Osomatsu-san

I may be the minority opinion here but I pretty much struggled to finish this anime, in fact i was on the verge of stopping from watching it completely . Why? Well it really has nothing to do with the quality of the anime or anything like that, it's just that frankly I could rarely get even a chuckle from it- and it being a comedy anime, made it impossible to skip through any of it as that was what it mainly offered. I am perfectly aware this was a reboot targeted towards the Japanese demographic, but as someone who tends to have a rather wide-spectrumof humor, I had a hard time getting behind the comedic aspects at all. Especially with how much the anime forces something funny to happen out of thin air, it becomes a chore to watch. I think this is because everything about this anime is heavily bent on being Japanese on almost every aspect- which is perfectly fine, but it's obvious this wasn't made for anyone outside of Japan to understand. Each 25 minute episode has numerous segments, at first i thought it was actually fun at first but it gradually became annoying and in my opinion very detaching. I ended up skipping some segments as I simply did not enjoy the plot, which was something that also heavily influenced my criticism for this anime. A good portion of the story of each segment felt very stretched out at times or even repetitive as segments beforehand shared a very similar basis/outcome.Once again, I get it- it's supposed to be funny and random, but it always bothered me how the amount of scenarios the sextuplets were in that it was sort of like they had amnesia of the person they were interacting with. It didn't feel progressive, or like as if what you were watching was actually accumulative aside from at most reoccurring characters that just end up being thrown in to quite literally fill in the background or maybe show up for a line at most - there just no development that felt like watching it in order was pointless. Regardless of the massive amount of inconsistency and flawed humor for me, I can't ignore the obvious dedication and love the people who made this anime put in, you can tell they really wanted to please their fans by tipping their hat towards the classic series and generally enhance for not only the old fans but the newcomers of the series as well. The visuals are simplistic yet very well done (especially with how colorful it is), the sound is excellent, and i really enjoyed the characters, especially the sextuplets. Now, if there is something that i felt this anime shined in it was actually the serious ,dramatic episodes - there's about 3 that's revolved around the main 6 (well from what I remembered) and they were actually the most memorable episodes to me. I know that praising a comedy anime for content that isn't it's main focus is kind of unjust but I really felt the need to acknowledge their ability to really tug your heart strings as it depicted moments that had alot of depth to them despite the majority of the anime was a never ending joke in comparison. If you've watched a clip that shows what the anime is like and you get a laugh out of it, then watch it, because that's exactly the content you'll be seeing for the majority of the time. If you could barely laugh about it at all and found it sort of obnoxious like I did, I would skip it.

Osomatsu-san: 94% ridiculous hilarity, 5% why am I suddenly sad, and 1% what is this I'm scared. It actually took me a while to get around to watching this show. The art was too Muppet-ish for my tastes, and I didn't see anything appealing about a gag anime where the main characters all looked the same. I'd never heard of Osomatsu-kun either, so there was really nothing drawing me in. The only reason I started watching was because I heard that the first episode was filled with anime parodies and you could only watch it illegally because the creators didn't want to get sued. It tookme a good few months, but by the end of that first episode, I was hooked. Story: 9 The best part of the Osomatsu-san story is that there kind of isn't a story. There are no story arcs, no rising or falling action. They just kind of throw some ridiculous short plot at your face for a few minutes and then move on to something else. This can be a really tricky kind of show to pull off, but the staff managed it so that viewers can be pissing in laughter one minute and ready to cry about a cat wearing glasses the next. (Writing goals.) The comedy is a wildly out there kind of toilet humor where you don't really understand what's going on but you're laughing out loud regardless. It's the kind of comedy that western shows like Family Guy and South Park strive for, but can't pull off as well or as consistently as Osomatsu-san. This show's like adultswim's wet dream, seriously. Art: 8 As I mentioned earlier, Osomatsu-san has a weird Muppet-esque type of art. They look like Garfield and Kermit the frog had a litter of cartoon babies. However, this perfectly suits the show's overall tone, and when it doesn't, they aren't afraid to change it up. They'll throw in some clean Studio Pierrot animation (with character designs that clearly reference UtaPri), stylistic facial references, and even replace everything with just words. It's odd, but it really works somehow. Sound: 7 The background music didn't really stand out to me. I'd notice it on occasion, and when I did it would fit the scene, but I never thought, "wow that's some real good jammin' in the background." The openings and endings, on the other hand, were great. Both openings had a quirky sort of denpa-meets-folk vibe, while the endings seemed to have disco-pop influences. They're all incredibly catchy, and stupidly hard to get out of your head (which can be a great thing and a wildly annoying thing). Characters: 10 Ah, the shining beacon of light that made this show the work of art it is. The brothers, who at first glance look like the same person in different shirts, are soon apparent to be clearly cut individuals. After watching a few episodes, you get to the point where you can easily tell them apart at first glance, just by their postures, expressions, and the occasional oh-so-subtle differences in hair. Characters who seem to just be an embodiment of comedy are delved into and developed to the point where the viewer becomes so emotionally attached that they go to bed thinking, "I hope Ichimatsu gets enough sleep; he always seems so tired..." You think that background character is just gonna be comedic relief? Sorry buddy, you're about to get wrecked over a bald boy with Naruto whiskers. No character is simply what they seem to be in this show; everyone has 3d personalities, everyone has different sides to themselves. The character that you thought was a lazy freeloader turns out to have deeply rooted psychological issues, and the one who you thought was just the classic Minnie Mouse style sweetheart will beat you with a fish while insulting your genitals. They're realistic characters in an incredibly non-realistic world, which is a weird but wonderful contrast that really gets you thinking. Osomatsu-san will ruin you in the best way possible. You'll fall in love with a Muppet and question your life, but you will enjoy it. Feel the pain. Love the pain. Laugh over the pain. And someone please give these boys some hugs and counseling dear mother of christ. Overall: 9/10, would recommend.

