Azumanga Daioh is a very pleasant view of the lives of little funny characters that have their funny interactions and relationships in funny picturesque ways that often feel like listening in on a genuine conversation in school between longtime friends. There is never conflict any more dire than someone forgetting their lunch, characters never argue to the point of breaking apart and in general nothing changes save for the girls going from their first year of school to second and then third. This light approach to continuity means that no matter where you start, or how long it has been since you last watched an episode, you can always hop in and enjoy yourself. Highlights definitely are when events like the trip to Okinawa, or Christmas comes, and the typical school setting is broken up for a change. In these episodes, the art and animation can shine somewhat more than usual.
The animation is lovely! Character designs, while often very similar each have their distinct features that identify them. If it's a girl with medium brown hair it's Osaka, if it's a girl with long brown hair and glasses it's Yomi and so on! Ok I will be honest most of the characters look very much the same but it really does fit the theme of ordinary ass girls in their ordinary ass life at school, and anyways I was able able to tell them all apart within a few episodes. Backgrounds are nothing too special, again the monotony of school environments is broken up with the impressiveish Okinawan sights.
it has a nice opening, I like the cats, Osaka is the best character in both Japanese and English dubs and I have watched this too many times please someone help me forget this series
