Anime-Gataris

Anime-Gataris is an engaging and heartwarming slice-of-life anime series that aired on Tokyo MX in 2017. The series revolves around a group of high school students who discover their shared love for anime, and it's a tribute, of sorts, to the wide and wonderful world of animation. This show perfectly blends high school drama with humorous reference-based comedy, making it a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.

The story begins when principal character Minoa Asagaya, a novice in the world of anime, stumbles upon an abandoned anime club at her school. There she meets Arisu Kamiigusa, a wealthy anime fanatic, who revitalizes the club and encourages Minoa to join. Minoa, intrigued and eager to make friends, jumps on board. With Arisu's funding, the newly reinvigorated Anime Research Club becomes a safe haven for a diverse group of anime enthusiasts.

In addition to Minoa and Arisu, the anime features a host of other quirky characters, each with their distinct personality, anime preferences, and attributes that contribute to a well-rounded cast. These students cross the spectrum of typical anime fan stereotypes, providing the series with a rich variety of perspectives on the medium.

One such character is Miko Koenji, a secretive light novel author who presents a cool façade but is passionate about anime adaptations of light novels. Then there's Kai Musashisakai, an apathetic but gifted scriptwriter who sometimes finds anime to be repetitive and predictable. Despite their different tastes and opinions on anime, the club members manage to bond through their shared passion. Their interactions—the discussions, debates, and occasional disagreements—form the core of the narrative.

Among the anime's prominent themes is the dichotomy often present within fandoms—rarefied versus mainstream, subbed versus dubbed, serious versus comical. Comedy is a key aspect of the show, with a substantial part of it originating from the numerous anime references spread throughout the series. Some of these references poke good-natured fun at various anime tropes, fandom quirks, and industry practices, demonstrating the creators' deep understanding and love for the medium.

In addition to being a tribute to anime, Anime-Gataris also functions as a primer of sorts into the world of anime fandom. Unfamiliar viewers get an introduction to anime jargon, conventions, and controversies, while seasoned fans will no doubt enjoy the series' respectful nod to different aspects of anime culture.

Despite its comedy and light-hearted nature, Anime-Gataris does manage to explore serious themes as well. One of these themes is the struggle of the characters to defend their club and their passion in a school administration that frowns upon such “non-productive” extracurricular activities. This theme underscores the narrative's secondary theme of friendship and resilience since it's by banding together that the club members manage to stand up for their shared passion.

The animation, style, and music of Anime-Gataris capture the show's lively and vibrant nature beautifully. The art style ranges from the more typical modern anime aesthetics to clever stylistic homages to various popular anime. Meanwhile, the music bolsters the pacing and delivers all the energy and enthusiasm that's essential to the show's tone.

In a nutshell, Anime-Gataris is a delightful mix of humor, friendship, and anime fandom, channeling the vibrant spirit of anime passion through its compelling character dynamics and engaging storylines. Whether you're just getting your toes wet in the world of anime or have been an ardent fan for years, Anime-Gataris offers an affectionate and insightful exploration of this fascinating medium.