Now I wish I was in middle school again. Good times, good times… 

——

Granted that I only have a short watch list of anime this season, Rikka is pulling out all the stops on aiming to be one of the most amusing and inspiring characters of the third quarter. Whether she’s doing this purposely or not — undress, I said! — it doesn’t get old watching her act like a complete dork no matter what circumstance arises before her. Of course this is only after two full episodes and things can change very quickly.

Already, Shinka (Akasaki Chinatsu) made a big splash and Tsuyuri Kumin (Asakura Azumi) took one on the head to add to the parade of fantasies, delusions and imagination that reigns this show. I may not like the huge hairpin on Shinka or particularly warm up to Kumin’s voice, ever, but they’re not starring in this sometimes-action-filled rom-com that preaches never needing to grow up past middle school level. Even Rikka’s sister, Touka (Sendai Eri), acknowledges that there are weirdos out there. Just don’t get in her ladle’s way, or declare out in the balcony that you’re one Dark Flame Master because you will get heard, recorded and blackmailed. Try to fight back and she’ll evade everything, teleport or do acrobatics with ease. 

I just enjoy how there isn’t much of a break between one scene to the next — it’s constantly moving. On top of that, it’s more frequently than not, funny. Even without Rikka’s involvement, Yuuta’s endeavors to be “normal” is entertaining enough, and it might be only a matter of time before he discovers Shinka’s closet otaku side (a la Nogizaka Haruka) to her some time down the line. It’s good as it is right now and I’m almost hesitant to imagine what it would be like once the full cast chips in with its potion of fantasy galore. But if the other girls who take up a good chunk of time during the OP get the same treatment as Kumin, then it wouldn’t be that much of a problem as long as they are integrated into Rikka and Yuuta’s mini adventures without disruption. Did I already mention how their chemistry is just too good? Perhaps they’re a little too cute together. 

Again, it’s only episode two but the quality is gorgeous. The concept itself is making it an early favorite as Kyoto Animation isn’t showing anything short of near perfection at this point. That said, I’m expecting more of the same next week. Hope you are, too. 

GO Rating: 4.5/5

Neither my ladle nor my umbrella transforms. What gives? D: