*This is “The Modern Otaku” where I go slightly in-depth and analyze animes currently airing, or ones that have just recently finished. For animes that aren’t finished airing, I will replace the scoring system with a simple recommendation.
The Modern Otaku: Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! (Airing)
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Basic Synopsis:
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Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! started airing Oct 4, 2012 and translates to, “Regardless of My Adolescent Delusions of Grandeur, I Want a Date!” and there is currently plans to release 12 episodes.
It stars Yuuta Togashi, a recently turned high schooler, trying to be as normal as possible after he went through a “phase” believing he was an alternate persona known as, “Dark Flame Master”. Unfortunately, a girl going to the same high school named Rikka Takanashi, who is going through the delusion that her right eye is able to wield the power of darkness, knows Yuuta from his alternate persona.
She starts focusing her attention on him, causing situations that Yuuta would much rather avoid…
Plot Analysis:
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As far as plots go, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! is one that’s grounded in reality in spite of its focus on delusions and such. Most of the anime is done from the vantage point of characters other than Rikka and her sidekick, Sanae, so you don’t see most of the delusions they are having.
That being said, they do let you see things from their vantage point once in a while, giving you a sense of what goes on in their heads. It’s this gap between how the characters view reality that makes the anime interesting, as well as relatable. It makes us remember when we were kids, using our imaginations and pretending we were someone else.
Most of the anime has a feeling of, “Been there, done that” whether it’s Rikka off in her own world, or Yuuta trying to fit in at his new high school by acting as normal as possible.
Character Analysis:
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The main character, Yuuta, is a great focus for the anime; trying hard to be mature, but also showing a great deal of immaturity as well (Thinking of girls in bikinis, overreacting to various situations, ect.). A good chunk of the anime focuses on how he acts towards the various situations surrounding him. This often results in character development, or just flat-out funny moments.
The female lead, Rikka, serves as the glue holding everything together. Without her, most of the situations in the anime would have never taken place, even the ones that don’t directly involve her (Example: Rikka introduces Sanae to the plot which sets up Shinka becoming more involved with the plot due to…Various circumstances.).
That isn’t to say she herself isn’t an interesting character; She lives with her older sister, but nothing else about her family has been touched upon (yet), It really isn’t explained how she knew Yuuta to begin with (or rather, his persona), and she continues to live in fantasy, despite already being in high school. These aspects make her the most mysterious character in the series (despite her personality being one of the easiest to understand).
Side characters worth a mention are: Touka (Rikka’s elder sister who lives with her), Makoto (Yuuta’s hilarious friend), Sanae (Rikka’s friend who also lives in a world of fantasy), Shinka (The popular girl at Yuuta’s high school with an interesting secret), and Kumin (who has the wisest things to say ((probably because her lax way of living gives her a different view of things))).
Oh, and not to mention Yuuta’s mom.
Yes, we finally have a protagonist who lives with a parental figure! (Just wanted to mention that)
Other things worth noting:
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The animation is great, especially during the moments we see the world through the eyes of Rikka and Sanae (usually leading to over-the-top battle sequences with amazing visuals). The opening and ending themes isn’t something to be scoffed at either: The opening is not only visually great, but the song “Sparkling Daydream” by ZAQ will stay in your head. FOREVER…… well, maybe not forever, but it IS catchy. As for the ending, it manages to memorable in a more K-on type way, having a more serious tone than the opening.
Actually, the whole anime reminds me of K-on, with its oddball humor and unique slice-of-life situations. Chances are, if you liked K-on, you might want to give this a go.
Final Verdict:
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With all of the stereotypes and clichés being reused in anime today, I cannot emphasize enough that Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! deserves to be watched. Some aspects make it feel like a K-on anime, but there’s much more to it than that. With relatable and funny characters, a unique setup, and a nostalgic feel to it, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! is much more wonderful an anime than one might first think.
Recommendation Chart:
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Forget it even exists
Not Recommended
For people with unique tastes
Keep an eye on it
Recommended
Recommended for people with high standards
Recommended with all my heart and soul
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