I don't write reviews often, but this is the first time I've felt so betrayed by the scoring this anime has gotten on MAL. Now, I wasn't expecting an action packed shounen. I read the description, and I thought it was a unique and original approach to the genre. Watching the adventures of two boys striving to become famous mangaka was, for me, both realistic and inspiring.
Needless to say, I was sorely disappointed in the execution of the story. The pacing was agonizing slow, and there seemed to be no real progression. Although I understand shounen requires buildup, this was atrocious. It was nauseating to have to sit through each episode, hoping that the next would be better. I kept telling myself to just wait it out... just wait it out.
Although I understand the characters endeavors contain setbacks, they were very linear. There were no suggestions for an alternative route (really, you can't think of any other place or company to start other than Shonen Jump?). There was nothing refreshing after their failures... you just grit your teeth as they try the same thing again. Bring in a school event, or take them to an art exhibit in Tokyo... ANY change of scenery for pete's sake.
If there was anything worse than the story execution, it was the character dynamics. The main character is an unappealing narcissist with literally no redeeming qualities. Luckily Takagi and Miyoshi provide something light and refreshing with their quirky natures. Miho makes me want to jab my eyes out with how two-dimensional she is as the main characters love interest. How is this anime fit to be called a romance, when there's more romance between the side characters than the main one.
Moving on, the art was mediocre for its age, and the animation was far from amazing. The sound and music isn't anything significant to make notice, as it leaves little to no impression on the viewer.
Story: 6
Art: 5
Sound: 2
Character: 1
Enjoyment: 1
Overall: 5
I have never been so disappointed about a shounen/romance anime with a rating above 8 before. Don't waste your time.
