Choco and her brother.
In the last review, Asatte no Houkou makes history by becoming the first anime that managed to wrest the Best Anime of 2006 title from Kiba the TV Animation. Unfortunately for Asatte no Houkou, its reign lasted only for a few days because Chocotto Sister, an anime that I am about to wrote a mini-review today, have now snatched the award away from it. Read on to see why.
She may be clueless like Kasuga ‘Osaka’ Ayumu, but she sure comes up with good ideas once in a while.
Story:-
Kawagoe Haruma has always wanted a little sister when he was still a kid. When his mom has a miscarriage that kills the unborn little sister of his, he makes a prayer to Santa Claus so that his mom will be well and also asks for a little sister for Christmas. Well, as we all know that Santa is a jerk, Haruma only gets his wish many years later…
Disclaimer: I read the manga first before watching the anime, and save from some alterations and minor omissions, the anime largely follows the manga. This slice-of-life title has a very good storyline, but this is not the only reason why this anime excels and managed to get the Best Anime of 2006 award.
Apart from the storyline, the other reason why this anime is so good is the immense strength and appeal of the main character, Choco. In more ways than one, she really reminded me of Kasuga Ayumu in Azumanga Daioh, especially in mannerisms, although Choco is probably not as clueless as her. The strength of her character helps propels the series up to a height this series may not be able to attain if she isn’t present.
Character developments are done very well for most of the residents of the Tsubaki Apartment and this helps the story (which revolves around the interactions between Choco, her brother and the rest of the apartment dwellers). The story flows as naturally as possible, and here, a visit to the hot springs actually makes sense unlike the one in Nagasarete Airantou. The ending is excellent, and I will not have any complaint about that.
Unfortunately, she can also say things that can get the FBI to get all over you.
Character Design:-
This anime has your typical anime character design seen in other titles. Brown is the new black, and you can see big eyes, impossible body shapes and large boobs too. This do not mean this anime has a bad character design though.
A scene that will not be out-of-place in hentai videos.
Voice acting:-
Voice acting in this anime is good in general, with Choco being the best of the bunch by a mile. The difference between her and the others are so great it is really unbelievable, and they (the rest of the characters cast) are not that bad either. Her voice actress has done a very good job in turning Choco from the manga I have read into a great living character on screen.
Lots of that police line ribbon here.
Music:-
A positive point of this anime, the OST is decent and both OP/ED themes are great. Nothing more I can say about that.
One of the screw-ups by the director. This scene happened on Valentine Day, and the class has been postponed for nearly a year!
Animation/Direction:-
Animation quality is probably the weak point of this anime. The animation in this anime can be not-so-fluid in certain places, and for god sake, this anime has little notable fast-paced scenes due to its nature. Meanwhile, the directing is decent, or at least I think it is supposed to be.
One of the gory scenes in the last episode. One of them will die, and you should know who.
Conclusion:-
10 out of 10, joining Capeta, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Neon Genesis Evangelion and also Nodame Cantabile who has managed to score a perfect score in this blog. At last, a 2006 anime that gets one. And as mentioned above, also snared the Best Anime of 2006 title from the unfortunate Asatte no Houkou.
Choco’s last moments…
Shortlink: http://wp.me/prgSo-1V
