To be honest I wasn’t a fan of highschool romance anime i watched some clips in youtube and i find them annoying. However the only reason I decided to watched Maison Ikkoku because it's not set in school and it was made by same creator of Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura and Inuyasha (which were crazy and enjoyable shows). Unlike other romance animes which is about 24 to 40 eps long. Maison ikkoku is the most longest romance anime which is about 96 eps. However unike those series (which are slice of life comedy) Maison ikkoku is both slice of life comedy, coming of age and romance. However it is a story of progression during its 96 eps run.
Story- The story is simple and that's why i like it more (no supernatural power shit or magical girl). It is set in real world. The story is about Godai a ronin boy (means who failed to pass 10) and a tenant in Ikkoku apartment. He tries but couldn’t concentrate bcuz of his other (evil) tenants. So, one day he decides to leave the house but a new manager named Kyoko came in (who is a second protagonist in the story). She is very beautiful that's why Godai couldn’t leave the house. The main focus of the story is Godai and Kyoko getting together. But It's not only that. It also focus on Godai have to chose a career and getting a job to propose to Kyoko when he will have a right. Kyoko is also most complex character (bcuz of spoilers i will not say anything..). They also meet by so many misunderstanding and crazy side characters.
Art- even though some might find the artstyle dated. But I think this is the most richest artstyle of 80s anime. There are also difference between the first 26 eps and the rest (which were beautiful looking). The art of the anime is also better than its source material (manga). I find the art style charming and nostalgic.
Sound- The soundtrack of this show is amazing and my favourite. It’s may be the only long anime that i love all of the ops and eds. They create an atmosphere and mood. The songs they used in emotional eps are amazing
Characters- now this huge talent of Rumiko Takahashi (creating crazy characters. But unlike urusei yatsura and ranma 1/2 the crazy aspect of characters toned down a bit. The story is about our main protagonists (Kyoko and Godai) getting together. But some other characters also made this enjoyable. Godai's love rival Mitaka (who is rich and wants to marry kyoko and the events in eps 82-84 is tear-jearking) and Kyoko's two love rivals Kozue (who acts more of little sister than rival) and Yagami (who is actually the pillar during the second half of the story) (who is high school student have a crush on Godai. The ending of each character arcs is good.
Enjoyment- Now to watch Maison ikkoku you need two thing one is be patient and the other is also be patient. Because you're gonna achive a huge reward through the end. Like i did. It's the Most enjoyable show.
Overall- As I stated earlier Maison ikkoku is one of my fav shows (there is nothing like it in romance genre, as most of them are highschool snobs getting together). You'll never find anything like maison ikkoku. I highly recommend Maison Ikkoku for the anime fans who are looking for good niche anime. Plz watch it Through the end.
Alternative Recommendations- kimagure orange road(similar art style and the invention modern highschool romance) and Touch(which is my favourite anime, check out my review of touch for more details)
Rating- 11/10😁😊😇
