Post by Bob Ness on Nov 27, 2012 17:54:07 GMT -5
-Details-
Genre: Comedy/History
Company: Studio Deen
Format: 52 episodes (each being five minutes long)
Date: January 24, 2009- ongoing
-Visuals- 5/10
While the animation is rather simple and, at times, cute, the anatomy of the characters leaves many of the fans in irritation. The hands are never perfect, the positions are sometimes impossible to actually do, and the expressions are sometimes blank or just very much so overused. The backgrounds are actually very pretty at times, a large contrast from the characters. The clothing is one thing that also irks me. The time periods and the articles of clothing sometimes don't match up, as well as props that are used.
One positive thing I can say about the animation is that it's very shiny, albeit awkward and unchangeable. However, if the visuals are a turn-off for you, fear not!- the next season will be released with an all-new team of artists and all-new character designs.
Britian is known for his scary attitude, as seen by France and young America's reactions.
Italy's uniform seems to be quite stretchy here. Either that, or it's far too big for him.
-Characters- 9.5/10
The characters are what make the show. Each of the characters has a special personality, one that matches the stereotypes found in their respective countries. Italy is an outgoing, coward of a young man who loves girls and pasta. Germany is muscular, rough, and angry. America is loud, obnoxious, and overly patriotic. Russia is a big, looming man who smiles childishly and loves watching chaos form (mostly his own). The relationships they share with one another matches up with each nation's respective allies. Canada and America are said to be brothers, France and England are reluctant frenemies, Switzerland is overly protective of young Lichtenstein, and so on so forth. While there isn't really character development (unless you call growing as a nation development), the characters are still portrayed perfectly (and, while it might be offensive to some, scarily accurate).
Even in an anime, it's easy to beat up France.
-Story- N/A
There's a story?
Basically, you get a bunch of anthropomorphic countries- mostly cute, young men- running around and playing out your world history book in a way that makes you forget it's supposed to be historical.
-Overall- 9/10
Maybe it's just me, but I love the comedy in this show. It's quick (each episode only lasting five minutes), and dives just slightly into the history and culture of all these different countries (and introduced new countries I never even knew existed, such as the micronation of Sealand). It's a very bright and cheerful thing to watch, so if you enjoy a random show about history and boys and what-in-the-world-is-going-on, this might just be for you.
