Cat Planet Cuties

Cat Planet Cuties, originally titled Asobi ni Ikuyo: Bombshells from the Sky in Japan, is a captivating, fan-service-filled anime that combines elements of comedy, romance, and science fiction for an unforgettable and thrilling viewing experience. Produced by AIC PLUS+ and broadcasted in Japan on AT-X, the show was later licensed for North America by FUNimation Entertainment, who aired it from 2010 to 2011.

The story revolves around Kio Kakazu, an ordinary, if somewhat nerdy, high school student living in Okinawa, Japan. Kio's life takes a dramatic turn when he attends a memorial service for one of his ancestors and meets Eris, an attractive, cat-eared extraterrestrial hailing from the faraway planet Catia. With her open-hearted personality, playful behavior, and striking catlike features, Eris soon captures Kio's attention.

Instead of initiating a violent invasion as seen in many sci-fi series, Eris wishes to learn about Earth's cultures and establish friendly relations between her planet and Earth. Due to circumstances beyond his control, Kio finds himself embroiled in intergalactic politics and struggling to keep the peace between humans and alien Catians.

Meanwhile, Eris primarily wishes to understand human life and behavior, leading to numerous humorous and often mischievous situations throughout the series. This quest to understand humanity also introduces her to common character archetypes from various genres, making her a slightly meta-textual construct of the anime form itself.

On top of managing these extraterrestrial diplomacy matters, the adolescent Kio is swept up in a whirl of romantic tension as Eris, who has taken a teasing, flirty interest in him, joins a harem of girls competing for his attention. This lovely ensemble includes his childhood friend Manami, a capable and headstrong aspiring CIA agent, and Aoi, a shy but highly-skilled special ops agent.

Throughout its 12 episodes and 1 OVA, Cat Planet Cuties serves up a playful blend of comedy, romance, science fiction, and action. With its flashy battle sequences involving Catian advanced technology and Earth's special agents, the series indeed provides thrilling moments. Yet, it also explores deeper themes such as cross-cultural understanding, acceptance, and the importance of peace and diplomacy between different races, making Cat Planet Cuties more than your typical harem anime.

The animation is crisp and colorful, rendering both the everyday and extraordinary elements of the show with a vivacious charm that complements its balance of humor and action. The character designs are appealing, each distinctive and full of personality, with Eris as the standout in her unique alien catgirl appeal.

Notably, Cat Planet Cuties offers a notable fan service aspect, utilizing its cast of attractive female characters in various states of dress or undress. But the fan service never feels overbearing, and it often contributes to the comedy or provides a reason for the characters to engage in absurd antics.

Approachable and entertaining, the science fiction elements of Cat Planet Cuties are presented humorously rather than seriously. Alien contact happens in a warmhearted and fun manner, with Eris bringing over Catian foods, drinks and even video games from her homeland, leading to some amusing cross-cultural snafus.

Adding another level to the enjoyment of the series is its quirky, upbeat soundtrack, with memorable opening and ending themes that wonderfully set the tone for the anime's lighthearted, energetic vibe.

Overall, Cat Planet Cuties in FUNimation's run from 2010 to 2011 is a delightful romp through sci-fi anime tropes with a twist, blurring the lines between typical genres and an engaging narrative that draws viewers in with irresistible charm. Its blend of loveable characters, humor, action, and heart ensures a thoroughly enjoyable view for any anime enthusiast.