This anime revolves around six employees at Uma no Hone comic shop, all with unusual names -- or nicknames to be exact. Among the cast is Umio, newest employee at Uma no Hone, Sensei, a mangaka by the name of "Jona Taro", "Director", acting leader apart from the manager, Hio-tan, a newbie to the manga world, Sommelier, a quiet guy whose face is never seen, Fu Girl, the zombie lover, and Kameko, the camera shy photographer. This anime is pretty basic -- it's about the workers at the shop, and their interactions with each other all orbiting the manga world.
While it didn't have much of a story, Denki-gai was the perfect light hearted comedy to watch. Each episode covered a different experience, with different characters. I was glad to see that the anime focused on all the main characters instead of just following one and their interactions with the whole group. Each episode had to have at least one inappropriate happenstance, whether it was a ramble about the panty shot, a speech about boobs, or a talk about girl power. Each inappropriate aspect of the anime was approached so uniquely, that it turned out comedic, and fun to watch. It was a pleasant surprise that this anime also includes budding romances between characters. It's really a sweet sight to witness.
Asato Mizu's, the author of Denki-gai, art style is pretty simple, but exceedingly cute. Each character, while you can tell they're from the same anime, has its own unique look, and Mizu displays her artistic prowess quite nicely throughout the animation. There wasn't a single episode that seemed kind of off in someway, nor were there any awkward transition, to my knowledge. The backgrounds were fully developed, and the art style helped give this anime its light-hearted feel.
The music fit perfectly with every action scene. The opening and ending songs are very catchy, and by the twelfth episode, I was humming along to both of them. What bothers me is, why is the opening all about an apple?! The lyrics are about an apple, the animation's about an apple -- it leaves me very confused. This anime isn't even about and apple, and the place they work at is called AmaUsa....Bunnies plus apples equal confusion.
Each character is well-developed, and each gets their well-deserved screen time. Umio, being the newest employee doesn't have a nickname yet, but he's a hard worker, has some talent in drawing, and is an anime nerd to the bone. Sensei is a capable girl, and very good mangaka, but lacks "girl power." "Director" is a pervert. But an attractive pervert when drawn right. Hio-tan is the least "cultured" of the group, not very well-versed in anime culture. She's the girliest, and is very clumsy, often resulting in accidents of some sort. Sommelier is a big, quiet guy with an immense knowledge of anime, manga, and the like. He has a deep fondness for cats, and his face is hardly seen. Fu Girl is, surprisingly, a high schooler with a love for zombies. She's the loli, but very cute, even with her zombie quirk. Kameko is the supporting loli, with exploding curly hair that she tries to hide with her hat. She takes photos of the group, and doesn't interact very much, preferring to stay on the sidelines. Every character is so diverse from the other, it's refreshing. None is developed too much over the other, and they all make the anime seem balanced.
I rather enjoyed watching this anime. It was produced very well, and kept my attention for all twelve episodes it showed for. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take a break from animes with storylines, and just needs a good laugh. This anime is hilarious, and had me holding my sides at a point.
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Story - 7
Not much of a story, but the characters are developed, each gets an appropriate amount of focus, each episode is funny, relationships develop, and it's good for a laugh.
Art - 7
The artwork is simple, but cute. Offers a lighthearted atmosphere.
Music - 7
Sweet OSTs that match the anime's mood, catchy OP and ED. I'm just SO CONFUSED by that apple in the OP, though.
Character - 9
Beautiful character development. Each gets perfect amount of screen time. None majorly more developed that the other. Interesting characters, all differing in personality.
Enjoyment - 9
Great for a good laugh. Nice, easy going pace. Kept my attention the entire time.
Overall - 7.8
Overall, this anime was very enjoyable. It was nice to take a break from all the serious plots this season. I would recommend this to those looking for an easy, good laugh.
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Favorite Character: "Director"
Favorite Ship: "Director" x Hio-tan
