"Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai" (nicknamed "Haganai" and released under this title in North America) is what I like to called a "harem" anime; a guy surrounded by a bunch of beautiful and different types of girls and they do normal things that seem better with cuties around. However, I don't see this anime too cliche.
The story of this series takes you an emotional roller coaster throughout the twelve episodes, shifting moods very often and have an interesting dynamic. The story centers around a boy named Kodaka who moved back to his childhood home and transferred into a Catholic school in his second year. Already mistaken for a delinquent, he ends up not having any friends. However,in over a month's time, he finds himself surrounded by girls once he is forced to join "The Neighbors Club" by Yozora (already sounds like Kyon and the S.O.S. Brigade, right?), a girl who looks like she has issues and has an imaginary friend named Tomo who is made of air. Along with Yozora and the other club members, it feels like they are all constantly fighting for Kodaka's attention. So far, it all seems like the have an interesting past but very few have been revealed. Overall, the story felt like it was indeed interesting. Though, it obviously craves for more detail. But that is the kind of thing that makes the story thrive and progress, which leaves a lot to be revealed in the future which is why I am glad there is a second season.
I enjoyed the art and animation from this series, though, it was nothing spectacular. What I really enjoyed about the art was the landscape scenes and other background elements. From the country side where Kodaka lives with mountains and fields to the architecture of the Catholic school, it is all very beautiful. The characters designs are very interesting through it feels like there is a base for each teenage female character and one for female children characters. The only distinguishable things between the girls were their hight, bust size, eye color and shape, and overall hair style. I have not seen many male characters other than Kodaka so I cannot say it is the same for the males but I wouldn't expect much.
I actually enjoyed this series a lot because while this show is not about about how to make friends, it is about social outcasts being awkward together and their interactions. Being that, it is kind of scary how much I relate to some of the characters. Whether it be about cell phones ("Oh, yeah! I can use my cell phone to call someone else besides home and my sister") or going to public places ("I have social anxiety"), I understand where the characters are coming from. There are plenty of intentional innuendoes but I believe that is to be expected from outcasts who have just way too much time on their hands. Also, there are hits of different fanservice but I do believe that being of a seinen demographic, it is to be expected. I can easily overlook the ecchi but that is mostly because I find a lot of it hilarious. It was indeed a "slice of life" series though, it really leaves you hanging for the next season. There is indeed an internal battle going on inside of each of the characters that I think most people over look. That is why I look forward to the next season.
