Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru

Also known as “Oreshura”, light novel series “俺の彼女と幼なじみが修羅場すぎる“ written by Yuuji Yuuji already spawned a manga adaptation and now gets the anime treatment.

The story revolves around the studious Eita who has sworn off all distractions of love but suddenly finds himself forced to fake a relationship with school beauty Masazu while his childhood friend Chiwa vies for his affection.

Although the basic plot and characters seem the typical harem fare, “Oreshura” could very well become a more remarkable and refreshing harem comedy if Eita and Masazu are fleshed out properly.

Especially Masazu’s character is quite interesting, her flawless mask of the school beauty hides a deliciously devious and manipulative girl underneath, who may have a nice background story to match. Unsure though whether Eita’s character will really break the mould.

Animation by A-1 Pictures is excellent, with a filter applied on most scenes making everything look softer which it makes the bright colours easier on the eyes.

What makes Masazu’s character even more striking and a joy to watch is Tamura Yukari’s excellent voice work, she also voiced Suzuha in “Steins;Gate”, Rika in “Higurashi no Naku Koro ni” and Nanoha in “Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha”.
Akasaki Chinatsu voices Chiwa, she also voiced Maki in “Mouretsu Pirates” and Yasuna in “Kill Me Baby!”

Although Himeka and Ai have yet to appear in the anime, Himeka will be voiced by Kanemoto Hisako who tackled roles like Ika-musume in “Shinryaku! Ika Musume”, Yui in “Kokoro Connect”, Grunhilde in “Mouretsu Pirates” and Kanata in “So-Ra-No-Wo-To”.

Kayano Ai will voice Ai, she previously voiced Muginami in “Rinne no Lagrange”, Mashiro in “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo”, Inori in “Guilty Crown” and Kaori in “Ano Natsu de Matteru”.

The first two episodes were entertaining and suggest this series could be rather good, but it is still a harem show so will it really be able to excel and offer something different?
Or will it eventually crumble into mediocrity like most other romantic harem comedies?

We’ll have to wait and see!