..." then you have to find the matching card of the given poem, which is "violets are blue." If you touched the given card on your opponent's turf, remove it from play and give one card to your opponent's turf. You touched the wrong card, however, you get one card from the opponent instead. You can also defend the "violets are blue" card as well, when it was already recited, you can now remove the card from play. If both of the player's hands touched the given card, whoever card was set on the player's ground gets it.

The first player to get rid of all the cards in their territory wins.

Alright, now that it's already out of the way. Let's talk about the anime itself. (LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)

"Chihayafuru" is a Sports game which was surprisingly... developed by Madhouse. Known for their brutal animes like, Stitch! (screams in fear), The Girl Who Leapt Thru Time (screams in fangirl), and... DEATH NOTE (screams in a traditional Death Note orchestra theme). Yep, the Studio who are responsible for their metal songs, mindgames and heart attacks, are also responsible for their light, well-written love story with a horrible cliffhanger... until Season 2 announced and released.

The story was executed great from Start to finish as it tells about the story of Chihaya Ayase, a "Beauty in Vain" who is die-hard fan of Karuta thanks to her potential love-interest and the one who introduces her to the game, Wataya Arata alongside Taichi Mashima. Arata appoints Chihaya back when they were a kid to become a queen thanks to her skills, Taichi was a brat still, telling Taichi that he is a loner, and bullying him both verbally and Physically. But, they work together as a team as they fight in a Team Karuta match in a nearby Karuta Society. Quite frankly, they detailed the main backstory real great as it covers first four of the 25 episodes of the main story. And this ain't a filler, no doubt! It's freaking fantastic and the game really hooks me up until the end of the game. The story also has a well-balanced Romance, Sports, Slice-of-Life and Comedy. But what I really do not like the most is how it was ended. As it was released last 2013, I understand how fans are wanting to see more of Chihayafuru, some animes out there tend to end an anime in just one season enough. So cutting to that really, REALLY makes me want to see Chihayafuru more. But, since I'm late for the party, I've watched it this 2019 as I heard that the Season 3 is in the works. So, I gave it a try after watching some of the episodes before in our local Animax channel around 2014. At first, I don't really understand how the specifics works in this game, all I can see is just swiping cards and that was it. But as I watched the following episodes, all I can say is... Holy s***! That was good! But the cliffhanger is really a big nutcracker to me... I understand those who did waited for 3 years until the announcement of Season 2. But not me, though. Hahaha... :)

The Art is TOO BRIGHT, I had to adjust the brightness of our TV. I mean, jeebuz. But yeah, it's colorful indeed. But the brightness drawn in this game, especially when the competition or tournament arc came around, the insides really kind of messed it up for me, though. But the characters drawn here really characterize who they are. From a bland personality of Yumi Yamamoto to a beautiful girl like Chihaya. You get my point when it comes to the male counterparts...

Also, the character development, was achieved here also as well! I can't say more... :)

The Sound, hahaha... The opening song, YOUTHFUL by 99RadioService, really puts you on the edge of the seat and it is one of my favorite songs in an anime I've downloaded legally! I can't count how much I've repeated it and I don't skip them on the OP either. :) The Ending song, Soshite Ima by Asami Seto, was emotional too... That really balances on how the story has to offer for every following episodes. The cheerful song of YOUTHFUL represents the school life and describes the slice-of-life genre itself when comes to the tune while the melancholic tune represents the hint of what it is to come, mostly, hints about Chihaya wants to be with Arata. About a song depicts on no matter where is the lover is, she wants to know that she needs him and wants to meet him if they had a chance. The Voice Actors, is great too! I have no complaints. And the OST, the background musics on every episodes is, no doubt, one of the best composed songs I've ever seen that will definitely get you on the edge of your seats, especially when they are now playing Karuta.

