Re-Kan!

Re-Kan! is a captivating supernatural comedy anime series that was produced by Sentai Filmworks and Pierrot Plus. First aired in 2015, the series is based on Hinako Seta's four-panel manga of the same name. This original high school anime is brimming with abnormal, supernatural encounters infused with warmth, humor, and a sprinkle of poignant moments.

The story revolves around the bright and cheerful high school girl named Hibiki Amami. She's not your average high-schooler - she has a unique ability that distinguishes her from her peers. Amami possesses a rare sixth sense, the ability to see and interact with spirits and ghosts. This unusual ability, however, doesn't dampen her spirits or hinder her day-to-day life. Instead, she uses her 'Re-Kan,' which translates to 'sixth sense,' to help these ghosts with their lingering issues, assisting them in finding peace and passing over to the other side.

In this extraordinary journey, Amami is often perceived as peculiar by her schoolmates, but surprisingly, she wins over a few loyal friends who accept her for who she is. Among these is the skeptical Narumi Inoue, who is initially terrified by Amami's interactions with the supernatural. Over time, however, they form a unique bond and Inoue becomes Amami's most loyal, though often exasperated, companion. Further adding to the lively cast of characters are the various friendly and not-so-friendly spirits that Amami interacts with.

In the hands of less skilled storytellers, this might've turned into a grim or a melodramatic narrative, but Re-Kan! perfectly balances its supernatural elements with humour and slice of life moments. This results in a hilarious, yet touching anime that offers a distinctive spin on the high school anime genre.

In terms of visuals, Re-kan! boasts clear, bright, and simplistic yet engaging animation that fits the light-hearted tone of the series perfectly. The otherworldly encounters are depicted in special effects that are both creative and eye-catching, enhancing the show's comedic and supernatural elements.

One of the highlights of Re-kan!, is its characters. Every character, from Amami and Inoue to the several ghosts, have their own unique quirks and charm. This, backed by brilliant voice acting performances, makes each episode a delightful experience. Even though the theme is centered around spirits and the afterlife, the anime always maintains a certain warmth and lightness, primarily through its well-rounded characters.

Another standout feature is its pleasing storytelling format. Each episode feels like a short story, where encounters with various spirits always bring about a moral lesson or spark significant growth and shared experiences amongst friends. Despite its episodic format, the series does offer an overarching storyline, which involves the evolving friendship between Amami and Inoue and a few recurring spirits with their distinctive narratives.

Moreover, Re-kan! is not just a comedy, but it also plays around with emotional moments and presents high school life beyond just the supernatural phenomena. It explores the themes of empathy, acceptance, friendship and even gently hints at the delicate topic of mortality, all blended together seamlessly producing an anime that makes you laugh at one moment and tear-up in the next.

The soundtrack is another beautifully crafted component of the show. With cheerful and upbeat music, it perfectly sets the tone of the series while sometimes subtly shifting to reflect the more emotional scenes.

Re-kan! is suitable for viewers of all ages who are looking for a heartwarming, comedic, and slightly off-beat anime experience. Although it has supernatural elements, it remains light-hearted and hence, is easily accessible even to viewers who usually shy away from the horror or supernatural genres.

The journey of Amami and her friends in Re-Kan! is more than just seeing and helping ghosts; it’s about the uniqueness of each individual, acceptance, the value of friendship, and the delicate balance between life and death seen in the world. It's a heartwarming comic anime series that can leave you feeling light and uplifted after each episode.

In conclusion, Re-Kan! offers a refreshingly humorous and emotionally engaging anime experience that stands out in its genre. For anyone seeking a supernatural comedy that also tugs at the heartstrings, Re-Kan! is an excellent choice to explore.