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Jun 18, 2017
This is a review of the entire GJ-bu franchise. This includes: GJ-bu, GJ-bu@.
1) STORY (6/10)
GJ-bu is an adaptation of a 4-panel comic strip. These gag strips rarely have a self-contained story, given that it simply does not need a plotline to begin with. The way the anime portrays the 4-koma is wholly faithful, and therefore lacks substance as a result. It isn't that the story is poor enough that it is only given a "fair" rating, it is simply that there isn't a story because it was not necessary. Nevertheless, the show attempts to guide us through the lifespan of this GJ-bu, and does so
...
amicably.
2) ART (6/10)
Given the thematic direction of the anime, it may come across as slightly unsettling when viewers lay eyes on the first episode of GJ-bu. The beautifully striking palate of colours greet us in a manner that overshadows the characters themselves, to an extent. It is as if they put a tad bit too much makeup on the characters that may put some viewers off.
It is not to say that the vibrant art style obfuscates our perception of the characters, but when trying to animate comedic scenes, it may be wiser to draw attention to the mannerisms of the characters through animation, rather than their individual illustrations.
Over time, viewers are accustomed to the settings and begin to truly immerse themselves in the characters themselves instead. The art in this anime can be very pretty and illustrious at various points, showcasing the effort the production team has put into drawing the sets, but the creative directions may have strayed slightly.
The art is good, but mildly inappropriate.
3) SOUND (7/10)
The OP and ED songs were catchy and really got viewers fired up about the episode, which is a big plus as the consistent cheerfulness of the scenes as well as the upbeat musicality make for a dreamy joyride pre- and post- episode.
During the show, there were no boisterous music choices, as producers opted for very light, perky music choices instead. As a result, the scenes felt atmospherically relaxing, and does a fair job of setting the mood for any upcoming silliness.
4) CHARACTER (7/10)
The characters feel like stoic regurgitators of gag after gag. Yet, the jokes are funny and as a result, there is no real need to rat on the rather unmoving characteristics of the protagonists. For they are there to do their job of delivering punchlines and they do an appreciable job at that.
Personally, I felt that the straight man could have done a better job with stronger lines and a tad bit more exaggeration, but nevertheless, the characters were made well enough to enjoyable and not too stereotypical so as to be off-putting.
5) ENJOYMENT (7/10)
GJ-bu certainly is an enjoyable anime. The anime is a series of jokes and running jokes, and should all be taken at face-value. Whether you are watching the show after a long day or just want to kick back and relax, this show does not fail to deliver in most cases. Sure, there may be repeated jokes based on the stereotypical behaviour of the characters, but that does not mean a viewer cannot enjoy them repeatedly, as they barely get old before the series comes to a quick end after 12 episodes and 1 OVA.
6) OVERALL (7/10)
GJ-bu is yet another anime that seeks to charm and entertain, and it is very clear that the producers had every intention to stick to their guns till the very end.
The show isn't a must-watch, but it certainly is a should-watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 17, 2017
This is an overall review of the entire anime line. Possible spoilers ahead.
1) STORY (9/10)
The K-On! franchise tells a story of five girls in a high school music club. From the get go, it is clear that the show does not wish to move beyond the silliness and heartwarming-ness of slice-of-life comedies.
This does not make the story "worse" as compared to other dramatic storylines. The story focuses on portraying the school life of a group of wacky and cute girls. It is clear that the story establishes a beginning in S1E1 and a conclusion in S2E24.
The reason the story is rated so highly is
...
because although it is true that the plotline barely moves unless it has to, it does not fail to portray a sense of progression throughout the series. Be it the realisation that fun times must come to an end, or the enactment of countless comedic scenes, it is not until the very end of S2 that viewers finally realise that have formed some kind of connection with the characters.
A story that drags viewers in if they wish to lose themselves in this whimsical world is a good story indeed. K-On! tells us what the story will be about from the very start, then proceeds to fulfil that promise from start to end.
2) ART (7/10)
There is nothing outstanding about the art. This does not mean, however, that it is poor art. Just as we cannot explain why we love certain genres of music, we cannot explain why the illustrations here are, simply, good. A good attempt would be to point out the crisp, consistent, almost stencil like presentations of both the characters and settings.
Whether drawings are pleasing is ultimately subjective, but to me, the art in this anime is pleasing enough.
3) SOUND (8/10)
As a music-themed anime, it would be in poor taste to invest less effort into the anime's sounds. Again, music is a subset of art, and is as a result subjective.
I find the light and carefree music choices appropriate given the theme of the show. The songs composed by the K-On Club are catchy and mildly exhilarating.
4) CHARACTER (7/10)
The show employs cliches in anime character design, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. To create enjoyable, relatable or impactful characters is at the forefront of character design, and even though some may disdain the many cutesy moments the anime has to offer, at the end of the day, intrigued viewers come out of each episode a little happier. Given the light-hearted direction the show has chosen to take, it has done appreciatively well.
5) ENJOYMENT (8/10)
The show is enjoyable if you wish to relax after a long day, or are not looking to invest a boatload of emotions and thought into watching a rather lengthy series (and a movie).
The anime intends to be fun, and should be watched for fun, and nothing else. To watch this with the wrong mindset would be to do a disservice to both the show and yourself.
You will find yourself enjoying this show if you chill out as much as the girls in the anime do.
6) OVERALL (8/10)
K-On! cannot hold a stick to dramatic plot-driven shows or emotionally charged stories that impact viewers on a personal level.
But most importantly, it DOES NOT NEED TO. K-On! is an anime that wants to have fun, and it does a wonderful job at it. The creators abuse their limits of not having any limits, and bring to life a crew of characters that are sure to cheer you up. If you're up for it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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