Ano Natsu De Matteru Score: 9.3/10
INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS
Ano Natsu De Matteru is a 12 episode (1 OVA ep) series that released in 2012. The series is basically an updated/ slightly different version of an anime called Onegai Teacher (circa 2002) – or so I’ve heard. I’ve never seen Onegai Teacher myself; thus, I will be judging it as a stand-alone anime. Ano Natsu De Matteru, or Waiting in the Summer is, in my opinion, a brilliant anime that deserves a second season. You will laugh, cry, and be emotionally invested in each of the character’s pursuits.
Our story begins with the young and quiet freshman, Kaito. Kaito lives alone with his older sister, as both of his parents are deceased. He digs up an old video camera and begins to film a bit to cure his boredom. As he pans across the town’s tree-scape, a bright flashing light envelops the sky! A mysterious and near-fatal explosion occurs, leaving Kaito falling through the air. As he wakes up for school the next day, he can’t help but wonder - was it all just a dream? He has no signs of injury.. With the emergence of a new transfer student with bright orange hair and blue eyes, Kaito becomes side-tracked from the matter. Ichika (the transfer student) quickly receives the attention of Kaito and his group of friends with her striking looks. They decide to invite her to be in their movie they plan to make over summer, and she accepts! Through twists in turns (and classic anime plot), Ichika ends up staying with Kaito for the summer, while his older sister is on business in Bolivia. The summer is to be filled with movie making fun! However, Kaito starts to notice interesting/ strange things about Ichika that connect her to the flash of light and explosion from before...
PROS
The first pro that comes to mind, are the characters. Each character is love-able and unique in their own way. Kaito’s group of friends include his best guy bud Tetsuro who helps him win over Ichika, and two girls Kanna and Mio. Kanna is a tom boy who is really into Kaito, while Mio is a shy girl with feelings for Tetsuro. The web gets even more complicated, so I won’t go into it. With such a mix of boys and girls – you know there’s got to be some juicy love octagons! I feel it was quite well done though. The female lead Ichika, who is a year older than the freshman bunch, befriends Lemon-Senpai in her class. Lemon-Senpai is by far my favorite character as she plays the catalyst, putting the characters in situations to create fun and exciting romantic development. She has lots of funny moments, and as a standing joke does a creepy laugh whenever she is mixing things up “U-hu-hu-hu-hu.” > . < Also, Ichika has a space pet named Rinon who is super adorable and has lots of funny little scenes!
Next for pros: the development of Kaito and Ichika’s relationship. By far, one of the best romantic developments I’ve ever seen! Nothing feels forced, and their relationship seems real and is super heart-warming. Number one cutest anime couple in this universe. I say universe, because as it’s revealed from the very beginning to the audience – Ichika is an alien! Which brings me to another pro, the comedy. The comedy in this anime is so well done and balanced perfectly with the story’s other elements. Some of the funnier moments include irony and reveals. For example, Ichika is an alien and they end up making a movie where the lead female is an alien... so they are essentially making a movie about what is really happening without knowing it. Ichika also has an intense fear of the “Men in Black,” which was really funny. Especially when it’s later found out that the “Men in Black” really exist! (in this anime world at least) However, as I said previously, the comedy is evenly mixed with the other elements. Other elements being pulling at your heart strings so much. Be prepared to shed some tears in this one. Your happiness can be taken away quickly just when you think things will turn out one way, things can change!
Lastly for pros, Ano Natsu de Matteru has brilliant animation and music. I have zero complaints about any song on the soundtrack or the way it was animated. In particular, the ending theme is really beautiful. The character designs are also stand out and different from what I've seen in other anime. 10/10 art and music. Also, the Japanese voice acting was very well done.
CONS
This anime, as you may be able to tell from the score, has very little cons. However, there is one thing in particular that forced me to take the score down slightly. The OVA episode. The OVA episode really brings nothing to the table aside from despair. It's practically the same as looking at pictures of your ex boyfriend/girlfriend. Not worth it. They just depressingly take a hop back through memory lane. Additionally the main female protagonist isn't even really in the episode!
Lastly for cons, I think anyone would agree, this series NEEDS a second season! There is so much more to explore with this concept, and I wallowed in a depression once finding out that there wasn't one (especially after that horridly sad OVA episode).
FINAL THOUGHTS
All and all, this series is very well done. A near masterpiece, in my opinion. Although, I wish for another season; I think they did extremely well for the twelve episodes they were given. I would definitely recommend anyone to watch this series so I hope you'll check it out!