Overall... despite this anime was focusing on girl demographic. I, for one, as a male demographic who likes a more competitive sports anime, fantasies, comedy and loves Slice-of-life anime, really sets my expectations to this anime what other anime has to offer. But the Karuta represents here was a bit rushed though, I really hope they do it longer for about two episodes and describe more about the sports itself, especially those who are not familiarized in this very unique sport from Japan. It might easily be missed, sure. But, I for one, wants to watch it more about the sport itself. I really do hope it would be better like this one, or even higher on Season 2 and it's upcoming sequel. :)

So, I'll give this anime... A GODDAMN 9/10!!! RECOMMENDABLE!!!

It's not your typical Initial D anime, if you think about it. However, when it comes to popularity, it was heavily overshadowed by it, but Wangan Midnight is still one of the rarest gems you should try to watch out for.

Wangan Midnight is the Street Racing equivalent of Initial D without Eurobeat. And unlike Initial D, it was not set on a canyons and mountains across Japan, but only from the real-life Bayshore Route of Shouto Expressway (also known as the "Wangan-sen") and on the latter episodes, in Osaka.

Also, the cars that represented here are not just Japan-made, but also some came from Europe as ... well. From a Ferrari Testarossa (which is very rare given that Ferrari is very strict to use rights of their cars for entertainment purposes) to the Porsche 930, better known as the "Blackbird" and as the rival of the Protagonist's Nissan Fairlady Z, also known as the "Devil Z" in both the manga and the anime.

So, as much as how positive the manga is, the adaptation, however, is not excellent or great as how Initial D executed. Even without the Initial D mentioning in this review.

(SPOILERS on the Story)
The story starts up to the protagonist, Akio Akiyama, who is a Senior High School as he is about to graduate only to repeat a grade due to his outstanding absences, even though his grade is good enough to move on to college. But as humble and gentle as he can be, he still shows his delinquent side of him by not going to school, even though he was been told by a teacher that he should go back or else, he's going to take another year again in High School. But he does not concern it as he do some part time in a local bar and he tends to do street racing more often after he bought the "possessed" Nissan Fairlady Z, best known for its' moniker "Devil Z" known for its' wicked power and handling,that few of its' owners died because of it, one of which is the original owner of the Z, also named Akio Akayama, who is the rival of Tatsuya Shima, driver of the Porsche 911 Turbo/ when he was crashed during their race. But the present and non-related to the original owner, Akio did not stop there and continues to drive it until he get the hang of the car to control it. He also faced tons of characters, ranging from Nissan Skylines, to Mitsubishi Lancers, to even its' rial, Tatsuya, and his Blackbird, to know who owns the "King" in Wangan Highway.
(SPOILER END)

The story is just focusing on one goal, to know who is the fastest on the Wangan Highway for both the rival (not to be confused, by the way, to the antagonist as there is actually no bad blood between them) and the protagonist, it's very plain and kind of anti-climactic. But if you are looking for some heart-wrenching backstories before the set of the race with a good yet expecting ending, then the other minor characters from the other episodes will try to tell their stories with some progress for the major characters in the story. With some major stories also from minor characters will reveal their intentions and relations to the Devil Z.

The Art for the anime is what you expect to the 2007 - 2008 anime, except they make the characters look a little realistic from their hairstyles to their clothes as well. The cars and the races on the hand, is surprisingly, they tend not to use too much 3D CGI animation unlike... you guessed it, BERSER--, I mean, Initial D, which are well known on their PS1 to PS2-graphics Artstyle.

If you don't like the OP and ED on this anime, then maybe you might like the Songs from their Car Engines whenever they installed their new turbos and modifications from the following episodes of this series. Because that's how I do feel about the OP and the ED as well. ED especially, but despite that I do have some love-hate relationship with the OP song, Lights and Any More, I felt kinda likable to the point that it felt too catchy to be likeable. It's like you hate the song, but later on, you start to like it a little until you just sing it out because who cares if you hate it though. The voice actors, one of which is Takumi VA, Shinichiro Miki, performed here in this anime is well-performed as well.

