Handa-kun

Handa-kun is a prequel to the highly acclaimed slice-of-life anime, 'Barakamon'. Released in the summer of 2016, Handa-kun is a beautifully produced 12-episode series that perfectly combines comedy and high school life, while providing profound insight into the protagonist's character development.

One of the key charms of Handa-kun is its protagonist, the high schooler Sei Handa. While it's easy to appreciate his calligraphy talent, his personality is what truly endears him to the audience. Sei is an introvert suffering from severe social anxiety, he finds himself misunderstood by his peers and is under the constant delusion that everyone dislikes him.

But nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, Sei is viewed as a paradox. Despite his own perceptions, he is incredibly popular. His classmates idolize him and see him as a role model, ironically, making Sei's life even more complicated. The lack of awareness and understanding about his popularity adds a layer of irony to the show, which serves as a driving force behind Handa-kun's comedic appeal.

The story unfolds episodically with each episode exploring a day in Sei's chaotic yet hilarious life. It effectively portrays the gap between perception and reality through various comedic, over-the-top scenarios at school where Sei's misinterpreted actions unexpectedly lead to positive outcomes.

The animation in Handa-kun is top-notch, accentuating the expressions and reactions of the characters while underlining the slapstick elements of the show. Studio Diomedea, the production house responsible for the artwork, managed to capture the small subtleties of the characters' expressions and the ambience of the show's settings wonderfully.

In tandem with the lovely animation, the music score in Handa-kun enhances the overall atmosphere of the anime. Lighthearted and cheerful, the soundtracks add flavor to the comic moments and ensure there's never a dull moment in the series.

The supporting characters of Handa-kun are exuberantly unique. Each false disciple and misunderstood rival bring their own charm to the series. They create a diverse and vivacious setting around the overwhelmingly introverted Sei, showcasing their own exaggerated admiration or rivalry towards him. This eccentric cast amplifies the comedy while also fostering a sense of warmth and camaraderie amongst the characters.

Handa-kun is chalk-full of humor and gags that you wouldn't expect from a typical slice-of-life anime. The constant misunderstandings and Sei’s abnormal interpretations of events lead to a series of outrageous incidents that are guaranteed to make you laugh. However, at its core, the series consistently maintains its subtle but meaningful exploration of human emotions, interaction, and personal growth, giving the audience glimpses into Sei's gradual development in overcoming his social fears.

The show invites the viewers to navigate through the daily life of its eponymous character, joining in on his misadventures, and witnessing the unparalleled charm that Sei unconsciously exudes. It's a comedic journey through high school life that's packed with misunderstandings, mishaps, and mayhem, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Handa-kun makes for a fantastic addition to your watch-list, particularly if you're a fan of comedy series set in a school environment. By offering a hearty dose of laughter accompanied by a splash of useful life lessons, it guarantees an experience you wouldn't want to miss. You don't need to have seen 'Barakamon' to appreciate and enjoy Handa-kun. Though if you're familiar with its sequel, you will grasp a deeper understanding of Sei's years before his self-discovery in 'Barakamon'.

All in all, Handa-kun is an entertaining series that cleverly combines high school antics, genuine comedy, and an endearing main character, all wrapped in a glorious animation style. Whether you're laughing at the outrageous scenarios, enjoying the varied character designs, or sympathizing with Sei's trials, this series guarantees a whole lot of fun.