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Fantasy Bishoujo Juniku Ojisan (Fabiniku) made me give the first 10 for an anime, and it sure deserved a higher score and popularity than it has! Being a show that delivers exactly what it proposes, the characters guide the plot in a natural and funny way with engaging interactions without taking themselves too seriously. It's perfect for those who like the "characters carry the show" style, because everything — and then some! — which you will receive has almost no plot/objective development initially set (in a comically generic way, but still), so be warned!

Story: 7/10

Fabiniku's setting is the most generic thing you can ... think of and expect from an Isekai: Random teleport to another world, body swapping, extremely generic and unattractive locations that every low-budget Isekai would surely offer you, and of course, a demon lord. This one who is described throughout the entire anime as the worst enemy, extremely powerful and frightening and doesn't even appear in any way, because the way to him is long. So how does this get a 7? Can such a generic plot bring something good or minimally innovative to an Isekai? The answer is yes and no. The story itself is weak (on purpose), but the situations that surround this plot and the characters that carry it make the adventure so fun! You almost feel like participating in this world, just because everything looks so amazing. The idea of ​​turning a man into a beautiful girl is not new, but the execution here makes you enjoy it as if it were the first time.

Of course, the MCs' backstories and flashbacks are very well constructed and the show knows well how to manage this development as well as the emotional moments without killing the comedy. The plot flows naturally and consistently, and fulfills its role, bringing fun characters that take the story forward with absurd situations as they advance on their long journey. Not to mention the additional romance, which develops little by little and still doesn't take itself completely seriously so as not to get lost in the story.

Art: 8/10

The art isn't overly special or in any flashy and different style, but like most things on this show, it's consistent and flows well throughout the episodes. They use the right angles, the right expressions for the right moments and abuse the most simplistic and generic scenarios possible, which contrasts with the flashy design of the characters that make up the place. They all have their own characteristics and expressions, along with the colorful art style makes the comedy look richer, putting a lot of emphasis on the beauty of our MCs. It works well for the anime style, especially in body language. I felt like I could fall under Tachibana's charms that way too!

The animation by OP and ED is also worth mentioning and lots of kudos. It's just hilarious and captures every character's personality without you even starting to watch.

Some creative choices like censoring the more daring clothes from the manga, replacing them with a friendly version made me really curious, but it's not like it's something important to the plot at these times.

Sound: 10/10

The sounds are magnificent. The VAs really put effort into their roles and seemed to be having a great time. From the comically exaggerated reactions to the emotional lines, all the characters managed to sound genuine and still sound great! There were great choices of VAs here, fitting their characters well and their polished lines.

OP and ED are contagious and got me hooked for weeks! Both bring a similar vibe and rhythm to the songs used in older anime/vocaloid era, which instantly brings a sense of nostalgia. A very smart choice! Well, in addition to fitting very well into the show, it still sticks in our heads with that false nostalgia that's fun to navigate. Simply fantastic. OP's singer is amazing and both OP and ED are super fun to watch alongside the visuals as well as listen separately. Quite striking and characteristic. It brought an extra touch of identity, without being a forgettable and/or generic seasonal anime OP and ED.

Damn, I usually skip EDs and avoid them like hell, so if this is one of those animes that makes me watch it and get a taste of “I want more”, it already deserves a lot more of my attention.

About the OST, we had good solid and weather use during the episodes. Nothing to complain about, and some are really good to listen to in isolation. Highlight for the use of the OST in episode 12! Very good and that also contains the identity of the program, without sounding generic or overused.

Characters: 10/10

It is in this topic that Fabiniku hits even harder! Instead of tailoring the characters to the plot and just putting a set of standard features and jokes, this show makes the characters guide everything that happens, as well as innovate in the distribution of jokes and new things shown on screen. All the characters, even though they don't take themselves seriously either, feel so real — I mean, I'd like to go on an adventure with them. The main development of the MCs, from the first moment of reluctance, to the discovery of motivations and the hints of the past left here and there make you really care about them! Even though you know nothing will happen you feel a pang in your stomach because the show made you care, the show showed how important they are to each other.

