Otaku-no Anime

Summary: >

Kubo was an average college student, on track to the average life. Things change after a chance meeting with his old friend Tanaka. Tanaka is what's known as an "otaku", the kind of guy with a nerdy obsession with anime. Kubo is inducted into Tanaka's world, and finds enjoyment in his new hobbies. In doing so his college grades decline, and his girlfriend leaves him. Kubuo realises he's become an otaku himself!

With the love of anime planted in his heart, Kubo is determined to make something of himself AND keep his love of anime. For a true anime fan, nothing is impossible where anime is the fire of life that cannot be extinguished. Reality doesn't actually go like that, so Kubo has his work cut out for him.

Thoughts: >

Otaku no Anime translates into "An anime fans anime". It's half "documentary", and half anime about an anime fan. When I first watched the documentary parts, I didn't like them, but at the time I wasn't familiar with anime culture, and more importantly I didn't realize it was a parody. That's not so strange considering how weird the Japanese are - much of it is still believable. I wouldn't watch the documentary alone, so to some extent I consider it filler material.

The other half is about Kubo, who's story is equivalent to "It's a wonderful Life" of the anime world. Otaku no Anime heavily plays on the sympathy anime fans have towards watching a show about anime culture. Anime fans are often ridiculed over their love of anime, so there's a natural camaraderie sharing your interest with others. Otaku no Anime explores that kind of bond and passion.

The story is good, even if contemporary - a reason I don't watch much regular TV media. It's a bad choice as an introductory title to anime culture, instead targeted at those already heavily invested in it.

Screen Caps: >