But every now and then something comes out of a country which is universally hilarious and azumanga daioh is one of these gems of comedic genius and I'll tell you for why! it's because azumanga doesn't focus on humour that relates particularly to Japanese customs or ways of life, and in the rare occasions where they do it cleverly crafts its characters so that their mannerisms are what creates the humour rather than the cultural reference. In this respect anyone can find it funny, because its humour comes from the souls and personalities of its characters.
story: 10
Azumanga is based on a 4 panel comic, so it's set up as a series of small stories which revolved around specific characters. The stories aren't profound or new their just every day happenings in the lives of the 6 schoolgirls and their 2 teachers, and it's here that everyone can relate to the story because it's just an easily recognisable environment rather than just something the Japanese people would recognise.
But overall the stories are simple and don't linger and every second of every story is important and there are no throw away moments throughout the show, but perhaps one of the greatest achievements of this show is its pauses. Pauses are part of the basics of comedic because a well orchestrated pause can intensify the effect of the punchline, however, pause for too long and the punchline can suffer, you could say that there's a goldilocks zone when it comes to pausing. Azumanga's pauses are flawlessly executed and the effect is a punchline that leaves you in stitches, or sometimes there isn't really a punchline but rather the characters give you an expression then repeat what the other character has just said. either way the result is high class hilarity.
art: 10
Some people would think the art is a bit too childish but i beg to differ, it's all well and good to say that art should look modern and sophisticated but the simple art style of azumanga is by no means poor, in fact it is perfect for this particular type of show. The art in Azumanga allows the characters expressions to b exaggerated and the movements can be quite minimalistic which also adds to the comic way the characters express themselves. The art is almost as fundamental to the comedy as the characters themselves.
sound: 9
The sound is very good if not repetitive, but this doesn't damage the show at all in fact it fits the show like a glove and is as minimalist as the art in its execution. The sound effects are exaggerated and sudden which also helps carry the humour of a particular scene.
character: 10
Here is where the humour comes from in full force. The characters in this anime are brilliant with the child genius, the hyperactive one, the tall cool beauty with a fluffy personality, the weight obsessed glasses girl, the jock, and the air headed southerner. All have distinctly unique personalities which play off each other so well that you'll be laughing till you lose your voice. All that being said, the queen of comedy in this show is by far, Ayumu AKA Osaka who has the best seiyuu I have ever heard and her voice and mannerisms fit so well that you'll miss her if it switches to a different character. She literally steals the show as soon as she's introduced, and has some classic one liners that will floor the audience particularly when related her obsession with sea slugs.
one thing that I found interesting is that she is ditzy but isn't incredibly stupid and she often talks to others about things she's noticed about the way words are said or written in Japanese only to follow the silence with a particularly stupid remark. This plays with the audiences expectations quite nicely as it makes the audience think woah, that's not that dumb how odd, then when she remarks in a stupid way we are brought back to reality realising ah, yeah she's still dim.
enjoyment: 10
Only people with no personality or life experience or emotions could possibly not find this the funniest anime they have ever seen, because this anime could keep you laughing no matter how many times you watch it through.
overall 10
World class humour, and sure to be a classic for decades.