The characters in this anime, is actually very immersive and realistic that tends to compliments to the watchers as well. There are some of the characters stopped racing before until they later start to race again and promised that this will be their last time in exchange of the trust and promise related to the other characters after encountering the Devil Z, A character left to his respective racing group in order to chase his dream and defeat the Z on his own, the group would follow suit and also try to defeat the Z, a retired racer who later then encounter and heard the Devil Z and try to defeat him and others. I've already mentioned on the Story part of this review that they have different storylines but they are all connected and wanted to defeat the Devil Z. And for those who did not watched the anime yet, who do you think are the individuals that finally defeated the Z? Who are the victims that was loss against the Z? And yes, Z was defeated in this anime and there is no "Takumi Complex" from Initial D where the opponent wins until some miracle s*** happens to the opponent causing Takumi to get the win by default. Annoying isn't it? Maybe it was one of the protagonist's notorious cliche in animes. So... yeah. So don't expect Akio will suddenly win because SOMEONE THEN PUKE N THE MIDDLE OF THE RACE AND DECIDED TO TAKE HIS W BECAUSE THE AUTHOR OF THAT "MANGA" SAYS SO. I'M TALKING TO YOU "GOD HAND" AND SHUICHI SHIGENO. Weak b*astards. But I still love you, Initial D.

The fact is, this anime has some deep poetry that talks about the personality and the philosophy of cars like on Initial D. But unlike the latter, it has more dedication and understanding more in their cars than what they have in their lives. Yeah, it's deep. It's not just they talk on how fast their car was and talks about the specific specification used. But also on how the cars feel and the relationship between the driver and the car as well. Also, the battle climax is great as well with the help of the character's dialogue that tells about how they are doing and the cars they've using might have a lot of effects on it similar to how Initial D depicted. But unlike Initial D, the music used are the OST made for this anime. But it's not that bad, ranging from latin orchestra with some heavy-rock composition and it's piano composition which sounds like it was came from a horror film.

Overall, this anime is really recommendable to watch. It might sound boring at the first few episodes, but expect something very interesting at the following episodes to come. My cousin even liked this anime after for about few weeks after I recommended this anime to him since he is playing also the Wangan Midnight games in the arcade near us. So when he watched, he liked it... until the final episode shows up and it's ending. Whcih is skeptical.

This manga was all over the internet. From Internet Memes to Anime Forums, the reaction of Komi-san captivated by most anime and manga fans out there. And as I read it for the first time to know what the fuzz is about, the manga did not disappoint me!

Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu, is an ongoing coming-of-age, rom-com manga that makes it's waves on 2018. And boy, now I understand why.

The Story starts of with the protagonist, Hitohito Tadano as he starts his middle school escades as a "regular guy" in school. From there on, he meets Shouko Komi who suddenly became popular due to her naturislistic ... beauty and behavior. Upon arrival, the two had some awkward moments to each other (in which Tadano thought that Komi is a very cold demeanor to begin with) to the point that Komi reveals that she has a "communication disorder", that prevents her from talking as she is scared of being rejected from her peers. As Komi appologized Tadano that she might be a bother to him, Tadano replied about the weather and later told that he'll help her overcome her disorder by achieving Komi's goal — to have 100 friends. And since Tadano is already one of hers, he and Komi needs 99 more for her to achieve her goal.

The story that is currently on-going right now is, so far, pretty entertaining and heartwarming indeed. Although, there are still some chapters that are just fillers and doesn't need much necessity to add it there that I would just skip it for a few pages or so. But what I really looking forward the most in this manga is how will Tadano and Komi's relationship will lead up to! Yes, we all know that the two will end up eventually due to how close and awkward they are at the same time. And I really can't help myself whenever they are just the two of them together makes me want to push the ship even... FUTHER BEYOND!!!(In All-Might's voice from BnH)(HAH! REFERENCES!!)

