"Holy Shit, that’s me! That is totally me, I swear this exact awkward thing happens to me. I never get the girl or boy- I never get invited to parties and no one likes talking to me. TOMOKO IS MEEEEEEEE!"
*Nervously coughs*
Watamote truly succeeds in making you feel of all of those things and also makes you feel as if you are watching a show based on your life. Well, that’s what I felt because I am in a sense a lot like Kuroki. Just not as sexually frustrated or hungry for popularity that is.
I mean, when you watch a anime you usually feel like projecting yourself onto the main character- especially when it’s a harem. However, in this show you don’t want to project yourself onto Tomoki- but you still can’t help but admit that you are just like her. Unless, you are popular and pretty then get the fuck out of here! *no not really though!*
That is the thing about Watamote I personally liked the most- but sadly that just was not enough to make the show stand out. But, I will get to the major issues of this show later.
The show hardly has any characters worth talking about except for our main female protagonist Tomoko Kuroki. Now, there are some things I loved about her and somethings I didn’t. But, don’t worry the positives outweigh the negatives. Tomoko is a very interesting character and the problems she faces are something that many people, especially girls go through in high school. She has trouble expressing herself to others- not to mention you feel bad for how lonely she is. That’s why you want to root for her to the end. But, the main thing that made me care for her was of course her personality and that she is painfully shy like muah over here. This girl is hilarious and basically every otaku’s spirit animal. She is a weird and crazy chick that is hands down epic. Reason why you don’t care that the show hardly has any memorable supporting characters.
Now, the things I disliked about her character is her strong belief that she needs to be popular and also her lame attempts in becoming so. I know she is lonely and she does deserve close friends- but in the show’s twelve episode run she never realized that life in high school isn’t the end of the world. Not to mention, the actions she takes to get friends or become popular make me just nod my head left to right in disappointment. Cause, not even I was this desperate despite the fact I spent almost of my high school life in the corner of the class alone. Heck, I still do in college!
One thing that bugged me, is that no one came to Kuroki’s aid. Her parents nor her brother ever helped her come out of her shell and neither did her middle school friend. It isn’t hard to realize how shy this girl is and no one supported her at all. I swear, this show would have been a whole lot better if they introduced a character who helps out Kuroki. They were actually hinting at something like later on- however the show ended before it could happen.
Watamote is a show that will disappoint many people- because it goes nowhere. Every episode is in the same pattern where you see Tomoko struggle and epically fail. That’s the show in a nutshell and it doesn’t try anything new than that. After a few episodes, it’s get repetitive and you really wish there was more to it than just that. One thing Watamote does well is executing its comedic moments and cause they knock those parts right out of the park. I remember, that there were certain moments where I just freaking lost it
The show tries so hard not to be like those clichéd shoujo and or school anime- and heck even pokes fun at them –not to mention they throw in a shit tonne of anime references which is enjoyable. But, in the process of doing so- Watamote forgets to actually present a show in which the audience will find satisfying. Our main character hardly changes despite all that happens to her and hence the story suffers a lot from it. Not to mention, the lack of impactful characters is a huge flaw of its own.
As for the animation it is pretty standard fair and something that suits this type of show very well. The main issue I have with it would the disappearing faces on the characters- not to mention all the silhouettes. But, some times they played a role at showing how lonely Tomoko really is. The character designs are nothing that original either- well except for Kuroki and her brother. I swear, they look like Moe anime characters after having a bad hangover. I loved their designs as from just looking at these two you are like "Yep these are geeks who stay up late at night playing hentai games!"
The soundtrack for Watamote was very average and it’s basically ‘Moe’ meets metal. And to be honest I am not a big fan of the opening. The animation is cool- but the lyrics and beat really do not scream greatness for me. One track I really did love from Watamote was called ‘ Tear Breaker’ and that was honestly the only thing that stood out. That song however sounds like it belongs on Fate/Zero’s album though!
Lastly, other than its realistic portrayal of a shy and introverted otaku- Watamote also has a good dub. Monica Rial gives an excellent performance as Tomoko Kuroki- and I must admit it’s probably one of my favorite performance of hers. Yes, sometimes I get annoyed how she uses the same voice for most of her characters- but that wasn’t the case Watamote. Yes, you still could tell it’s her- but you can also tell Monica was having fun voicing Tomoki and also did a great job of emoting the character perfectly. The supporting cast members did a great job too and so Emily Neves who was the ADR director did a brilliant job with this dub. The dialogue was entertaining as hell and the cast members really gave it their all.
In a nutshell, Watamote is not the worst anime I have seen but it is really disappointing. It could have been something great- but it wasted all of its potential. Instead of developing Tomoko and making her story more interesting- they kept recycling the same gag in hopes that it would stand out and be better than any other typical school anime. Not to mention- the ending of the show didn’t even feel like it helped conclude the story in any way possible.
The show is by no means is boring- and it has some great moments. However, overall the show will make you feel as if you have gained nothing from watching it. And so, I am going to award Watamote with a 6 and that it was ‘Meh!’ If Watamote, does ever get another season I will definitely watch it- with hopes it will fix all the issues I recently addressed. But, I doubt it ever will !