Not only does it hit the nail on the head in development, it makes them full of personalities. I was surprised to realize that the characters aren't pieces of cardboard with just basic features like in half of the Isekais. Even the secondary characters or those who only appear once manage to make you laugh and be present with their diverse personalities. My girlfriend just watched the last two episodes of Fabiniku and was able to sympathize and understand the characters' personalities, as well as relate to an emotional ending that you normally wouldn't get if you hadn't seen all the episodes, or at least a good portion of them. They are consistent characters, who can win you over even if you watch just one of the 12 episodes.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I enjoyed every moment and looked forward to the next episode. I hardly ever catch myself laughing out loud in comedy anime (my favorite genre, by the way!), but this one I didn't just laugh once or twice in specific episodes — for me the fun was continuous, with no breaks. Watching two elderly MCs trying to get used to the fact that one of them is an extremely beautiful blonde girl while trying not to fall in love is the last thing I thought I needed, but I am so grateful for existing.

It's a light comedy that made me laugh, get emotional and have fun with even the smallest characters. Every episode was a highlight, with the exception of episode 9, which left me with the slight impression that they cut out the best parts in order to speed things up, but still had its funny moments. The ending was left open for a sequel and I would love to have one in the future. The characters and the good music are worth the journey! And I confess I'm curious to know where else they will end up on this journey and what other fun characters they will find. Well, manga time!

(Small highlight for the messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community and the fact that it is a married couple behind this story, which made my heart warm. It's hard to find these things in anime.)

I don't know if it's accurate to point this out, but if you like anime like KonoSuba (although the comedy isn't so over-the-top in Fabiniku) or the romance between the MCs of Kaguya sama: Love is war, I think you should check this one out! It's definitely very funny and at the end of it all, a story about friendship.

Overall, it's a great comedy with a genderbend element and bonus romance. I think you should try it if it resonates with your taste! Honestly, even if it doesn't resonate because I watched episode 1 uncompromisingly, not expecting anything from an Isekai (definitely a genre I don't really like) and left laughing out loud, curious about the next happenings and in love with the characters. Really try if it catches your interest! The premise is simple and might be worth your time.

Ah, Komi-san... The hype from last season that made everyone fall in love with Komi Shouko's cuteness and excessive beauty, is it really worth the title and score it won? Well, that's debatable, even more so when the anime has been so eagerly awaited by manga readers for years!

Story: 5/10

This is a SOL anime and they typically feature little — if any — story and are loaded with everyday events. Komi-san is no different, showing us the basic premise of a girl with communication problems who wants to make 100 friends. Basic, no? The anime follows Komi-san's comic moments in social situations and ... while it's quite appealing to the audience for its relate — most of them being introverts —, the anime unfolds as its generic SOL of daily events and character introductions that will basically be discarded and used as support in some other episode. There's nothing new beyond the initial premise, but you can still have fun with generic SOL situations and a pretty girl with a communication problem. Take it if this is your cup of tea!

Art: 6/10

The art was pleasing to the eye, but a little too pleasing.

Right from the first episode, we were bombarded with great photography direction, framing, detailed background and extremely fluid animation with GREAT artwork in almost every aspect. There was nothing to complain about, it was a SOL anime airing with an art above the average of SOL! OLM did a great job, I must agree, but Komi-san is not a continuous movie/show. The studio is known for works like Pokemon, which are continuous episodes and need some detail, but I don't think that combined with a 12-episode seasonal anime. The rest of the episodes were just… Vague? It's set in a school, but the backgrounds looked so lackluster, generic and understated and that would be nice if they wanted to make the characters more prominent and not distract the audience, but the design itself made them a little raw for the rest of the anime, as if they were those cardboard statues that used to be in the back of Pewdiepie videos, but now they have movement! (This feeling I get each week may be something personal, but it lost a lot of score for me). The same artistic consistency stayed there and it makes me bored, especially when there are scenes that are fast paced or that need more sparkle. What was in episode one was completely lost as the episodes went by. The shots lost color and the characters just did things, not much to stand out.