But anyways, besides the hint-hint Love Story. The coming-of-age executed on this manga is kinda fair, there are some developments but it was largely overshadowed by the romcoms of Tadano and Komi so there are only few of them had given a chance to do so. More of it when we talk on about the characters. But the comedy... Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! See how many "HAHAHA's" that got? That's how great the comedy in this manga.

Before I go to the art, the characters on Komi-san, were introduced very plenty that you can't tell who is who. And thanks to the artwork though, we might get a little too confused if she is the same girl or a different girl (IE; there are two eye-glassed girls. One is the massochist, the other is the girl who is nice to Komi and a nerd for restaurants. I, originally thought they are the same until later on, I realized they are not.) And also, due to how a bit rushed it is, we never had a chance to know more about the other supporting characters other than just a brief comic relief character in a chapter or embarassing moments in the present chapter in the manga that leads up to either Komi or Tadano tries to comfort them.

As for the character development, there are still, I believe in my 140th chapters I've read so far, only two out of dozens of characters had a chance to develop... And, sadly I think I don't really feel like there's a development though. Komi is still struggling to improve her disorder, Tadano is still Tadano-kun(literally "Just a guy" in japanese), Najimi is still an unknown being/gender, Yamai is still F***ING annoying and so much more. It's sad though, despite that this is a coming-of-age anime, an manga that is all about development of being mature! And they are plenty of them, man! And if I had a chance to see who should need to have a great change, DEFINITE YAMAI so she can GTFO of Komi's life, jeez, she's so annoying! She's even worst than a stalker. But it's working to hate her as a yandere so I think it's working for her. Tch, Big deal... But I genuinely hate her though.

The art is well, fine, I guess. Sorry, I'm not really used to reading mangas due to how I am used to reading (hentai) manhwas (due to how colorful it is). But, I'm gonna say. The art is cute, especially Komi's expressions. But the art is... well, alright. I might get used to it someday, so sorry for this one.

Overall, what really matters the most is the execution of the story in this manga; The comedy, the romance and the heartwarming school-life scenario. But, as for her "disorder", I'd say it's a pretty convincing note that Komi is still trying to improve herself. But for now, the only person that she really needs her the most is Tadano.

Wow... I'm gonna say. I am not (yet) disappointed to Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu, despite of the dry development of all of the main and supporting characters thru out the chapters. The comedy is great, the pacing of the story is fine and the romance is still in he air for both of the major characters.

So, yes! Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu, is, in fact, RECOMMENDABLE to read!!

P.S: If the rumors are true, we might get an anime that we all wish for! So please support the official release of this manga!

That irony when the anime/manga teaches you about the in-depth analysis on almost every aspect of the human system than what it was being taught on your science class.

It's weird that the animes of 2018 this year is pack of more weirdness, unique characters and storylines, newer seasons and other overused/misused tropes for the past 10 months. And back on between mid-April to June when IGN, Kotaku and others announced an "Anime that's all about the blood cells."

At first, on paper, it sounded like a stupid idea to look forward to. But after patiently waiting for this anime to be finished airing, I've decided to ... watch it to know what's the fuss is all about. And it turns out, I've learnt something besides entertaining myself in this anime.

Enter "Hataraku Saibou" or "Cells at Work!" is a David Production anime series that tells the story of our blood cells and how they keep us at being alive and well, 24/7, 365 days a year. And in this 13-episodic series, I really had to consult my trusty google search, wikipedia and other doctrine sites to confirm these kinds of things that I haven't heard on my experience in both Elementary and High School days.

And I'm gonna say, I've learnt everything what I could grasp upon just to understand the human anatomy and how do they do it while laughing my a** off to almost cried on the final episode of this anime.

Basically, the plot is just put it into story for the entertainment. But behind of all that is that you are ACTUALLY learning from it and the anime gives you every piece of information about what are those characters are, how they affect the other cells and the internal organs in general, the cause and effect, etc.. It's honestly pretty unique for this type of anime to do this kind of trope. I don't know what are the other animes that serves both as an entertainment and educational in one package, but as a first time watching this anime with that kind of execution is, surprising, not that boring or cringey than what I've watched on TVs, especially western cartoons that tried their best to fuse the two one another and fail miserably to get as many audience as possible.

