Was it worth the hype?
STORY (6/10):
A simple slice-of-life story is always nice, especially after you've just watched something really dark or with a lot of crazy plot twists. However, not as much was done with the story as could have been.
The story does make a slow progression throughout, which is very enjoyable to watch. However, without spoiling anything, it sort of...collapses on itself in the last few episodes. Characters seem to be regressing, almost like they were fearful if they wrapped up the story there'd be absolutely no potential for a second season or something. I don't know.
ART (8/10):
Kuma Miko has lots of vibrant backgrounds that will make you wish you yourself could visit their little island. Not only that, but Natsu's facial expressions are always adorable. The small eyes really sell the cute factor.
SOUND (8/10):
There is no English dub at the moment, but if there is one I wish the best for it. It'd be hard to out-perform this Japanese track, which had plenty of great emotion and acting.
The OP and ED were pretty good, but nothing exceptional. Your typical slice-of-life-type music.
However, there is one piece of music in the show I'd like to comment on: the bit that is used at the eyecatch. It's an old man going "Hoooo, hey, hoooo hey, hoooooo!" That is going to be stuck in my head for days. Curse and thank you, Kuma Miko.
Also, props to the guy who did it, because I'd probably snap my vocal cords in half if I tried to hit that high.
CHARACTER (6/10):
The protagonist is a very likable character, and she's definitely relatable to anyone who has ever moved from country to city life or suffers from social anxiety. One character I noticed a lot of people disliked was Yoshio, as people interpreted his character as creepy/pervy. However, he has good intentions and I could take or leave him.
As I mentioned in the "Story" section, characters seem to regress at times, which was unfortunate.
ENJOYMENT (7/10):
A very easy show to watch. While it wasn't absolutely hilarious in terms of the comedy, there were a few solid gags in each episode.
OVERALL (7/10):
In conclusion, I would say this is worth a watch. Don't go into it expecting 100% satisfaction or anything remarkable. Go into it expecting a fun slice-of-life story with some forgivable flaws.
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CONTENT ADVISORY: This show is mainly PG-13 because of a risque gag scene in the first episode. The episodes after that are fine for most children, with the only issues being infrequent mild language and misinterpretation of Yoshio's motives.
