In our last Spring 2011 Anime Season review, I will review Hidan no Aria, a harem action comedy with a Rie Kugimiya loli tsundere and badass adorable girls with weapons (Image Source).
Short Synopsis
Kinji is a student who is attending Tokyo Butei High, a special high school that trains students to become a Butei, a private police that captures criminals for money. He has a special ability called “Hysteria Mode,” which activates when he gets aroused by girls. His ability gives him superhuman-like skills and abilities, which allows him to protect girls from harm and perform tasks successfully. Because of his general dislike for his ability, he tries to quit until Aria H. Kanzaki rescued him from the Butei Killer’s robots that were chasing him. This encounter has changed his future forever as he partners up with her to clear Aria’s mother’s name that has been falsely accused for the crimes done by the Butei Killer.
Overall Thoughts
Although Aria’s tsundere reactions can get a bit tedious at times, the characters had a good amount of appeal. Compared to some of the male leads like Ryoshi from Ookami-san, Kinji’s handsome appearance and his personality when he is in Hysteria Mode makes him badass. Because of his awesomeness, his harem is rather large, which consists of Aria, Riko, Shirayuki, Reki, and possibly more girls. His personality is consistent throughout the whole season except during the battle between Shirayuki and Jeanne.
In addition, I liked some of the girls since they have enjoyable personalities. This includes Riko who is a cute and naughty girl; Shirayuki, a yandere childhood friend Miko; and Jeanne, a pretty white-haired girl who cannot draw. Reki was also awesome, except she didn’t get much character development despite her awesome sniping skills and the ability to tame a wolf, which is such a shame. Out of the whole cast, Shirayuki is my favorite girl since her obsession to win Kinji and become a victorious childhood friend was simply hilarious.
On the other hand, Aria’s character had bothered me a bit since JC Staff essentially pigeonholed Rie Kugimiya as a loli-tsundere for the sole purpose of bringing the typical tsundere reaction. I felt that Aria should have been casted with a different voice actress so her character can stand out a bit more. Even I don’t have any particular dislike for Kugimiya, I feel that JC Staff is not thinking outside of the box, but would rather milk the cash cow and create a bad perception for the show with the fandom. Despite this, it was not a breaking point for the show since I still enjoyed Aria’s tsundere reactions towards Kinji.
While Hidan no Aria does not capture the same charm of previous loli-tsundere harem shows, it was a fun experience. The animation was good besides the action scenes and I loved the opening song. Even though its isn’t as good compared to Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, Hidan no Aria is still an entertaining mindless action and harem show that you might enjoy.
Overall Series Rating: 8.0/10, B-, Good
You’re actually making me think about this anime after dropping it. 😀
I don’t blame you… While the story is okay, the characters kind of bring most of the appeal for the show, which is why I can’t really drop it… Besides, I don’t really drop anime unless there is a legitimate reason to do so…
But still, Hidan no Aria can’t beat the other detective fighting show JC Staff has made, but I won’t mind watching a second season if there is one.
When I first heard about this series I was excited! I mean JC Staff fan here >.> I tend to always watch their anime not sure why guess I blame Index/railgun series. Anyway Aria is fun show a bit on the derp side of things because the story is so boring! For the most part it’s typical tsundere loli who gets embarrassed and then kicks, stabs or shoots the main for doing something he didn’t mean to do.
However I didn’t drop this and continued to watch! After reaching the end and by the way LOL Werewolf = vampire LOLOL Epic trolling there. I think Aria herself is a cute character but a tad annoying at times. Now Riko! She is by far the most entertaining character she is always prepared, and parachute dress? WUT?! Always fun.
I would give this show a 5/10 It wasn’t amazing! But was entertaining.
Yep, it was fun and definitely one of those fun anime that doesn’t require much thought… Sadly, JC Staff tends to botch up their adaptations and probably the Light Novel is still probably better knowing the fact that they didn’t go overboard with the tsun/yandere reactions with considerably less trolling.
Definitely not the best show of the season… but still enjoyable according to JC Staff standards.