But in terms of executing comedy, Red Blood Cell's airhead-ness is always used as the main comedy device for every single episode. Which is kind of hilarious but it kinda worns out to me everytime they show her doing miserably at her work. Fighting sequences, however, is pretty bland. While some can takes for about 30 to a minute while watching mostly White Blood Cell slashing his ways onto defeating the antigens or Killer-T Cells punching their way thru the enemies, it's not that kind of a good one. But, I'm not always looking into that or expecting much of that anyways.

The art is great. I haven't heard David Production before until I realize they are also known for developing some of the Jojo's series (which I'm not a big fan of), it is not bad.

The sound in Cells at Work! is pretty much you would expect in this anime. The BGM is full of orchestrated scores consists of tones depending on the execution and how it needs to be represented. And I as what I expected, the scores are pretty much great. The opening and ending songs are also great as well. And Hana Kanazawa's portrayal as RBC and the other VA too are fantastic as well.

Character development is almost non-existent until the every end of the anime shows the determination of Red Blood Cell. The other cells however from the other episodes also has a good execution to this one. It honestly, kinds of a bit slow as we all know the anime is purely educational with some plot going on from here to there. But it safe to say that even though we almost didn't see that, we had some of it and the execution of it is not that bad to say the least.

Overall enjoyment, the anthropomorphic cells at Cells at Work! never fails me to give me a 9/10 due to how they've delivered this anime overall. It is surprising to say that this anime really packs a punch when it comes to the information given surrounding from Circulatory, to Respiratory to Digestive System. I'm kinda looking forward to the other Systems that they've did not tackle like the Nervous System, the production system (which is what I'M really looking forward to!) and others. So there you have it, Hataraku Saibou, a surprising example of entertainment and education fuse together and having a positive chemical reaction with a lot of love.

- Does it deserve my attention? Yes.

- Is it recommendable? ABSOLUTELY, especially if you have any friends or relatives who are interested learning about the functions of the system of the human body or those who are doing some research about it or taking a course relate to it.

- Does it need a Season 2? HOPEFULLY! AND I WOULD GLAD TO WATCH IT IN A HEARTBEAT.

This anime is so pure... I had to watch it thrice...

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon is purely great from it's standard point of plot and it's slice-of-life quirkiness to its characters. It's fun, not too shallow nor dull, but happiness with living color nonetheless.

Even though the story is quite odd from the beginning — where it tells a story of a living, breathing dragon that has the size of Kobayashi-san's apartment, that brings nothing but destruction and chaos, came to her apartment, hiring herself as a maid and has mad feelings to a human from the present day — the comedic approach and the running ... gags and random situations really stands up from all of it with a right amount of RomCom, fan service and story development.

The only thing that criticizes me is the last episode of the story. Sure, the ending is a good thing to wrap up this anime, but tends to leave a lot of unanswerable questions that put everyone in a cliffhanger... unless you read the manga, then you're the special snowflake in the room.

Other than that, the art... of course it was made by none other than Kyoto Animation. So, it kinda surprises me a little bit though. I kind of or not kind of expected that Kyoto made this because the it reminds me of Nichijou because of somewhat similar art style. So there's that. (Anyways, WHERE'S NICHIJOU SEASON 2, GODDAMNIT!!)

The sound is really great honestly. But the only sound I would like to hear is Kamui's voice... especially when she hums like a cute vanilla ice cream with cherry on top. Especially when she moans, I really, REALLY like to.. ohh shit, the FBI suddenly came into my room and he's about to smash me to the keyboa- aiohiahdfa; fphoa'hc'p hefajopdjoapjd'[pAJo...

But no, seriously, the voice actors and actress were great. The OP is catchy... but the ED is kinda on-par. Maybe it's cringey or it's just me.

