On the surface, Midori no Hibi has a very strange and somewhat off-putting premise. Everything about the sentence above screams out "ECCHI! FANSERVICE! GROPING! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!". A pervert's RIGHT HAND turns into a little (moe) girl? Sounds like another excuse to dish out awkward sexual situations in our daily dose of Japanimation.
Yet, somehow, the anime pulls it off. What we end up with is a heartfelt, sweet, funny romance story, and while, yes, there is some nudity and groping (though perhaps not by the people you expect...), it doesn't take predominance over the story or character development.
Story (8):
It's a weird one, but one that's told in a very satisfying way. The anime does not focus purely on the two main characters and their feelings, it branches out to develop the people surrounding them. In particular, the impact on Midori's family helps balance out the dream-like situation of the young girl, and the harsh reality of those she has left behind.
The series is kept compact, but without dishing out the same old shlock every episode. Every episode has something different happening, be it absurd or dramatic.
I think most of all, Midori no Hibi doesn't focus purely on the stupid elements of their core idea, they don't devote episodes purely for "hi-jinks", there is always that sad, realistic undertone throughout the show.
Art (8):
Kazurou Inoue who wrote the original manga, has a very distinctive style to his art, one that not everybody will enjoy, but I do, in the same way I enjoy his art in Ai Kora!.
The main character (aside from Midori), Seiji, looks a lot like Hachibe from Ai Kora! if he dyed his hair blonde. They even have the same fox-eyed look.
The girls are nicely drawn too, though in the anime they can sometimes look a little bland or out of proportion, but it's rarely noticeable. The anime adapts Inoue's work well, and the crisp colors and lines make it a joy to watch.
Sound (8):
The music box tune was well used for emotional emphasis, and most of the other tracks worked well for what they were conveying. Not the most memorable soundtrack but still pretty good. The opening and ending were nice.
I would give this a 9 if it was based purely on the voice-work. I watched Midori no Hibi dubbed, upon someone's recommendation, and it turned out to be one of the best dubbed anime I've watched. I can't recommend it highly enough. Seiji's VA does an excellent job of portraying the humor in the script, and some of the funniest moments involve his reactions. Look out for the short but sweet (and by sweet I mean hilarious) musical numbers.
Character (9):
I loved every character to be found here. I will never cease my praise of Inoue's ability to make even the most despisable of character tropes likeable. Even the tsundere (sort of), the bullying older sister and the annoying little brat are all actually cool characters, because they are given multiple facets to their personalities, rather than being defined solely by their core trait. The characters feel like characters.
Seiji and Midori make a lovely couple (does that sound right?). I found myself rooting for Midori's love as much as I encouraged Seiji to find his own true love and...this is getting way too soppy.
Side characters are nicely done. Takako is actually very sweet, Osamu is a funny sidekick, the cast are generally pretty awesome.
Enjoyment (9):
I enjoyed the hell out of this show and can't wait to read the manga. It's comedy was what I enjoyed the most, and there wasn't one episode when I wasn't laughing aloud. I could have easily watched more, and I hope that the manga continues the story further. One of the most enjoyable anime I've ever seen.
Overall (9):
I think I've fairly nailed down my points here, there really is nothing else to say. Midori no Hibi is a charming, sometimes naughty *wink wink*, and often hilarious anime, one that I highly suggest watching. If you haven't seen it yet, please go check it out, and see what it's all about. Over and out.
....-_- lame...