Osomatsu-san…..this is a show that’s kind of what you’d describe as a cult classic. It was originally published as a comedy series by Fujio Akatsuka and ran in the Weekly Shounen Magazine for 7 years from 1962 to 1969. Not only did it bring Akatsuka’s reputation to light to the public, the series itself is what I’d describe as an extraordinary comedy. The modern version of Osomatsu-san is adapted by studio Pierrot and like the original, focuses on the Matsuno sextuplets. A group of six boys, they are known to cause mischief and the series chronicles their daily misadventures. A common question that viewers may findthemselves asking is: do I need to watch the original series? From a personal perspective, the answer is no. Every episode is a story in itself divided into segments and there isn’t a complicated story angle that viewers needs to follow to understand it. Really, what’s there to understand about a show filled with gags, parodies, and jokes? Osomatsu-san is the very essence of satirical comedy that knows its intentions. It’s self-aware with the jokes and often pokes fun at every opportunity it gets. As a show that chronicles misadventures, it’s important to get the characters right. This isn’t easy considering that all six of the main characters looks similar with some rather gimmicky names. (Osomatsu, Karamatsu, Choromatsu, Ichimatsu, Jushimatsu, Todomatsu). While all of them look similar, their personalities are quite different and that in general is a trigger for tension and feuds. The self-proclaimed leader and titular character is Osomatsu who also happens to be the oldest of the siblings. His commanding presence and arrogance often sets off fire that escalates into hilarious drama. And because this series is stockpiled with comedy, the drama often extends to innumerable amount of laughter. Most of the other siblings are pretty fun to watch as well. Because they each have a different personality, each episode and their segments offers something different. From the womanizing Karamatsu to loner Ichimatsu, the show really knows how to define their character. It’s also through interactions outside their group that makes them easy to notice as the siblings often get into trouble for the wrong reasons. The show is structured with segments so each episode offers at least two different storytelling angles with little to no correlation with one another. As a fruit for thought, the show often parodies other popular genre whether it’s the horror thriller Saw or the dark fantasy Attack on Titan. The first episode became infamous for this when the artwork style is completely different from what new fans would imagine it to be. Furthermore, the show is self-aware and knows how to sell its comedy. The way it presents its characters is obviously used to make fun of their roles so nothing should be taken seriously. On rare occasions, there are some bittersweet moments that may be surprising. But make no mistake about it, the show isn’t predictable and often messes around with itself. From gender bender to breaking the fourth wall, this series is literally a crazy roller-coaster. That brings a sort of the hit-or-miss situation. The comedy may be so recurring that some viewers will find it forced or unfunny at times. A few of the side characters like Iyami also gets attention for the wrong reasons. It’s hard to describe it but comedy doesn’t always sell. Take it for granted, this show is not one that everyone can appreciate despite its recreational creativity. Style. That’s a way I’d like to describe the artwork for this show. The simple character designs, vibrant backgrounds, and outlines is what makes this series stand out. The twins are designed to look very similar so it’s very easy to mistake them unless you pay close attention. When the show goes into parody mode, the artwork goes through an evolution and is what most modern fans may be used to. But by presenting work in this fashion and style, it’s what makes the show unique. It delivers the feel of a cult classic. While soundtrack isn’t hyped like the comedy, it’s still noticeable because of the character voice mannerisms. Each of the sextuplets sound alike that makes them even harder to tell who is who at times. Still, the nail in the coffin is that how their voices work so effectively to make their characters more appealing. It brings their personalities to light each episode and the show really knows how to capture’s the audience’s attention. Plus, the OP and ED theme songs are quite amusing by comedy standards with its unorthodox choreography. Can’t lie. This isn’t a show that I found myself enjoying at first but it only took about two episodes for me to buy into the comedy. The way it portrays the characters, story segments, and comedy gags is every easy to get attached to. Understandably, each episode also parodies a variety of genres, culture, and popular franchise for amusement. While the artwork is something that is stellar, it’s unique and fitting for this series. This is a show that I’d highly recommend to anyone especially if comedy is something on your checklist. It’s not just about the humor, it’s about the Osomatsu-san.

