Kanokon: Manatsu no Dai Shanikusai

I usually don't do reviews on OVAs that I've seen, but this one was strikingly different.

This review won't encompass grades on the story, the art (which was much better than the actual series, in my opinion), the sound, or the characters. It will focus specifically on my enjoyment and the overall grade.

If you've ever chanced upon my profile, you'll notice that I enjoy romanitc animes; most, if not all, have a follow-up, usually revolving around fanservice and the ever-apparent, girl/guy-wins-a-trip-to-a-luxurious-private-beach-for-her/his-friends-OVA. Not with this one, actually. Of course you're going to have the same basic principle of that it IS a borderline hentai rom/com/ecchi that is ... not meant for any mental stimulation. No, no. So, if you want a review on the majority of the CONTENT, check out Kanokon's panel, or this panel, each will tell you the same things about the content. Heck, even I did in my review.

I'm mainly writing this review to emphasize the fact that this truly feels, and is, a sequel. Chizuru and Kouta have gotten together and it seems like this was less than a month after they got together and end of the main series' 12 episodes. It picks up at the beginning of summer vacation and you get a sense, and are explicitly told later, that they're are dating.

It's nice change of pace compared to most of the OVAs out there that just provide fanservice, this one actually has a nice, 2-episode-long sequel to the main series and, of course is nothing substantial, but it's like finishing off a good sandwich with a swig of a cold drink. Refreshing indeed. 7/10.

Hooray for boobies! Kanokon has returned to assault our senses and kill brain cells with its ridiculous story and characters. Chances are if you really liked the original then the boobs and fan service will be just more for you to love. Though if you hated it, then there is nothing here to make you change your mind.

The OVA retains the spirit of the original, as far as being a borderline hentai, however while the first series at least had a rudimentary storyline this has basically no plot at all. Most of the time specials and OVA's that spinoff a full ... series revolve around fan service and place the characters in echii situations. Though with the original being so extreme it’s hard to see how they could have taken it any farther. Nothing of substance ever has in the story though. There are absolutely zero plot or character developments from the original. A number of side stories do go on around the main characters and the one revolving around Akane and Tayura is more interesting than anything that happens between the key cast.

Chizuru continues her molestation/rape of the shota target Kouta. The "story" unfolds too solely to remove Chizuru's clothes or to have her rub Kouta's face between her boobs. Kouta is typically shocked and dismayed every time she "makes" him look at her naked body. Honestly why at this point he is even bothered by seeing her naked is probably the most unbelievable aspect of the series.

The only character that really stands out is Chizuru. I did find her pretty amusing most of the time. Though I still can’t really find any reason why she is so attracted to Kouta, but it is pretty amusing the way she has to fend off all of her rivals. Kouta remains as one of my most hated characters. This is mainly because he looks and acts like such a wimp. While this is not a shocking development in these kind of stories, he is so unmanly and looks like a small boy that it makes all the echii situations and romantic elements seem outright indecent and illegal.

Fans of Nozomu are likely to be disappointed with this show as her role is extremely small and she rarely even speaks. Considering she was the primary rival from the first series I thought this was pretty odd. On the bright side though she is naked for practically every one of her scenes. Fans of loli boobs rejoice! The remaining supporting cast is mostly forgettable and uninteresting with the exception of the aforementioned Akane and Tayura. I did like their little burgeoning romance together and it was probably the only thing believable and interesting thing to come out of the story.

The artwork and animation is overall pretty good. I would normally go higher for a score for this but the character design for Kouta is that annoying and frustrating for me that I just can’t give it any higher than I did. Besides our childlike lead, the rest of the characters are pretty cute and well drawn. Chizuru's measurements are a bit over the top and if you like big curvy girls then you’re probably going to enjoy Kanokon R's visuals.

Kanokon R does feature a very good seiyuu cast. They do the best they can to make this as watchable as it can possibly be with what they had to work with. The music is also a bright spot overall for the series.

If you totally loved the original Kanokon then you likely will want to watch this. Though if you were hoping for more developments in the story and the characters or even more fox spirit action, then you’re going to get nothing out of this. Those of you who hated the original are still going to hate this too. My recommendation is that you not waste your time.