Sora no Manimani

Well, let's get this blog finally started for real.

Meet Saku Ooyagi. He just moved back with his mother to a small town he lived in 7 years ago, but he is not really happy with this as he has some bad memories here that he'd rather forget.

These bad memories have everything to do with the girl (Mishoshi Akeno, usually shortened to Mii-chan) that was one year older then him and who lived in the same apartment building. Back in the days she dragged him all over the place to play while all HE wanted was some peace and quiet so he could read a book. Even worse for him: her father loved the stars which had rubbed off on Mii-chan so poor happless Saku was dragged around day and night. To top it all off, just before he was about to move 7 years ago Mii-chan caused him to break an arm in another of her nightly expeditions and ever since Saku has a towering resentment.

Well, this being an anime it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the first day at his new highschool he 'runs' into his living nightmare while she is busy trying to recruit members for the astronomy club.

I'll leave it that as an introduction and put a few more thoughts in the spoiler section before I'll reveal so much you basically wouldn't need to see the episode at all ... which would be a waste as it's pretty funny and even has a touching moment.

[Spoiler]
The mother reminded me more then just a little off Naoki's mother in Itazura na Kiss with her foto fetish and I had to laugh about Mii-chans frantic tries trying to get into contact with Saku, who ofcourse is doing anything he can to avoid her. Naturally at some time Mii-chan finally gets a hold of him and we have the moving movent of the week as Saku totally chews out Mii-chan only to find out that much of his resentment is unjust.

This realisation coupled with some tears from Mii-chan get him suckered in becoming the newest member of the Astronomy club with it's near dead president who more then a little freaks me out.

Graphics wise it's okay I guess. The characters and basic background are done well enough, but clearly there was only enough money for that and not for some more action in the background as except for the main characters nothing usually moves. There is no ecchi and while I don't have anything against ecchi it's not a requirement for me to enjoy a romantic comedy.

As for voice casting I think it's done pretty good especially for Mii-chan who sounds hyper like her character usually is and also the club president whose voice reflects his bodily condition. Can't say I'm really thrilled about the opening, but I like the ending.

Temporarily verdict: 7,5 out of 10.