So with introductions aside, let's begin.
I will be completely honest, Sket dance suffered from the same thing that Stein's Gate did that in the beginning, I wasn't completely hooked and put off watching it for quite a long time. So I pottered along watching silly episodes and laughing when appropriate, until the Usui Kazuyoshi (Switch) background arc began. After watching this arc, I realized that this show can pull of what makes Gintama so great - It can jump from silly straight into serious melodrama and make it tear-jerkingly believable. It was this, the same with Gintama, that made me fall in love with the show.
The story, for those who know Gintama, is usually quite sporadic and involves a huge cast of characters (Some you obviously want too see more than others). Arcs range from 3 - 4 episodes to half an episode and usually balance the funny with the emotional with the serious quite well. In all, I quite enjoy the story and the characters that inhabit it.
The art is superb, backgrounds are very detailed and pretty to look at. The characters are well drawn and movements make sense. Bossun's facial expressions are just fantastic to watch. I really have nothing to complain about with the art.
Sound is also superb with a fantastic cast of voice actors, including fan favourite Sugita Tomokazu, whom plays the voice of Sakata Gintoki in Gintama and Switch in Sket Dance; and both in the crossover episode!
Character development in this show is fantastic. Throughout the episodes you will see subtle changes in the way characters behave or approach a certain situation, and then when background story arc for each of the main characters come you find out why they are the way that they are in the first place. Every character in this huge ensemble has something to offer and love. Again I really can't complain about the characters as I have found something to enjoy in each of them.
Overall for those who are looking to find whether or not this show is for you, I will honestly tell you that this show is not for everyone. It is a long running series and a lot of it will seem random and pointless to those who don't appreciate random and pointless. But if you enjoy Gintama, and you enjoy a good balance of comedy and emotion, then I will implore you to just give it a shot, watch up until episode 30 (roughly half of what has aired) and then judge it for yourself. And when you do, let me know what you thought of it!
I hope this helps some people to make that leap and watch a few episodes.
Until then, enjoy your anime!
