Otakuism

Don’t ask me why it took me three months to watch the final episodes of Hidamari Sketch. It just kinda happened that way. Not that I hate Hidamari or anything, I like it a lot. It’s a great slice of life series with wonderful characters and unique art direction courtesy of Akiyuki Shinbo. After the downright insanity of Negima!? it’s nice to see Shinbo tone down the absurdity while maintaining his unique style. You can tell Hidamari never had a large budget, but the way Shinbo directs things makes even the lack of backgrounds look good. All the staples of Shinbo’s work is here, from inserted real life images to characters being represented by visual cues, especially in Yuno’s case.

Of all the slice of life series I’ve seen, I wouldn’t exactly say Hidamari Sketch is memorable. I had the exact same pleasant feeling as when watching ARIA or Bartender, but it doesn’t resonate with you like ARIA or ever be beautifully poignant like Bartender. It’s just four cute girls talking about their lives. It’s not compelling, just very peaceful. And I mean cute girls. Only Potemayo tops Yuno in sugary sweetness, and Miyako has an incredibly hot wild moeness about her. Sae’s sister Chika was definately cute, but sadly only appeared in the last episode. And who can forget OH GAWD YOSHINOYA-SENSEI IS HAWT? A fun little series to watch overall. A hour special just came out in October, so now it’s time for the familiar cry of SUBS?!