Outbreak Company

Outbreak Company, broadcasted on Anime Network in 2013, is a uniquely concept-driven anime show. This intriguing 12-episode series merges fantasy and reality in a way that enthuses and captivates anime enthusiasts.

The series revolves around the intriguing life of Shinichi Kanou, a hikikomori or rather a shut-in, whose encompassing knowledge of anime, manga, and video games becomes unexpectedly essential. Thanks to this expansive multi-genre knowledge, Shinichi finds himself summoned to the magical fantasy world, Eldant Empire, a universe where dragons roam the skies and elves, dwarves, and other mythical beings inhabit the land.

However, this isn’t a straightforward fantasy adventure tale. Unexpectedly, Shinichi is not summoned to be a hero to slay a mythical beast or save the realm but instead, he is roped in by the Japanese government. His mission is to serve as a "moe missionary," with the objective of promoting otaku culture in this untouched parallel world. Thus, the Japanese government establishes a company for Shinichi to spread the otaku culture.

As Shinichi embarks on this unusual journey, he is faced with both the excitement of spreading his beloved otaku culture and the challenge of the cultural and societal idiosyncrasies that exist between the two worlds. Amid this, the show goes beyond the surface-level narrative and taps into deeper themes. It cleverly platforms discussions of cultural imperialism, the struggle to bridge distinct worlds, and the influence of pop culture.

Among the characters Shinichi interacts with, in this new world, include Myucel, a half-elf maid who serves Shinichi and goes to great lengths to learn the otaku culture. There's also Petralka, the young and unpredictable Eldant Empire's Empress who develops a liking to anime and manga, and Elbia, a werewolf girl and a skillful artist.

The series offers a touch of humor and romantic elements as relationships develop and cute misunderstandings occur due to cultural differences. The folklore from diverse anime and manga genres cleverly blend into one in a way that pays homage to popular Japanese culture. Furthermore, as Shinichi and his friends come face to face with social disparities, racial discrimination, political intrigues, and power struggles, the narrative delves into mature themes, expanding its horizons beyond the typical fantasy or otaku-culture centric plotlines.

Outbreak Company's colorful animation and playful background score brilliantly capture the aura of the parallel universe, Eldant Empire. The visuals successfully follow traditional anime art style while at the same time lending it its own unique spin. The character designs are appealing and easily relatable to the otaku culture.

Beyond the plot, the show navigates a path to confront viewers with interesting philosophical and moral conundrums related to cultural imperialism and ethics. The series highlights Shinichi's struggle between his duty to promote otaku culture and the ethical implications it could have on the Eldant Empire's societal order.

Each episode of Outbreak Company represents a piece of Shinichi’s journey in this strange land, exploring multiple facets of otaku culture and integrating it into his daily interactions in the new world. This unique concept, paired with moments of humor, action, and a dash of romance, makes Outbreak Company an engaging watch.

Outbreak Company effectively puts an unexpected, exciting twist on conventional fantasy anime, making it both a celebration and satirical critique of otaku culture. It cleverly addresses the social and cultural barriers, delivers humor in its narrative structure, and showcases the fascinating world of otaku.

In conclusion, Outbreak Company is an unconventional anime with a richly built universe and appealing characters. While it uses otaku culture as the primary propellant for the story, it transcends that to address larger issues of cultural imperialism, social hierarchy, and the essence of communication across diverse cultures. With its blend of comedy, fantasy, adventure, and a touch of romance, the Outbreak Company is a notable entry in the anime world, making for a thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking series to follow.