The characters performed here are great. Memorable, rather. And they are actually adorable, honestly. I found Kobayashi-san cute honestly, and she kinda reminds me and also to everyone who are working in a unfriendly and toxic environment that drastically change her personality. To me, she's realistically as she gets to a real-life worker and keep on struggling just for a living and hanging on to an environment she usually doesn't like to work there. But she had a good and wacky relationship to Touru and the rest to keep her self more motivated and learn something more than that.

Overall, everything surrounds Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon is truly one of the best Slice of Life animes yet. Maybe a slight homage to the wacky world of Nichijou, which is another Kyoto Animation anime, and it's truly fun to watch. I have no words to describe as how charming this anime to me... So, just go and watch it!

Mod Edit: This review may contain spoilers.
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To start of my review, let me say that, as a simple fan of any british bands of the past decades or so, The Who's "My Generation" - which is the opening song of this movie - is pretty niche to be exact.

I was really surprised why they use it as an opening song. I was expecting to have a Japanese song for the opening for this movie (maybe Asian Kung-Fu Generation or ChouChou,) but instead, besides Radiohead(ED of Ergo Proxy) and Oasis(OP of Eden of the East), we got another british band to perform the Opening song ... of Koe no Katachi makes me, I don't know, a very big deal for me for some reason. Plus, besides of that, the song really fits in on the first part of Shouya's backstory and his friends back then when he was in an elementary school. Telling how cool Shouya was, how rebellious he is and how he spend his glory days on his elementary school, thinking about his generation back then. While playing the song on the background in a riffing bass-guitar tune with fast beating drums. This is also the same as how Pete Townsend, who wrote the song and the lead-singer of The Who, feels about the british youths back then and how "rebellious" they were. It also expressed their feeling that older people just don't get it.

Anyways, the story is pretty much complicated but a bit candid from start to finish without even explaining some of the details that I've seen on the manga. Quite frankly, the anime is pretty rushed if you look closely at the story and then compare it the manga. Some of the plot holes I've seen were:

1. I've never seen in this movie on how Shouko's mother accepts Shouya without any proper explanation nor representation as to why they've put aside their arguments already to one another. The manga has a pretty great process for putting more effort to make their relationship somewhat satisfying by showing some progress on how Shouya tries to give more effort to Shouko's mother so that she could slowly accept him who he is now and forget the former rebellious, young Shouya from the past.

2. I've also seen a missing link where Shouya returns to his old elementary school, which it was already shown in the manga. Including how his old teacher back then expressed on Shouya's development. There's also a surprise plot twist also, which I'm not going to say it here.

3. They are also doing a short indie film movie that is going to be shown at their school festival in which Nagatsuka and the rest of the gang joins in. Which is not shown here in the movie.

4. The manga also shows why Shouko's little sister took the matters on her older sister's hands by cutting her own hair, and keeping her on-guard whatever happens. This, also, is not shown in the movie.

5. And how Shouko's mother's relationship status changed from a married wife to a divorced wife. Including how Shouko's illness was a result for splitting them up. Also, not shown in the movie.

Honestly, there's so much more they would cover in it if they would put it into a TV series rather than a movie. Which is kinda of a letdown as there are so many plot holes that KyoAni didn't cover in this movie.

Maybe I'm the one who complain for someone who just a part of the audience who watches animes just for fun and not a part of the developers who make the anime. But, well, I can't help it. The fact on how fair the story is pretty nice for some anime watchers to be watch in a big screen. But as a manga reader, I honestly say, I was a little disappointed to say the least on how they skip some of the important plots in the manga and turn it into somewhat incomplete and unsatisfied conclusion in this movie. I mean, yeah, when Shouya already accepts around of his surroundings and he finally listens everyone's comments about him, positive or negative, I found this ending kinda...blank or lost at some point.

But that doesn't mean my 2-hours of watching this movie is just taking a piss break to me. I admit, I was a little disappointed, a LITTLE, but it's not that worst nor great. But rather, a pretty decent anime. At first glance, I was satisfied before I read the manga. But looking back again as I read the manga, it really has so many missing links in the movie itself.

