Maria†Holic

In search of true love, Kanako Miyamae transfers to Ame no Kisaki Catholic school, inspired by how her parents fell in love with each other there. There is just one difference, though: because men make Kanako break into hives, she has actually come to the all-girls school to find a partner of the same sex.

When she meets the beautiful Mariya Shidou, Kanako believes she has found that special someone; however, there's more to Mariya than meets the eye—it turns out that Kanako's first love is actually a cross-dressing boy. Mariya threatens to expose Kanako's impure intentions unless she keeps his real gender a secret, and to make things worse, he also replaces her original roommate so that he can now keep a close eye on her.

Maria†Holic follows Kanako as she looks for love in all the wrong places and searches for the girl of her dreams—that is, if she can survive being Mariya's roommate!

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shidou, Mariya Main

Kobayashi, Yuu Japanese

Shinouji, Matsurika Main

Inoue, Marina Japanese

Miyamae, Kanako Main

Sanada, Asami Japanese

Dorm Mistress Supporting

Sawashiro, Miyuki Japanese

Kanae, Touichirou Supporting

Sugita, Tomokazu Japanese

Shidou, Shizu Supporting

Hirano, Aya Japanese

Inamori, Yuzuru Supporting

Gotou, Saori Japanese

Yonakuni-san Supporting

Matsuki, Miyu Japanese

Ishima, Ryuuken Supporting

Kaida, Yuuko Japanese

Kiri, Nanami Supporting

Kanda, Akemi Japanese

Kubota, Mitsutoshi Producer

Oosawa, Nobuhiro Producer

Takahashi, Kazuya Producer

Ooshima, Miku Assistant Producer, Script

Reviews

Jul 18, 2024

Revolto

Recommended

**An In-Depth Review of Maria†Holic: A Comedy Masterpiece in Anime**

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of anime, where genres range from the dark and brooding to the light and whimsical, "Maria†Holic" stands out as a beacon of comedic brilliance. Created by Minari Endou, this series has carved a niche for itself, earning a reputation as one of the best comedy animes ever produced. To understand why "Maria†Holic" deserves this accolade, we must delve into its characters, plot, humor, and overall execution.

**Characters: The Eccentric Ensemble**

At the heart of "Maria†Holic" is Kanako Miyamae, a high school girl with an intense allergy to boys and a desperate desire ... to find her true love at an all-girls school. Her over-the-top reactions and obsessive tendencies provide a constant source of humor. However, it is the introduction of Mariya Shidou, the seemingly perfect and elegant girl who is actually a sadistic boy in disguise, that propels the series into comedic genius.

Mariya's dual identity creates a dynamic that is both hilarious and fraught with tension. His cruel pranks and manipulative behavior towards Kanako contrast sharply with his outward angelic demeanor, leading to countless laugh-out-loud moments. The supporting cast, including the loyal maid Matsurika, who delivers deadpan insults with impeccable timing, and the other eccentric students of Ame no Kisaki, add further layers of humor and unpredictability.

**Plot: A Rollercoaster of Absurdity**

The plot of "Maria†Holic" is a rollercoaster of absurd situations and outrageous scenarios. Kanako's quest for love is constantly thwarted by Mariya's schemes, leading her into increasingly ridiculous predicaments. Whether it's participating in bizarre school events, dealing with her wild hallucinations, or simply trying to survive another day without a nosebleed, Kanako's life is a series of comedic disasters.

The episodic nature of the series allows for a variety of comedic setups, each more inventive than the last. The writers skillfully balance the absurdity with moments of genuine character development, ensuring that the audience remains invested in the characters' journeys, no matter how outlandish.

**Humor: A Perfect Blend of Wit and Slapstick**

"Maria†Holic" excels in its humor, striking a perfect balance between witty dialogue and slapstick comedy. The rapid-fire exchanges between characters are filled with clever wordplay and sharp retorts, while the physical comedy often borders on the surreal. Kanako's exaggerated reactions, whether it’s her nosebleeds or her dramatic fantasies, are a testament to the series' mastery of visual humor.

The show also thrives on its use of irony and parody. It pokes fun at various anime tropes, subverting expectations at every turn. For example, the traditional "cute and innocent" girl is turned on its head with Mariya's true nature, and Kanako's search for love in a school filled with beautiful girls often leads to more trouble than romance. The self-awareness of the series adds a meta-layer to the comedy, making it even more enjoyable for seasoned anime fans.

**Execution: A Feast for the Senses**

Visually, "Maria†Holic" is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant animation style complements the energetic tone of the series, with exaggerated expressions and dynamic movements enhancing the comedic impact. The character designs are distinct and memorable, reflecting their unique personalities and quirks.

The soundtrack is another highlight, with a mix of catchy opening and ending themes, and an eclectic score that perfectly matches the series' offbeat humor. The voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life with perfect comedic timing and emotive performances. Yū Kobayashi’s portrayal of Kanako is particularly noteworthy, capturing her manic energy and vulnerability with equal finesse.

**Conclusion: A Timeless Comedy Classic**

"Maria†Holic" is a comedic tour de force that stands the test of time. Its eccentric characters, absurd plotlines, and brilliant humor come together to create an anime experience that is both unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned anime veteran or a newcomer to the genre, "Maria†Holic" offers a fresh and hilarious take on the high school comedy trope.

Its ability to blend witty dialogue with slapstick humor, while simultaneously subverting and parodying genre conventions, sets it apart as one of the best comedy animes ever created. In a world where humor can often feel formulaic, "Maria†Holic" is a breath of fresh air, delivering laughs and surprises with every episode.

So, if you’re looking for an anime that will not only entertain you but also leave you in stitches, look no further than "Maria†Holic." It is, without a doubt, a shining gem in the world of comedy anime, deserving of its place among the best of the best.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Dec 28, 2022

spookynya

Mixed Feelings

it is an anime.

maria+holic truly has to be one of the animes released in 2009. the voice acting is fine. The anime has storytelling and the show was animated. The side characters were along with kanako and maria was a guy. The jokes were sentences. This anime really is one of the animes of all time, if not the last two decades. A lot of the time it was just kinda boring or "what is going on??" but it did have some entertaining moments throughout it. It's a fine watch it just feels like it gets less interesting as it goes on.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Jan 16, 2014

Nolifeking13

Not Recommended

DON'T WATCH THIS CRAP.

I usually enjoy watching series only for comic reliefs and for laughs but this I didn't have a single shred of enjoyment.

I forced myself into completing the series since I usually complete a whole series whenever I start one but this anime is one of my worst experience.

All the characters annoying, no story not that it matters in this type of series but each and every time I watch an episode I just wanna hang myself.

This review is from my worst experience and I don't want others to experience the same so don't watch this anime.

Reviewer’s Rating: 1

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	Poll: Maria†Holic Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) Sonja - Mar 22, 2009	157 replies	by Delphantasist »» Sep 20, 11:33 AM
	Poll: Maria†Holic Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) DeadIEnd - Dec 26, 2008	250 replies	by Delphantasist »» Aug 13, 9:41 AM
	Poll: Maria†Holic Episode 4 Discussion ( 1 2 ) sniW - Jan 25, 2009	94 replies	by Daviljoe193 »» Jun 6, 3:12 PM
	Poll: Maria†Holic Episode 3 Discussion ( 1 2 3 ) sniW - Jan 18, 2009	104 replies	by Daviljoe193 »» Jun 6, 2:10 PM
	Poll: Maria†Holic Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 ) dbaranyi - Mar 16, 2009	82 replies	by Karva1 »» Apr 6, 10:54 AM

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