After putting it off for a while I've finally come back to write my review of Osomatsu-san, why I absolutely adore this series and why it's my favorite anime of all time. It's a little lengthy, but I hope that this can help explain why I hold this anime so close to my heart. STORY: There really isn't much of a plot in Osomatsu-san, however, it's also that lack of plot that makes it so fun to watch. The main bulk of each episode comes from the characters reacting to their situation as hopeless NEETs and trying to find a way out of their social grave. Thatisn't to say there is no plot though, while most episodes are standalone and episodic, there is an overarching set of themes about maturing and finding your place in the world. Through each of their failures, it not only leads to humour but also a lesson about growing up. It's interesting to see the comedy blended in with these mature undertones, but I feel it works really well for the series and makes it feel more real, in a sense. Aside from that, the main draw here is comedy, and it is something that the series pulls off amazingly. From slapstick to poking fun at each other, each joke feels refreshing and I can't recall a time when this series has failed to put a smile on my face. ART: Just by taking a look at Osomatsu-san will tell you that it isn't your generic anime series based on the artstyle alone, however, it gives it so much more personality and charm than if it were to be rendered in a more traditional style. While in earlier episodes ('Let's Become Independent' is a good example of this) the way the characters are drawn tend to be a little off compared to later in the series, it's nothing too distracting and anyone can imagine the switch from a 'normal' anime artstyle to a more unique one such as Ososan's would put anyone off. As quirky as it is, the show is animated beautifully, with slapstick moments completely conveying the chaotic atmosphere whereas in more heartfelt episodes the fluid animations and tranquil settings work hand in hand to create emotional hardhitters just from the animation alone. SOUND: One thing that I don't see talked about much around the community is how great the soundtrack really is. It's incredibly underrated, which should be a crime judging by how good it is. Each track is distinctive and really blends into the atmosphere of each episode, intensifying or just overall adding to the mood. There's pretty much any genre you can imagine - electronic, classical, loads of songs with trumpets to give us a slice of Hoenn, etc. There's really something for everyone here and I'd highly recommend checking out the soundtrack in your own time too. Also, the OPs/EDs are both extremely catchy and feel-good in the ED's case, OP1 (Hanamaru Pippi wa Yoiko Dake) is my favorite OP of all time. CHARACTER: The main draw aside from the comedy has to be the characters, namely the Sextuplets. Despite looking the same, their personalities are as different as night and day. Almost any website detailing the show notes them to be 'shitty NEETs' and while that is true, all six of them are beyond endearing in their small traits and overall characters. They all initially seem to come from a trope however this is quickly subverted, leaving us with a loveable group of misfits. Osomatsu is the eldest as well as the titular character, and has a love of gambling and pachinko, as well as having quite a mischievous and brash personality. He's often pushed to the side in favour of the more 'unique' brothers, but there's so much more to him than meets the eye, an example of this being how he relies on his brothers for his happiness and sense of identity, as seen in 'Letter'. Karamatsu is 'manly' and obsessed with being cool, but it's apparent that this is all an elaborate act and he's a real sweetheart underneath, or maybe he's only being nice for the sake of appearing nice? It's up to the viewer to decide how they view each character amongst all the speculation and it's something that I adore about this anime, nothing is black and white. Choromatsu is the 'straight man' of the group, although how well he plays that role is really up for debate, with him appearing more quick to anger than anything. It's understandable why he'd get so annoyed with his brothers though, and seeing him fanboy over idols is a whole new level of captivating. My personal favorite brother is the dark doll of despair, Ichimatsu, either renowned as being the softest brother or the creepiest. Jyushimatsu is, well... I'll leave that up to you. And finally, Todomatsu is everyone's favorite back-stabbing bitch-in-sheep's-clothing, laced with cuteness and charm. The way in which these characters interact with each other and the world around them is nothing but a joy to watch. One minute they could be working together and the next they'd have turned their backs and mid-argument. It's like having a group of vitriolic best friends try their best to survive in a world which seems to hate them, and the outcome is nothing short of hilarious. Even with the cast just sitting in an empty room, anything they say or do is sure to be memorable. This isn't even mentioning the side characters, while they don't get nearly as much time in the spotlight as the Sextuplets each one acts as a good foil to the Sextuplets, either motivating them or hindering them in their schemes to find their way into the real world. ENJOYMENT: I'm sure I made it clear enough but Osomatsu-san was a blast from start to finish and one I have revisted countless times. There was never a dull moment as each episode was filled to the brim with gags, laughs and even some really depressing scenes that it's hard to pull your eyes away for even a second. While some do stand above others, each episode is definitely worth watching and there isn't one I'd recommend anyone to skip. Any audience should be able to watch this show and have a great time with it. To conclude, Osomatsu-san is a criminally-underrated gem that has changed anime as a whole for me, with all of its charm and appeal coming together to create a series that Akatsuka would truly be proud of. Thank you Osomatsu-san! SCORE: 10/10

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