But on the plus side, the theme about a bully who is now being bullied back then and now changing his own life by restarting is a pretty great feature. It's fine to say the least. And the character development was a bit dull here, but I would accept that because the story covers it all for them.

Overall, if you're just an anime watcher and not a manga reader, then watch it. It's worth a buck for this 2-hour binge-fest anime in your nearest theatres near you. But as a manga reader myself, I think it seems fair. But I might look forward to this series as it has so much potential to do a 12 or maybe 24 episodes as a TV Series. I still keep my heads held high for this one. But for now, in my opinion to this movie, I would honestly say that it was a rushed development to make it into a movie. I was entertained, yes. But I'm still in doubt if this is worth a cent to watch this movie. But, I would still support it despite of the letdown. Especially the manga, which is worth to read and reveals everything and everyone surrounding by it.

But, again, the movie is fine, the story is fair and the character development is kinda dull but acceptable. I'm kinda mixed to criticize at this movie. But... well, I think I'll gave it a fair 6/10 movie. It's not a very low score, and it's not a very bad adaptation either. But I think, at my honest opinion, I was kinda overwhelmed on how it was delivered from start to finish. But I think it is very recommended those who didn't read the manga. If only I didn't read the manga in the first place, I might give this one an 8 or a 9. But, well, because I already seen the manga and it's ending of it, and compare it to the movie. I'll gave it a 6. It's not worst, nor excellent. But rather a fair score.

OreGairu is pretty great season, sure. But if you wanted to dig in for more OreGairu stuff like this one, filled with a lot of funny moments and maybe a brighter tune, especially those who didn't read the LN and stick to the anime instead, well, I hate to break this up to you, but this season, everything gets serious.

As OreGairu.Zoku starts off with a melodramatic opening, you expect something like; maybe there's going to be a love chemistry is about to happen between Yui and Yukino because of what they've shown you at the Episodes 1 and 2 of the opening, and maybe Hachiman ... is going to decide who's, who is going to be his best girl. But it turns out, it's just a beta opening and the REAL OPENING VTR is actually on the episode 3, showing every single characters from the past recurring to this season.

*HEAVY SPOILERS*
I don't know about you, but that was false advertising at the first two episodes of the opening. I was expecting more love stories like what it was depicted on the title of the anime. But I think I saw some glimpse of it, like when the whole students of Sobu High went camping on the last season, Tobe, Hayato's friend, asked who's Hayato's crush during that night before they went to sleep and after he agitated for his own purpose he finally just gave an initial "Y", putting another mystery who's Hayato's crush is. And there's also another glimpse when Yukino told Hachiman to save her when in doubt during their time in Destiny Land (AKA Disneyworld) and Yui was selfish on the last episode of the series, indicating that she's "selfish" and wants to get everything around her in the club. Which, of course led to a high-pitched cliffhanger when Yukino was about to said their "Final Request".
*SPOILERS END*

To be honest, I really wasn't expecting that they've thrown more of it's comedy content to make it more melodramatic and emotional. And to make it more special, they've also added some love story hints in this newer season of OreGairu than the previous season.

To top it more off, this season just really depicts more on sociology than the last season. It talks more on how superficially the clique of Hayato has, how one simple confession will turn something worst for their group, and how Hachiman's sacrifices himself will come to an end. This whole series is pretty great when it comes to using the character development method, making it more useful to the whole storyline and make it more sensual to the plot.

If you're looking for some great slice-of-life anime just go watch first the first season of OreGairu, then go for this one. You can skip the OreGairu OVA if you want, as it's just a very simplistic filler for the first season.

To conclude my review, I'd say, just go for it if you're interested to some deep Slice-of-life anime that talks more about the consciousness of the society and matter of friendship and trust. Some reviewers says that this anime depicts how it is in real life, but I'll leave that one as plausible.