I know I've used this word a fair amount during recent reviews, but i can't think of anything more appropriate. Wakamote is a very intimate and personal depiction of a girl - who may as well not exist in the eyes of her classmates.
Otaku, Mojo, Recluse, Dysfunctional, Shut-in... Once you step into the shoes of Tomoko - who appears to closely relate to all of these terms, you'll understand loneliness and social anxiety on a whole new level.
Due to this blatantly dark overriding theme, you'd think it would be quite a depressing anime to watch. While it is all very tragic when put into into perspective, Wakamote utilises a conflicting combination of comedy, realism and SoL styled expression that makes it quite a peculiar watch.
In terms of presentation, Wakamote, from start to finish unfolds through the eyes (and mind for that matter) of our beloved heroine: Tomoko. The show makes use of powerful SoL elements such as expression of her thought processes - through mental monologues and rants, and the inclusion of exaggerating, comedic visuals. Ultimately, this combination allows for the anime to be extremely expressive, and therefore easier to get into.
The plot line is simply Tomoko's journey through typical high school life, as she tries to make use of radical, and often illogical methods to become popular - which ironically would make her a less interesting, less edgy and relatable character if this were an easy feat for her. As an anime that incorporates a lot of SoL themes, it's main strength shines through the character craft more so than the chronological order of events - which is definitely something to keep in mind if you weren't already aware.
Now when i say characters, i basically just mean Tomoko when it comes to Wakamote; as she is the only properly developed presence - talk about putting all your eggs in one basket huh Sqaure Enix. Fortunately, having Tomoko as the particularly blatant focal point of the franchise did wonders for the show's atmosphere from a wider scope. Having only one character that you truly get to experience the personality of, made the series seem more intimately detailed, personal, and gave a great sense of defiance of, and struggle against modern society.
Tomoko thinks and speaks a lot of truth i must say; and her particularly lonesome lifestyle is definately not far fetched or alien. Despite how the comedy side of the show makes her out to be a bit of a freak, i feel that Tomoko gives Wakamote all of its charm, as a lot of the social topics covered and presented as serious undertones throughout are just so relatable for many. Obviously not to this extent, but i can definitely resonate from experience with Tomoko's plight, as that's really what the show is about...
Wakamote is a tragic and serious, yet lighthearted and charming, awareness-raising expression of a variety of everyday social plights. Some may find comfort this realism, whereas others may simply laugh at Tomoko's eventful, and yet lonely life. No matter which side of the fence you're on, i'd say that those who're looking for a SoL that's not entirely rainbows and lolipops have found a good match. Looking back at the series, it would have been nice to have some sequential story presentation to compliment Tomoko's journey of self-discovery, or more appropriately: self-confirmation... But asides from this, and the general lack of depth - mostly down to general time-scaling, i thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Mostly i'd say this was because i enjoyed the refreshing craft of Tomoko as a character - and so it was a pleasure to get to better understand her slightly psychopathic personality (like mine).
~ No matter how i look at it. It's you guys' fault i'm not popular! ~
