From the same author who brought us last year's Mitsuboshi Colors (damn, that was a great kids show), Katsuwo's 2nd manga adaptation outing, is based on a group of middle-school girls, starting with the one that has social anxiety: Hitori Bocchi (her literal name meaning 'all alone'). Being concerned over the fear that Bocchi has in making new friends, Bocchi's only elementary school friend Kai Yawara ((her literal name meaning 'soft'), abandons her in the prospect that she could develop the courage to make new friends and start all over again (which when we think of it, isn't a bad thing, but then again who knows). This is also the voice of an entirely new seiyuu, Chisaki Morishita, whose debut with Bocchi was a perfect fit. Looking forward to more roles from her.
The first friend that she is able to befriend with, is the fearsome, tough-looking appearance of Sunao Nako (her literal name meaning 'honest child'). Amidst the beginning filled with troubles from Bocchi in all 4 directions, Nako doesn't hesitate to criticize Bocchi, but also instead helps mother her and nurture her progress for the future friends in the series. She's one tough kid by appearance, but a kind and sincere heart on the inside.
The second friend, is my pick for the best girl in the series, the loser-faced, unfortunate-written class vice-president Honshou Aru (her literal name meaning 'having a hidden nature'). Despite her leadership, she often puts on facades to hide her other-self: a life that is unfortunate and heavy curses as she goes. AND despite all that, Bocchi is willing to put up with Aru, and Nako and Bocchi gain another friend, though after that point she becomes the "unfortunate" running gag of comical hilarity, always headbutting Nako.
The third friend, is the Naruto-girlish foreigner Sotoko Rakita (her literal name meaning 'came from outside'). Apparently, Sotoka (which is what Bocchi would mention her after they become friends) came to Japan on the affluence that ninja exists (and yes, she isn't technically wrong, just on a different timeline), and after her encounter with Bocchi, resolves her imaginations, on the hope with Bocchi would one day show her true colours. And yes, Bocchi is not (a ninja), taking this chance to clear things up with her and become from Master-Apprentice to full-on friends.
The fourth classmate, the no-friend-policy, scary-looking Kako Kurai (her literal name meaning 'dark past'). She is the stuck-up character, the person whom doesn't want to be affliated with anyone, the outcast. Her personality as a disciplined public morals officer/prefect already gives off the impression of friends avoiding her; a challenge to her policy of individualism. And with a spark, sets of the relationship of Bocchi and Kurai as rivals.
The fifth classmate (probably the last to showcase), Mayo Ojosa (her literal name meaning 'I'm a rich girl'), she has having problems with the shift in classes (something that Bocchi has to constantly worry about EVERY year), leading to her loneliness, with her butler the only "family member" due to the heavy absentia of her parents. And as always, Bocchi aims to do something that would make her feel belonged, and the friendship games never stop.
Phew, I'm about almost done, as more characters actually show up in the manga source material, but for the sake of the anime adaptation, what's added is added into this review. Throughout the course of friendship, Bocchi has been gaining some and losing less, and that is a good thing. In the midst of these challenges, some nudges are needed to create a catalyst for things to happen, and Bocchi took all advice from her new-found friends.
(And we all secretly wished we needed more of "Zan'nen" Aru, she's so fun and great as a support character!)
Over on the graphics department, Studio C2C's bright colourful colour palette with plain but calming visuals give the series a look that probably can only exist within the settings of the said environment itself. Bringing the 4-koma manga adaptation into colour all around, I must say this is quite the experience. Simple-looking but vibrant to the sights. Sound-wise, it's OK really, nothing that really stands out quite per se, good set of OP and ED plus the entertaining background musics of serious and comedic moments.
Overall, Katsuwo's efforts of a resurgence with this anime adaptation isn't gonna turn many heads (like how Mitsuboshi Colors does), but at least it's a good time to spend upon the times of friendship. Making new friends and hanging out together, this serves as the crux of the series, and nothing more. Definitely felt the sleeper-hit charm that it has, and it will always stick that way, at least for this season.
Me: Now I really want to make friends...here on MAL? There's TOO MANY, I too shy already :(
