Otakuism

Bokurano is probably my favorite manga at the moment. It’s an amazingly deep and complex work; a true classic in my opinion. So, of course, I was ecstatic when I heard there was finally going to be an anime of it, and the promo just helped to fuel my anticipation. Fortunately, the anime looks to be a winner. I’m trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible, so anime viewers can experience the true force of the many surprises ahead. At a summer camp fourteen middle schoolers and one elementery kid have gathered. There’s too many for me to name here, but everyone is a complex individual, with thier own histories and problems. Bored one afternoon, the group decides to explore a local sea cave. There they find a room of computers and its owner, the enigmatic Kokopelli. The mysterious Kokopelli enlists them in a game, a game where they will fight a series of enemies with a giant mecha. They all, but one, eagerly sign one. Later an enemy mecha does appear, along with their own to fight it. This is no mere game. Kokopelli fights and successfully defeats the first enemy, only to disappear shortly after. All the children are eager to get their try at being a hero. Little do they realize the sad destiny awaiting them…

First things first: that OP is damn awesome. Best one of the season hands down. Though, I found it funny how the refrain was “Uninstall,” which really makes no sense. I thought it was saying “God is strong” which fits better with Bokurano I think, but anywho. The first episode followed the manga to a tee, something I’m happy about. The mass amount of characters will probably confuse a lot of people, but I think Gonzo did a good job giving them all a little bit of characterization, especially when compared to later stories. After a particular character’s story you’ll look back and say, “Oh, he/she was acting like that from the beginning.” Bokurano better be glad it has such an excellent story, because it’s rather lacking in the art department. Mohiro Kitoh has a very distinct, minimalistic art style, which the anime adapts pretty faithfully. And the color helps me tell all the girls apart. Mohiro Kitoh isn’t known for his varied character designs.

I didn’t really enjoy the CG mecha. They were passable, but very clumsy. Zearth’s not the most mobile mecha in the world, but he should move a bit better than that. I’ve put up with Gonzo CG mecha before, though, so I can stand this. The only thing I have to worry about is whether Gonzo will mess with the story or not. Later chapters are very dark and gruesome, not in a bloody way but more psychologically. “Taboo” themes are touched upon a lot. I hope Gonzo will refrain from censoring itself. Bokurano will probably be the dark horse of the season, but I hope its wonderful story will capture the hearts of many viewers this season. It’s definitely a series in need of more attention. And check out the manga if your interested. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Gonzo can’t resist putting fanservice in anything.