Haiyoru! Nyaruani (ONA)

Haiyoru! Nyaruani (ONA) is an exciting and quirky anime series that aired in Japan in 2012 on the TV Tokyo network. This unique series fuses elements of science fiction, comedy, and romance into an unorthodox blend, set against the backdrop of an extraordinary cosmological landscape.

The anime is a spin-off of a Light Novel Series of the same name, written by Manta Aisora. It explores concepts popular in anime and manga such as the personification of mythical, legendary, or fantastical creatures. The show's title, Haiyoru! Nyaruani, is a clever wordplay, combining the names of the Lovecraftian deity Nyarlathotep and a derivative of the verb 'Haiyoru', which carries the connotation of slithering or writhing, fittingly portraying the quirky, likeable, yet subtly disconcerting demeanor of the main character.

The series centers around a high school student named Mahiro Yasaka, leading an ordinary life until he is suddenly attacked by a creature from another dimension. He is rescued by an alien named Nyaruko, who, although resembling a silver-haired human girl, claims to be a formless Lovecraftian deity that can take any form - for her, that of a young girl in her teens. In her own dimension, she works as an interstellar officer upholding the peace among different intergalactic species, and has come to Earth to protect Mahiro. Despite her strange origins and even stranger job description, Nyaruko insists on falling head-over-heels in love with Mahiro, causing hilarity and perplexingly humorous situations to unfold.

'Haiyoru! Nyaruani' takes viewers on a wild cosmic journey, brimming with an array of fanciful species from across different dimensions who continuously appear to cause havoc. As the narrative progresses, more Lovecraftian deities personified as human-like characters emerge, which not only provides variety in the storyline but intrigues and hooks viewers who fancy mythology and science fiction.

The animation style of the series is vivid, colorful, and carries a light-hearted tone consistent with the comedic element of the show. While the series incorporates references to the Lovecraftian mythology, the creators skillfully infuse it with humor and not horror, primarily leveraging the comedy arising from the bizarre yet somehow endearing coupling of typical human life with the extraordinary cosmic realm.

Despite her cosmically powerful entity status, Nyaruko is infatuated with Earth's entertainment industry, especially anime, manga, and video games. This peculiar interest helps the character relate to the audience and drives the show's humor. The creators skillfully use her to satirize various pop culture tropes, providing meta-commentary about the industry itself, and make the narrative heartening and engaging.

However, the most unique aspect of 'Haiyoru! Nyaruani' is its knack for combining offbeat comedy with deep-seated romantic feelings, creating an enchanting atmosphere for viewers. Although Mahiro finds himself overwhelmed by his strange circumstances, Nyaruko's genuine yet comically expressed feelings for him gradually thaw his resistance to her. This unexpected romantic twist adds another layer to the anime, making it a fascinating watch for those who enjoy both comedy and romance.

The anime is divided into two separate ONA (Original Net Animation) series: 'Haiyoru! Nyaruani' and 'Haiyoru! Nyaruani: Remember My Love(craft-sensei)', which aired before the TV series 'Haiyore! Nyaruko-san' became an adaptation. Each episode is quite short, roughly four to five minutes, creating a quick-paced narrative that keeps viewers on their toes and makes the series a swift yet delightful watch.

Overall, 'Haiyoru! Nyaruani' is an eccentric yet enjoyable amalgamation of disparate elements - Lovecraftian mythology, science fiction, slapstick humor, and heartfelt romance. The anime packs a punch in spite of its short runtime, offering viewers a unique experience unlike anything they've seen before. Its unusual style, engaging story, and likable characters definitely make it a must-watch for anyone who relishes offbeat humor and thrilling inter-dimensional adventures.