We are getting close to the middle of summer and I find myself wanting to watch another show. So I decided to take another look at THE iDOLM@STER, a show that has nothing to do with robots, but a more faithful adaptation of a popular idol raising simulation game. (Image Source)
There has been a great deal of discussion about Eastern Asian Idols in the fandom since they are a big part of their culture just like celebrities. As a result, it has become a lucrative business since it primarily based on the person’s looks opposed to talent and a personality. This caused a great deal of criticism since most of the works from idol groups feels manufactured. This is due to many of the popular idol unit groups having the girls’ voices auto tuned by sound technicians while they act cute to reduce the need for talent. On the other hand, this anime shows a different side of the industry that is more challenging and less idealistic.
While I haven’t played the actual game, THE iDOLM@STER anime follows closely to the game, which shows a rather harsh reality of managing a studio while providing the needs for the girls. Since 765 Productions is a small studio, they have limited resources to work with and have to work together to have a successful performance. As shown in episode three, the girls had to work with old equipment and limited staff. In the end, they manage to give a fun experience to the audience while they enjoy themselves. Underneath it all, we get to see the friendship between the girls and the growing relationship with the producer that felt rather cheerful.
As for the girls involved with the studio, each one has a different trait and personality to make them unique. These ranges from clumsiness, shyness, sleep deprived, cool sister, etc. While these appeals the audience, it’s not necessarily the reason we could relate to them. As shown in the first episode, every girl decided to become an idol for their personal wellbeing such as improving their image and gain confidence while others do it for enjoyment or other reasons. For instance, Yukiho is a shy girl who has a fear for men 1 and dogs who desires to become more confident in herself. At the group’s first event, she was almost unable to perform since both of these fears were there until she got support from her friends and the producer. With this encouragement, she was able to overcome her fear and had a lot of fun performing for the crowd. In contrast, there is a share of comedy from the girls. Most notably from Iori, Yayoi and the twins as they try to outdo Azusa through their makeup, figure and outfits in their promotional shots. Instead, they ended up looking hilarious opposed to being grown up. Needless to say, while the girls are really cute, Azusa and Yayoi are my favorites so far.
For the first three episodes, the new adaptation of THE iDOLM@STER was a very pleasurable watch. It was interesting to see how everything operated behind the scenes while the girls perform. Furthermore, the production values were good with the character designs being familiar to past works A-1 Pictures have produced such as Working and Sora no Woto. The music of the show sounded good as I expected since the source material is heavily music orientated. From this, I feel confident that this production will be more successful time around and can’t wait for what events lies for the girls in the episodes ahead.
Some Notes
- This is not nearly as violent compared to Inami (Working!) and Yuuno who also had a fear of men. She just runs away or dig herself in fear. ↩
A lot of people have been really hard on this series, but I’m actually enjoying it like you are. It’s not a groundbreaking show and it’s relatively cliche, but the music is always outstanding (especially in episode 4) and it’s pretty entertaining/humorous. My favorites so far and Chihaya, Takane, and Haruka.
Episode 4 gets a little crazy, and not in the good way in my opinion, but Chihaya’s music saves it all. XD
Yeah, things kind of went pretty crazy in the third episode, but still humorous to a certain point. While I agree that the show is not groundbreaking, I still think it’s a fun watch, especially for the girls and perhaps the music.
I’ve actually really started liking this. It’s got a ton of stupidity in it (that stupid hamster -_-), but it makes good on the business aspects pretty well. For my thoughts, check out my post on it, since it affected me enough to write something real quick.
Yeah, that hamster thing is kind of eh, but some of it is pretty humorous to me, especially the makeup thing.
Also, I did take a look at the post and it has good points, but wasn’t able to share my thoughts on it since I have been away from the internets a lot lately. I’ll get to it sooner than later (and I’ll be back home by the end of this week).
At first I heard this was coming out I wasn’t planning on watching it at all! Well the only Idolmaster series I ever saw involved mecha, it basically has all the girls in this as pilots it wasn’t anything amazing or nearly as animated as this.
I really like this series it has done a great job following all the girls giving a few of them something special, like the girl who hates men and dogs! She was annoying at first now I don’t mind her. I know most have avoided this thinking it’s to much K-ON like, however all the girls have their own personal goals and don’t sit around eating cake every damn episode lolll
Haruka and the twins <3 my favorites so far xD
I did not watch the first adaption, but I heard it was pretty bad.
Anyway, I think this is enjoyable because of the fact that the girls have their goals and challenges while having fun… and seemingly more productive. Then again,765 Productions is in a different league compared to Afterschool Tea Time since they are professionals. This is why they fool around less and make more music and perform at events on tv spots. I can’t recall one time that happening in K-ON except the live house performance.
it’s not like I mind watching girls eating cake, but either way… I enjoy both series as they are… for the cute girls. :p