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Azumanga Daioh review by The Wolf
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Derived from the popular manga series, Azuma Kiyohiko's 'Azumanga Daioh' stands out from the rest with its subtle humour and clever stories. While most high school anime series deal with the qualms of first love, Azumanga Daioh distances itself from such series. The story revolves around many stereotypical Japanese high school characters with a twist, which not only brightens the anime but creates a lovable aura about the characters. Some of the humour is hard to comprehend due to the fact that the humour is based mainly on Japanese daily life, which is in some aspects completely different from the Western one.
Since the anime was based on a manga consisting of four-panel strips, Azumanga Daioh does not really have much of a plot. Instead, it is treated more like a manga than anything else, as reflected in the simple animation of the characters against the intricate scenery and backgrounds, which emphasises how absolutely wacky this thing is. The story centres around seven girls and their journey through senior high school in Japan. With stories that take place in their school and social lives, the characters are able to be fully developed.
Azumanga hosts a great cast, such as Chobits' Tanaka Rie and Bubblegum Crisis 2040's Asakawa Yuu. Aside from the big names, there are also seasoned voice actors, such as Hiramatsu Akiko and Hisakawa Aya, who fit perfectly into the odd couple of the teachers who have been together for a while. Along with them are little known voice actors such as Kaneda Tomoko and Higuchi Chieko. With such balance and experience in their cast, it's not hard to see why the anime relies so heavily on the characters to make Azumanga Daioh a classic.
Although Azumanga Daioh does not have a primary plot, it still wouldn't be too wise to start watching at any time from any episode, as many of the stories are somehow intertwined. Watching Azumanga Daioh from the beginning allows you to see how the character has started out and as you watch on, you get to know them better and see their development.
With all the daftness and insanity, you would be surprised at the ending. Probably for the first time in the whole series, Azumanga Daioh becomes very emotional as the seven friends all go their separate ways in life after graduation. And warning, you may get a little nostalgic, but all to good effect. Azumanga Daioh is one series that you shouldn't miss.
~ The Wolf