But it still deserves credit for that, as it added a unique touch to the anime. If you see this similar art in any other future anime, you'll remember Komi-san and it's rather characteristic textboxes right away, so I think it's fulfilled its role, even though the entire anime (except for episode one) just lets you bored with what's on the screen.

(Speaking of which, I give a point to the text boxes, they had a difference and explained what MC couldn't express. Unlike many reviews on the internet, I didn't bother with the excessive use of these boxes, as the story matched their appearance and made them more stylish. For the rest, at least it still continued to flow normally, but the special touch placed on the animation didn't contribute anything to the daily situations of the show.)

Sound: 7/10

Sound is good. I think it was quite nice with the mellow atmosphere of the anime especially the OP, which I feel will go down one of those lists of 'epic openings you just have to listen to the beginning to recognise.' It's a nice song to listen to, which together with the fluidity of the things that happened during the song, made it very pleasant and artistic in a good way. However, the ED was quite forgettable. I found myself jumping every other time ED showed up. I'm not a person who usually likes EDs, but I do recognize when music marks in some way, so I can guarantee you will only remember the beginning of the ED, because the rest is just the rest. The OST is very characteristic and fun to listen to, it contributes to the mood of the scene in a natural way and there's nothing to complain or add to that.

Overall, they're good songs, but I won't find myself listening to them in isolation.

Characters: 3/10

Again, this is a SOL anime, so it needs characters that make me interested enough to follow their daily lives and that's where this anime sins. I understand the concept of each character being a trope or that it's obvious they will disappear, she wants 100 friends after all! But that doesn't excuse how annoying these characters are. I must give credit to the main trio: Tadano, Komi and Najimi who are the only characters I was reasonably interested in and stuck me in the show because of the cute dynamics between the three. However, there are always support characters in the episodes to fulfill the premise and they are terrible. There are characters that have real potential to add to Komi-san's journey and her communication issues and I looked at it and thought “wow, that's a great move!”, but no. Soon the character reveals itself to be just another trope. The “masochistic puppy”... Really? This character had a lot of potential, but I just want to punch them in the face over and over again now! And we're not even going to start with Yandere, although she was much more bearable as the episodes went by. Why not focus more on the trio or Komi-san's family? I was hoping for more appearances that didn't accompany some irrelevant support character, which being the main point of the show, is not a good sign.

Overall, no characters really matter and that would be ok if it was at least fun to watch them, but I count on my fingers how many of these characters really entertained me. The main trio is amazing and their interactions are golden, the slow romance that Tadano and Komi build is something to empathize with, and Najimi's antics are hilarious, but that's not enough for the score to go up as they'll always be surrounded of nasty characters that add nothing to the story.

Enjoyment: 4/10

Don't get me wrong, I really liked a few things about the show, but I almost thought about ditching it halfway through episode 9, where a new character was introduced and again didn't add anything to the anime. My eyes rolled so hard and I gave up on watching the episode  — I came back a few days later more calmly. Episodes 9, 10 and 11 are good because I didn't get angry at one point and found myself liking what was going on between the characters, but those are the final episodes and clearly don't make up for the rest of the early episodes. I must admit I watched it on recommendation and wasn't interested in the premise at first, but the first episode convinced me to stay, so as soon as the show started to unfold, I bitterly regretted it.

The pleasure of watching the show only started at the end, which makes me curious about the second season, but still aware that it can be torture every week. I've dropped a lot of anime without even making it to episode 2, but I wanted to do it differently this time, because the main trio had potential! It's a shame that only the ending paid off for me, because for a SOL with comedy as one of the main genres, it's hardly funny, if not at all funny. I didn't find myself laughing once and it was just tiring. One of the things that bothered me deeply, but is too personal to be among the critics, was how “beautiful” Komi-san was. I honestly thought it was a great joke, as the character design — not counting the moments of the adorable huge eyes — is very... Realistic? I don't know, but she's really ugly in my eyes so it didn't make sense for the whole class to think she was so beautiful! It's a silly nuisance, but again, the art didn't do justice to what should be happening on screen.

Overall, the maximum score is 6, which I've increased due to the last few episodes. It's a “fine” show and it's just one of the many generic SOL that every season has.