That was one heck of a ride. Genshiken is a treat right from the opening notes of the OP to the episode preview at the end of each episode. Usually I skip the OPs and EDs of anime just so I could get to the 'juicy bits' faster and I know that most people out there do this as well. However, Genshiken's fast-paced OP (and the fact that you only get to view it for 11 episodes) really hooks you and it's a joy ride from there on.
To be honest, Genshiken really doesn't have a plotline. Heck, as far as I could figure out, it doesn't even have a stable main protagonist. It started out with Sasahara as the lead and the viewpoint slowly shifted to Saki's relationship problems and finally ended with Sasahara again. I must admit though, this did not disturb me one bit, in fact it's a breath of fresh air, it gives you the opportunity of actually viewing Genshiken as a group itself. Also, without Saki I'm pretty sure the story would have definitely flopped. She's what really brings everyone together and makes them really standout. And as the anime doesn't focus on a specific character too much it really gives you the ability to see each character what they are rather than from the viewpoint of a lead. This is not the case in shows such as Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu where we discover the all the other characters solely from Kyon's viewpoint. However, I must really contradict myself here a bit as I feel that there needed to be a tad bit more exploration, of the supporting characters such as Kugayama (who is virtually ignored at times, apart from the first few episodes).
The show really gives you an insight into Japanese otaku culture in a round-about sort of way and the Comiket bits were hilariously amusing. Also, I really love the slice-of-life these few episodes offered. It takes you over about 2 years of Genshiken and not much in terms of plot is introduced or answered (i.e. the former chairman – he scares me for some reason).
Overall, a great casual anime to get into, it's addictive right from the first episode and the Kujian scenes were priceless! Oh, that reminds me, turns out that there isn't going to be a second season of genshiken (aww!) and rather an anime version of Kujian (turns out the designs are going to be different – boo!). Rather disappointing as Genshiken ended rather abruptly, there was even talk of another episode after the finale episode! There could be hope for another season though as according to moetron, the Genshiken website has been updated with the final scene from the anime, interesting. However, even so, the ending was rather satisfying and I wouldn't mind not having another season (don't kill me!). I mean, the last episode had some sense of finality to it I also still need to watch the OVAs of Kujian that were released after Genshiken (I'll blog about it – I promise!).
Gets a rating of 5/5 from me! Also something I may thinking of rewatching sometime in the future (once i get through my huge backlog)!
(continue for screencaps)
a budding relationship?
heh, good luck!
*shudder* puppy eyes..
food!
and who be this?
