One of the few manga am reading is “ニセコイ” by Naoshi Komi, so was very much looking forward to the anime adaptation. Although started to watch the show as soon as it began to air, have not spoke about it yet as am somewhat conflicted about this anime.
In its manga form, “Nisekoi” is a dime in a dozen story with all the tried and true elements of the romantic comedy and harem genres, but it is still very entertaining. While it brings nothing really original and its characters are the typical templates seen in any harem manga, somehow it makes all those silly harem shenanigans work well.
Translated into anime form however, must admit that alas “Nisekoi” does not really appeal that much. Both in terms of story and characters, this anime doesn’t really set itself apart in a positive or original way from other harem comedies.
What does saves “Nisekoi” from being a mediocre or average harem comedy, is studio Shaft’s excellent animation work. Known for their unique signature style, studio Shaft manages to lift this generic harem comedy up to a higher level, making it an entertaining show.
However, studio Shaft applying some of the style elements they are well known for is something of a double-edged sword since it not only elevates this harem comedy from mediocre to good, but it also makes “Nisekoi” feel very similar to one of the studio’s biggest hit franchises.
One would almost think that the show should be called “Nisekoimonogatari” instead, but whether “Nisekoi” is really too similar to Shaft’s work on the ‘Monogatari’ franchise or not, is for each individual viewer to decide.
Personally, am already happy that the studio’s work undeniably contributes to make the anime adaptation much better than the mediocre run-of-the-mill show it probably would have been if produced by another studio.
Ended up being rather disappointed by the lackluster anime adaptation of “Hentai Ouji To Warawanai Neko” by JC Staff’, guess some stories just work better in light novel or manga form. Though do wonder if high expectations might be at fault there.
Considering the manga has quite a few volumes out already, do wonder how much changes the anime will make to the story and if they will be able to introduce all of the girls.
It is a given that Tsugumi and Marika will appear considering they are featured in the opening sequence. But what about Paula, or Kosaki’s younger sister Haru? Guess we will have to wait and see.
Was already quite the fan of her character in the manga, but in the anime Kosaki Onodera is even more moe thanks to Hanazawa Kana’s lovely voice work and studio Shaft going all out to render her as irresistibly cute as possible.
Hanazawa Kana previously voiced Charlotte in “IS: Infinite Stratos”, Kobato in “Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai”, Ruri in “Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai”, Nadeko in “Monogatari Series Second Season” and this season she also voices Rumi in “Tonari no Seki-kun” and Roka in “D-Frag!”.
Chitoge is voiced by Touyama Nao, she’s tackled roles like Karen in “Kiniro Mosaic”, Chiho in “Hataraku Maou-sama!”, Yune in “Ikoku Meiro no Croisée” and Yui in “Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru”.
Asumi Kana will voice Marika, she has also voiced Miya in “Amagami SS”, Yukikaze in “Dog Days”, Nyaruko in “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san”, Komari in “Non Non Biyori” and Kaoru in “Tamayura”.
Tsugumi will be voiced by Komatsu Mikako who previously voiced Marika in “Mouretsu Pirates”, Neko in “K”, Saika in “Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru” and she also voices Miuna in “Nagi no Asukara”.
If you’re looking for a nice harem comedy with cute girls and don’t have any particular expectations, then definitely give “Nisekoi” a try. For a run-of-the-mill harem comedy, it has been a good show so far thanks to studio Shaft’s work.