INU X BOKU SS SCORE: 9.5
INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS
Inu x Boku SS or Inu x Boku Secret Service (12 episodes + 1 OVA) is one of the better anime I have seen in a long time. I have been looking for something, specifically, with comedy, a fresh take on romance, a unique story, and clean art style - this is that anime to a T. One thing I want to clear up before delving into it's premise is the type of show that this is. Most everywhere I have seen this show talked about, it is told that this is a shonen and sometimes it's depicted as a reverse harem. This show is neither of those. I would sooner classify it as a shoujo, since it's main themes are drama and romance, and it's certainly not a reverse harem. None of the other male characters are romantically interested in the female lead aside from the one male lead. So, if you were hoping for an action packed shonen or a reverse harem, keep looking!
The story follows high school age Miss Ririchiyo Shirakiin, part of the elite Shirakiin family who posess yokai powers. On episode one, her elite living quarters are introduced, a modernly styled tower with everything one could ever need - this is the main setting of the show and what everything revolves around. Very few residents stay at this mansion, as it is especially for those with powers and is protected by a force-field. Each of the residents have their very own secret service member that has powers as well. Miss Ririchiyo does not have a secret service member until she is approached at her door by an overly obedient gentleman, Mikitsukami, who begs to be able to serve her.
What's most interesting about this show is that the powers and unique characters are all kind of just a side plot. The true story lies within the connection between Mikitsukami and Miss Ririchiyo. I can't say more about it, to avoid spoiling it for you. However, it's very good the way it all comes together if you can have patience to see it all finally revealed.
PROS
As you can probably tell from my rating, this show mostly has positive aspects. First, it goes without saying, the animation and soundtrack are superb. The opening theme for this show is amazing, and I even downloaded it. I love the sound effect that happens on the commercial break sections - just perfect! All of the scenes were relaxing and serene, and the character designs were excellent. Speaking of characters, all of the characters were really quirky and unique, which added a lot of enjoyment to the show. Even very small side characters had distinct personalities; not one character came off as flat or uninteresting. The two side characters I enjoyed the most were Karuta and Watanuki. Karuta is an adorable girl with candy pink hair who is always off in the clouds with a vacant expression eating food. Watanuki, is a blonde boy with striking blue eyes who constantly trains to try and impress Karuta; even though he can never be stronger/ braver than her, she loves him the way he is.
Moving on to our two main characters, Mikitsukami and Miss Ririchiyo. I can't say a lot about Mikitsukami without ruining the plot, but let's just say... he is in fact a very interesting character. He turns into a nine tailed fox Yokai when defending his mistress, his normal character is designed as a dreamy Bishounen character with one golden eye and one sea blue eye. For the first half of the series his overlying character traits are extreme attention to detail, and over obedience. He appears very mysterious and polite to the audience as well as Miss Ririchiyo, but has an interesting back story that is revealed at the end describing his connection to and reason for being so attached to her. Miss Ririchiyo on the other hand, is a small loli style character with a cool attitude. When using her powers she has wings and small horns. She comes off as sarcastic and rude, but she instinctively acts this way, while feeling differently inside. Some might classify her as a tsundere, but if she is one, she is a much more played down version of one - seeing as she isn't feisty really. She is a mature and logical thinker, and it's fun to watch her accidentally fall for Mikitsukami. For the first half of the show, she truly believes she has an "irregular heartbeat" that needs to be checked out because of the way he makes her feel.
Lastly, for pros, the comedy and drama in this show are really well done and balanced. A lot of people don't categorize this as comedy, but I found it really funny! Especially the OVA episode, I was cracking up. As for the drama, none of it felt melodramatic; I enjoyed watching it play out and the mysteries beneath being revealed. I felt like the show had a lot of interesting content going on.
CONS
There really aren't a lot of cons with this one in my opinion. The only thing I can say is that I wish it had a second season so, so much. I don't think there is any plans for one though, so that's disappointing. I'm considering reading the source material for this because I really enjoyed the characters, which brings me to the next con. I wish there was more screen time for some of the side characters, but with a twelve episode show it's to be expected.
Lastly for cons, I want to state that this show might not be for everyone. I loved it, but I understand that some people may find it boring or to niche for their tastes. I can't really point out why, but I think that will be the case for some people with this series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I will always look back on this show with fond memories, Inu X Boku SS was stand out and highly enjoyable. I have awarded this show a 9.5 out of 10! If you think it would suit your fancy from my description above, I think you should watch it right now! There is a solid English Dub, for dub fans, and it's only 12 episodes - what do you have to lose?!
